Cleaning Systems for All Applications

There is no specific method of cleaning that works for every part. The variety of metalworking fluids employed in today’s manufacturing precludes a single solution for removal. Manual, mechanical, robot supported and automatic techniques are commonly used in parts cleaning. Removing various undesirable materials from parts or components, parts cleaning equipment can be used for the processes of metal surface cleaning, component cleaning, and degreasing. The cleaning process is used as an important inspection step, as a way to prepare surfaces for further processes, and as a final finish.

Cleaning equipment suppliers offer a variety of lines of equipment to meet the requirements of manufacturers of all kinds of precision parts. One such supplier, Sugino Corp., has recently introduced the Zippel brand of industrial parts washing and deburring systems, which includes chamber, inline, rotary transfer, robotic washing, immersion, and spray-immersion cleaning systems. The company’s aqueous-based cleaning systems are designed to combine economy and ecology to deliver clean parts while minimizing both production costs and environmental impact.

To further reduce production times and part handling, Zippel can fully automate its solutions by integrating robotics, conveyors, pick and place systems, and more. Through customized filtration technology, the equipment delivers consistently clean parts while cutting waste disposal costs. In addition to saving on water and waste costs, the systems can reduce energy costs by recovering waste heat from the process flow. More information about this equipment can be found on Sugino’s website.

I also want to take this opportunity to remind readers of the parts cleaning section in PM’s February issue. Along with our regular column by Doris Schulz (this month discussing the importance of maintaining fluid quality during the cleaning process), this issue also features a review of ways to efficiently protect parts against rust through cleaning and corrosion protection with solvents. We also visit a cutting tool manufacturer that is using ultrasonic technology to streamline the cleaning process before batch coating. All of this information can be found both in print and in our February Digital Edition.