| Buying a new production part washing | | | | next step in the process to determine |
| system can be an overwhelming | | | | which of these is appropriate. |
| experience. With all the options and | | | | The final appearance of the part is |
| decisions to make, it is easy to | | | | another result to consider. When |
| overlook important details and end up | | | | finished, should the part be free of |
| with an unsatisfactory machine. The key | | | | spotting? What type of rust inhibitor, |
| decision to be made before purchase is | | | | if any, should be applied? Is there a |
| what level of cleanliness will this | | | | specific temperature the part must be |
| equipment be expected to achieve. | | | | upon exit from the washer? |
| Before deciding on equipment, the | | | | Equipment selection will vary depending |
| customer should outline the | | | | on the composition of the part, the soil |
| specifications to be met. For example, | | | | to be removed and the production rate |
| what is the production rate demanded? | | | | necessary to maintain. Additionally, |
| How dry is dry and how clean is clean? | | | | blind holes, contours, and the size of |
| What are the guidelines regarding rust | | | | the part to be washed are determining |
| and spotting? How will the wastewater be | | | | factors in equipment selection. |
| disposed? These are all important | | | | The soil that is cleaned from the part |
| concerns that, if answered thoroughly, | | | | will help determine elements of the |
| will help the manufacturer select the | | | | machine design along with playing a role |
| perfect washer. | | | | in selection of cleaning chemistry. Soil |
| Buying an aqueous washer requires | | | | can be judged on numerous factors. For |
| significant research analysis and an | | | | example, particulates, metal chips, shop |
| extended timeline to prove out a | | | | dirt, grinding chips, coolant and |
| process, design a system to duplicate | | | | organic oils all require different |
| that proven process and build the | | | | methods of removal. This knowledge will |
| machine to that design. The results | | | | help determine how the cleaning fluid |
| needed to be attained determine the | | | | reacts in soil and how best to treat the |
| equipment to be purchased. Aqueous | | | | cleaning solution during production to |
| systems use water and mechanical action | | | | help garner consistent results. |
| (such as spray impingement, immersion | | | | With information about the cleaning |
| agitation, ultrasonic energy, | | | | specifications settled, it is possible |
| turbulation, or part motion) to clean | | | | to begin design of the cleaning process. |
| soil from the part. | | | | Alkaline cleaning chemistry is dependent |
| A successful aqueous cleaning process is | | | | upon the soil and the material from |
| based on 5 variables, which all | | | | which the part is made. Alkaline |
| contribute to the end goal of meeting | | | | cleaners generally can use a low |
| cleanliness objectives. These include | | | | concentration of 1-4%. Consultation with |
| the material being washed, the soil | | | | an experienced, qualified vendor is |
| being removed, the chemistry used to | | | | important when picking the cleaning |
| clean, the temperature of the solution | | | | chemistry. They will be able to guide |
| and the mechanical action needed to | | | | the customer through the selection |
| remove that soil. Each variable effects | | | | process and find a chemistry to fit |
| the end product and a change in one | | | | their unique needs. |
| variable effects the entire process. The | | | | The physical design of the washer is |
| key is to select a machine style that | | | | determined by the specifications, along |
| will be best able to utilize the | | | | with variables such as plant floor |
| information regarding these variables | | | | space, utility location, accessibility |
| Cleanliness specifications vary | | | | of service locations, and the |
| significantly, which means the customer | | | | ventilation requirements. Some plants |
| must know how clean he considers clean. | | | | use a central washer, others use a |
| There are various tests that can be used | | | | cellular method, and the decision |
| to measure cleanliness. Subjective tests | | | | between these two options will shape the |
| include the white glove wipe test, | | | | design of the washer. Washer designs |
| scotch tape test, and the UV light test. | | | | come in 7 main forms. These are cabinet |
| These methods rely on the subjective | | | | cleaners, immersion systems, ultrasonic |
| opinion of the individual performing the | | | | systems, conveyor systems, indexing |
| test and can vary from person to person | | | | units, rotary auger drums, and return to |
| so building a machine based on their | | | | operator systems. All have unique |
| results is strongly discouraged. | | | | advantages and disadvantages. A |
| Objective tests, conversely, which | | | | qualified vendor will help the customer |
| provide a quantifiable result include | | | | sort through the different options and |
| the Millipore test, particle measurement | | | | select a washer design appropriate for |
| and particle count are preferred. | | | | their space and needs. |
| Dryness is another area of concern. The | | | | A customer that can follow the steps of |
| main factor in determining dryness | | | | washer design and partner with a |
| specifications is the next manufacturing | | | | qualified vendor will be able to |
| process the part will travel to. There | | | | efficiently create a new washer. Through |
| are three types of dry and they include | | | | careful planning and research, the |
| bone dry, flash dry within a certain | | | | customer will end up with a process that |
| time frame, and simply free of water | | | | is able to clean their parts effectively |
| puddles with no dripping. Examine the | | | | and serve them for a long time. |