ICT - TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
How to Overcome Aluminum Parts Cleaning Challenges Joe McChesney KYZEN, Nashville, USA
joe_mcchesney@kyzen.com
W
hile necessary, metal parts
aluminum is the best cleaning option
production volumes of machined or cast
cleaning can be a complex
(Fig. 1). Typical soils that are removed
components. With the latest advances in
and time consuming part
from aluminum parts include:
flexible factory automation and advanced
of the manufacturing process when it
parts handling, these larger washers are
is not performed properly. When the
• Oils/Coolants
designed to seamlessly integrate with
results are less than desirable or when
• Aluminum Oxide
flexible manufacturing work cells. The
the parts do not meet the customer
• Aluminum Buffing/Lapping Compounds
washers are designed for continuous
specs, it can become an expensive
• Carbon
cleaning of parts contained on pallets and
problem.
• Aluminum Brightening
spray flushing of empty part pallets.
Along with regular metal cleaning issues,
Indexing parts washers are designed
aluminum parts cleaning has additional
When choosing a cleaning chemistry,
for the needs of part-specific cleaning
challenges to consider when choosing a
it must compliment the process, clean
applications. Conveyorized indexing
cleaning chemistry. From discoloration
effectively and not damage the part’s
washers are equipped with specialized
to parts damaged, this type of metal
surface (in some cases it must improve
part fixtures that carry parts in an exact
often reacts to certain chemistries
the surface). An effective process
orientation for precise part cleaning
that can be too aggressive to provide
embraces the right chemistry cleaning
and drying. Specialized part fixtures
the cleanliness required resulting in
with the equipment of choice considering
allow for consistent cleaning and drying
parts damaged and manufacturing
many factors such as pH level, post
of critical part features such as hidden
losses. Harsh chemistry can also be an
cleaning process to consider, corrosion
cavities, sensitive surfaces or blind holes.
environmental and personnel hazard
prevention needs, and more. The most
Chemistries used in this process also
and alternative solutions should be
popular types of cleaning equipment
should not foam or cause discoloration of
considered.
among manufacturers is:
the parts.
According to Engine Builder Magazine’s
• Spray-in-Air
most recent “Machine Shop Market
• Larger Drum, conveyorized or Indexing
Profile”, rebuilders spend more than 15
Parts Washers
Ultrasonic Cleaning requires special consideration to help remove tough
percent of their total production time
• Ultrasonic
soils. Components such as those
cleaning parts. So, how can the parts
• Spray Under Imersion
manufactured of highly polished
cleaning become a more efficient and
aluminum, can quickly be damaged
effective process thus avoiding costly
Aqueous spray in air cleaning processes
by ultrasonic cleaning action due to
problems?
are very effective for processing
cavitational erosion of the parts which
Today, more manufacturers are
aluminum parts. In most cases, a small,
is a condition where the ultrasonic
choosing aqueous parts cleaning
manually loaded work cell spray washer
scrubbing action actually erodes the
solutions to clean their Aluminum parts.
will suffice for screw machine parts. An
parts surfaces. This is an efficient
Aluminum is an especially sensitive
efficient chemistry that matches this
process for certain parts cleaning and
metal for both cleaning and protecting,
process will not foam during cleaning.
an experience technical team can help
so a cleaning product engineered for a
Larger drum, conveyorized or indexing
you evaluate the best option to fit your
broad range of applications specific to
parts washers are used for larger
needs.
150
N. 51 - MAY/JUNE 2018 - international PAINT&COATING magazine
