Technical Member Profile: Dürr Ecoclean

Dürr Ecoclean is the international leader in the design and manufacture of integrated systems for cleaning parts. The company introduced the world to the process that uses hydrocarbon technology, which is quickly becoming the preferred way to clean precision machined components.

"Non-halogenated hydrocarbons allow for safer, more economical, environment-friendly parts cleaning," explains Fred Thompson, sales manager at Dürr Ecoclean's North American office, located outside Detroit in Wixom, Michigan. The operation includes the test center, sales and the facilities for service and maintenance of its systems, which are currently manufactured in Filderstadt, Germany.

"Our hydrocarbon system uses a waterless process that washes parts in a fluid that can be compared to a very thin, light oil," he continues. "The cleaning and drying are done in a vacuum, so air is not present in cavities and blind tapped holes. The vacuum prevents air pockets, which are present in other processes. The hydrocarbon solution removes chips, oils, grease, swarf and other contaminants from parts made of a variety of materials, including steel, brass, copper, plastic, ceramic and glass, and all in the same fluid."

Dürr Ecoclean also designs and manufactures equipment for aqueous cleaning and solvent degreasing. The manufacturer holds a patent on a technology that contains the vapors that escape from machines during solvent degreasing. The company's sister divisions have expertise in material handling, controls and filtration, but it is the hydrocarbon technology that has put Dürr Ecoclean on the map.

"The non-halogenated fluid used in hydrocarbon parts cleaning is approved by the EPA, DEPs and DNRs in all states where we have installed machines," Mr. Thompson says. "Our systems meet the highest levels of cleaning quality, workplace protection and environmental compatibility throughout the world."

A PMPA technical member for two years, Dürr Ecoclean is actively involved in the association's meetings and technical conferences. "PMPA allows us to educate manufacturers on our hydrocarbon cleaning equipment, which is relatively new to the United States," Mr. Thompson says.

"We have taken one of our demonstration machines to the PMTS show and to some of the local PMPA chapter meetings. We invite members to bring some of their soiled machined parts, then test run those parts to show what our machines are capable of doing.

"Being a PMPA technical member exposes our company to a lot of different machined products," he continues. "By keeping us in tune to what's going on with Tier 1, 2 and 3 manufacturers, we're better able to plan our business."

Mr. Thompson pointed out just how important the PMPA's reports are to his business. "We use the PMPA reports here in the United States and also forward them to our company president, Mr. Joe Kaufmann, in Germany. He uses the trend data to plan future usages of our manufacturing facilities."