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