 |
|
Cleaning and Pretreatment Zone > Articles > Precision Cleaning
Cleaning and Pretreatment Zone articles from Process Cleaning are selected and categorized by application for quick reference:
PVD + UV Paint = New Business 08/01/09
“What we’re good at is taking multiple technologies and combining them to maximize capacity and efficiency.” So says Michael Kreps, president and co-owner of Deco Plas Inc. (Montpelier, OH), summing up his company’s operating philosophy. Deco Plas has recently used that ability to combine technologies to develop a process that Kreps believes has big potential to replace chromium electroplating on plastic components for automotive and other applications. “We looked at the kinds of markets we wanted to reach and found some Tier 1 automotive suppliers that supply very high volumes of chrome-plated plastic parts,” Kreps explains. “We then set out to find the most cost-effective and consistent way to apply these coatings.” A robotic line was the obvious choice for the part volumes Kreps was anticipating. In keeping with Deco Plas’s philosophy of combining technologies to maximize efficiency, the company combined robotic paint application with UV-curable coating materials from Red Spot Paint & Varnish Co. (Evansville, IN). “The coatings we’re using in conjunction with Nano-Chrome are approved for use in automotive, consumer electronics and consumer products applications,” Kreps explains. “So we researched what the best processes would be, then set out to build the best systems to apply the paint.”
Extreme Cleaning: Military components pose unique cleaning, stripping challenges 06/01/09
Dealing with defense material during stripping or maintenance/repair operations presents a variety of issues when it comes to cleaning. The size and complexity of U.S. Army tanks and other rolling stock is daunting. Overhaul of powertrain and suspension components requires removal of carbon, greases, oils, paints and other contaminants. At the same time, reclaiming, rebuilding and remanufacturing such items has multiple benefits. Reclaiming and rebuilding are decidedly green activities, whether you’re talking about their positive environmental impact, the color of money, or a green light as in “ready to go.” It’s now more important than ever to the Department of Defense to manage the assets that used components represent. Leveraging the initial investment made in these high-technology devices helps to assure that combat needs are being met as economically as possible.
Going Low-Temp 05/01/09
What to consider when choosing ambient-temperature metal pretreatments.
Combine Technologies for Six Sigma Results 04/01/09
Achieving Six Sigma consistency with respect to high production parts cleaning is a difficult task, but combining spray and ultrasonic technologies can provide the desired results.
12 Ways to Reduce Water Consumption 03/01/09
A good cleaning process can minimize costs and add value to your product. With a bit of observation and planning, a well-designed industrial or critical cleaning process can reduce water consumption as well.
Dirty Decisions: How Soil Type Impacts Cleaner Selection 03/01/09
When I’m asked for a cleaner recommendation, the first piece of information I want to have is the soil to be removed. This knowledge enables me to identify a general chemistry classification. But the recommendation of a specific cleaner depends on additional criteria, including degree of cleanliness needed, substrates involved, part geometry, and method of application/cleaning equipment.
Out of this World Finish: Hard anodized component is key to search for life on Mars 09/01/08
A critical piece of equipment deployed by the Phoenix Mars lander in its search for water on the Red Planet is the Icy Soil Acquisition Device (ISAD). The device is both a soil scoop and a precision ice-sampling tool integrated on the end of an 8-ft robotic arm, and it features three tools for obtaining soil samples integrated into a hard-anodized aluminum scoop.
Evolution in the Skies: How Aircraft Painting is Changing for the Better 03/01/08
Environmental, customer, and productivity drivers are all resulting in development of new topcoat formulations and other technologies for aircraft finishing. Here's a look at some of the resulting improvements.
How Clean is Clean? 03/01/08
How clean is clean enough? This is a perennial question and one that is being readdressed with renewed urgency given cost, performance and supply chain issues. Knowing the best answer for your parts is critical to quality and to the survival of your business.
Improved In-Process Cleaning 02/01/08
A new solvent-based cleaning system is said to allow rapid and thorough in-line cleaning of geometrically complex workpieces using non-halogenated hydrocarbon solvents and multiple process modules that can be loaded in delayed phases via a specially designed handling system.
Rethink Your Cleaning Process 01/01/08
Aqueous cleaning normally delivers quality results, but aqueous systems tend to be large and complex. Vapor degreasers are usually smaller and simpler, and that simplicity enables them to deliver a more consistent and headache-free cleaning process than many aqueous systems. In fact, a properly designed and maintained vapor degreaser can be more budget-friendly, parts-friendly and planet-friendly than an aqueous cleaning system of comparable capacity.
Four Steps to Cleaner Processes 07/01/07
Oil separation is somewhat of a contradiction, according to Aqueous Recovery Resources (ARR; Bedford Hills, NY). For starters, it's not about oil. It's about saving water and extending the life of other process fluids such as machine coolants and cleaning solutions. Suparator thin-film separation technology starts separating oil at very low concentrations and maintains oil concentration lower than other oil separators or skimmers.
Closed-Loop Cleaning 03/01/07
A patented cleaning process combines non-chlorinated solvents under vacuum at high temperature, ultrasonics, and microfiltration of particles down to 50 µm in size.
Still Valuable 03/01/07
Vapor degreasing remains the cleaning process of choice in some applications.
Ultrasonic Cleaning Saves Time, Money 03/01/07
Switching from hand cleaning to ultrasonic saved time and money for one manufacturer of custom tubing for aerospace applications.
Common-Sense Critical Cleaning 01/01/07
Tips to optimize your cleaning process
Fine Tune Cleaning and Rinsing with Ultrasonic Retrofits 07/01/05
The same characteristics of ultrasonics that make them an important component on a new cleaning or pretreatment line also make them a valuable retrofit on an existing process line…
Ultrasonic Cleaning SOUNDS Quality Message at ATFAB 07/06/04
For precision services provider ATFAB, ultrasonic cleaning is the key to customer satisfaction...
Precision Cleaning and Verification: A Practical Guide 09/01/03
Three main issues to consider when deciding on cleaning practices include manpower, equipment and processes and the environment...
High-Precision Aqueous Cleaning 03/15/01
Semi-aqueous centrifugal cleaning of printed circuit boards proves to be a good call for a telecommunications company...
A Big Picture Approach to Sustainability for Manufacturers 12/30/99
Sustainability is now a mainstream issue for all industries. Though perhaps most notable, greenhouse gas emission reduction should not be the only sustainability goal for manufacturers.
A Closer Look at Vapor Degreasing Technology 12/30/99
When used with environmentally friendly solvents or with no chemicals at all, vapor degreasing technology may increasingly become the cleaning process of choice to protect the environment.
A Deluxe Self-Performed Cleaning Audit 12/30/99
Unanticipated cleaning costs threaten pro fits by accumulating overhead. Proactive manufacturers should perform a self-imposed, internal audit of maintenance procedures. The goal is to troubleshoot problem areas before they show up on a cost sheet. Understanding the difference between “purchasing cost” and “lifetime cost” of cleaning technology is the key to a successful audit. The unforeseen costs beyond a cleaning regimen’s sticker price will be targeted for elimination. In many cases, the choice with the lowest price to purchase will not end up being the most economical to own and implement.
Added Value with Optimized Cleaning Processes: Improve Quality and Reduce Costs 12/30/99
Quality awareness for parts cleaning is frequently not well developed. However, requirements-oriented cleaning makes a significant contribution to increasing product quality and economy.
Cleaning Quality and Economy—Depending upon the Cleaning Agent 12/30/99
Parts cleaning is an essential part of the manufacturing process in nearly all modern industrial operations. Just how effective and economical this process step is depends to a great extent upon the cleaning agent used.
EPA Finally Approves n-Propyl Bromide— Selectively 12/30/99
EPA SNAP administrators finally proposed to approve use of n-Propyl Bromide, but it's perplexing that they allowed nPB in certain industries while proposing to disallow it in other equally responsible industries.
Effective Alternatives to Traditional Spray and Immersion Cleaning Processes 12/30/99
Many advanced assemblies require high-volume and cost-effective selective cleaning during various stages of assembly or rework operations. Due to component compatibility problems and drying challenges, partially assembled devices can't be immersed in or sprayed with aqueous cleaners or solvents. Advanced carbon dioxide composite sprays entrained in CDA(g) cleaning have shown to be an effective alternative to traditional spray and immersion cleaning processes.
Five Ways to Improve Your Business' Operations 12/30/99
Keep your business' operations free and clear of mishaps and messes through these five ways to improve your project management.
How to Develop a Safety Culture vs. A Safety Program 12/30/99
Safety should never be viewed as a business risk or cost. In fact, upon developing the best standards for your workplace, a safety culture should be a risk free and profitable venture.
Keeping Vapor Degreasing Safe 12/30/99
Vapor degreaser safety practices should always be of the highest importance due to the harmful affects its solvents can have on workers. Learn some simple procedures that your company can do in order to ensure worker safety by minimizing their exposure to solvents and increasing solvent awareness, while at the same time improving the efficiency of a vapor degreaser.
Kyzen Chemistry Improves Part Cleanliness and Eliminates Corrosion of Brass Screw Machine Parts 12/30/99
Large manufacturer needs to remove screw machine oils from a variety of brass screw machine parts, and provide three months of corrosion protection in open air warehousing after cleaning.
Lean Implementation Failure Reason 1: Forgetting the Customer 12/30/99
Lean manufacturing provides a variety of tools and principles that can be applied to a business to help achieve optimal cost, quality and delivery. The principles of lean manufacturing can truly help your business continue to play competitively by operating within a framework of continuous improvement. Do you know why this is important? Your competitors do.
Methyl Soyate: The Solution to Increased Safety and Performance 12/30/99
The odds of your solvents supplier using soy in their formulations are probably pretty slim. If they don't, it may be worth comparing the price and performance of their product to a similar product made from soy.
Precision Cleaning and Machining with Minimal Waste and Increased Profitability 12/30/99
In an era of intense global competition with unbalanced labor costs, managers must have the skills necessary to identify and eliminate various manufacturing waste in their operations to improve business profitability. Numerous educational resources are available to manufacturers that teach the methods for the identification and financial accounting of manufacturing waste. This article introduces manufacturing managers to Carbon Dioxide (CO2) technology as a tool for improving the performance of production cleaning, assembly processes and machining operations while eliminating operational and resource waste. CO2 technology prevents or eliminates waste at the source by modifying cleaning, assembly and machining processes using clean and green chemistry, unique tool and process implementations. CO2 technology is a clean and lean manufacturing tool that increases both productibility and profitability.
Re-Thinking Precision Cleaning of Tools Prior to Coating for Increased Throughput and Superior Adhesion 12/30/99
In the cutting tool world, an appropriately coated tool can allow increased feed of product and speed of cutting up to 50 percent, and can increase tool life up to 10 times. At HTL, the new Miraclean cleaning line has eliminated manual scrubbing labor and increased throughput.
Regulation Without Requirement— EPA Finally Issues SNAP Ruling On n-Propyl Bromide 12/30/99
This article reviews the history of preliminary SNAP decisions about n-PB, the EPA's reasoning for doing so, what's surprising about this ruling and what it means to those doing cleaning work.
Safety Program Cost Reduction Documentation: What to Ask For and Why 12/30/99
When safety directors, procurement specialists and production management work together to introduce and implement a new safety program, the best changes are made. Bridge the gap by developing an integrated relationship between safety, purchasing, manufact
The Efforts of the DoD Services and NASA Toward Green Cleaning Operations 12/30/99
The use of many organic solvents has become increasingly expensive because of environmental controls and reporting requirements needed to comply with more stringent regulation. The Department of Defense is researching an alternative solvent substitution.
Thermal Oxidation Systems: Abating VOCs and Other Pollutants 12/30/99
Regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) and other types of thermal oxidation systems have proven to be a highly effective and energy-efficient method of abating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants emitted by industrial plants. However, particulate matter in the emission stream can be a particularly vexing problem resulting in the fouling and plugging of media beds. Therefore, careful attention should be given to selecting the shape and material of the heat exchange media to mitigate potential problems with particulate matter and to ensure reliable, economical and safe operation of thermal oxidation systems.
nPB Offers an Effective, Safe Alternative to Chlorinebased Solvents 12/30/99
nPB is an effective, fast-drying and environment-friendly solvent that has been safely used in many industries for more than 10 years. So why hasn't it received final SNAP approval from the EPA?
A Common Sense Approach to Separations and Filtration When Oil and Solids Are Present 12/30/99
Learn easy yet effective ways that you can improve the filtration systems in your company to save you time, money and effort.
A3 Solvents to Clean Electronic Components 12/30/99
Elcoteq's switch to the Amsonic Egaclean 4100 proved to be the right move.
Cleaner Selection Simplified 12/30/99
Learn nine steps to maximize production value while optimizing and simplifying the cleaning system selection and implementation process.
Cleaning Parts in the Remanufacturing Process 12/30/99
When purchasing a new parts cleaning system, careful research and planning in the design of the system can save both money and hours of unpleasant labor.
Electronic Assembly—Inline Cleaning Cost Analysis 12/30/99
Learn how you can realistically predict how much the cost of cleaning will be for your company by not just focusing on how much a cleaning agent costs per gallon, but by looking at the dollar cost per square foot of board surface being cleaned.
Fabs Will Drive Future of Outsourced Parts Cleaning Marketplace 12/30/99
As fabs demand improved results and reduced costs, the industry will trend toward the consolidation of providers, allowing them to acquire the expertise and geographic coverage that fabs will require.
Get the Most Out of Going Ultrasonic 12/30/99
Ultrasonic baths can optimize parts cleaning, safety, quality and cost; a few tips can help you get the most out of your application.
Going Green: Cleaning and the Environment (Second of Two Parts) 12/30/99
Environmental issues are a rising concern. Know your options when it comes to industrial cleaning so that you continue "Going Green."
Industrial Parts Cleaning Becoming Increasingly Popular 12/30/99
Parts cleaning makes a significant contribution to the added value chain in the manufacture of components. Technical cleanness requirements for workpieces have increased sharply in the last few years and there is no end in sight.
Laser Cleaning Today 12/30/99
Coatings can be removed safely and effectively from a variety of substrates with laser cleaning technology.
Medical Instrument Manufacturer Eliminates Difficult Coolant Line Plugging Problem with Simple Filtration Solution 12/30/99
Keller Products' filter with a high-flow washable element proved to be a simple and effective solution for a medical instrument manufacturer.
Non-Aqueous Cleaner for Aerospace 12/30/99
In order to retain the capability of solvent cleaning, an approved alternative for MIL-PRF-680 was necessary to meet the new environmental regulations.
Perfecting the Parts Cleaning Process With Ultrasonic Upgrades 12/30/99
The key to successful implementation of ultrasonics on a production scale is testing to determine the appropriate frequency of ultrasonics, the most effective chemistry and temperature and the optimum process steps to assure the cleanliness level required
Precision Manufacturing Thanks to Optimal Cleaning 12/30/99
Using hydrocarbon technology, Amsonic's fully automatic EGAclean equipment efficiently cleans parts and saves manpower for one company producing precision turned parts for the automotive industry.
Reliable Coating with Proper Cleaning— Cleaning Process Benefits for EADS 12/30/99
By performing key evaluation trials at ZESTRON's Technical Center, Defense Electronics was able to access a wide variety of different cleaning systems including unparalleled technical support accredited chemical engineers. Since the day of installation, t
Sub Micron Cleaning of Microelectronics Devices via Vacuum Cavitational Cleaning Process 12/30/99
An alternative, non-damaging cleaning and drying method for microelectronic devices achieves previously unobtainable sub-micron cleaning and drying performance.
Sustainable SafetySM— Innovation Beyond Nuts and Bolts 12/30/99
Incorporated into the movement to design and rehab as green and sustainable, Sustainable SafetySM will invent a future which protects people and their environments.
The Plastic Particle and the Slicing Blade 12/30/99
How a 30 micron plastic deionizer bead caused a potential catastrophe at a respected slicing/dicing blade manufacturer in Japan.
Uniform Cleaning Results Meet the Highest Demands 12/30/99
With Elma ultrasonic equipment from Tovatech, A.M.I.'s cleaning process meets the critical requirements for component and product quality and cleanliness.
Vapor Degreasing: Past, Present and Future 12/30/99
The best available technology used in modern degreasers evolved from many areas of manufacturing requirements that look for high-volume production in an environmentally stable work place.
Process Cleaning
Suppliers | Products | Articles | Subscribe | Advertise | Contact Us | PF Online Home
Process Cleaning Magazine.
®2009 Gardner Publications, Inc