Optimizing heat treat processes through state-of-the-art metal cleaning capabilities
Metal cleaning has the potential to make or break heat treat processes. However, many heat treat companies are struggling with common cleaning challenges, including residual contaminations leading to insufficient hardening/nitriding/brazing results; surface stains on the finished products; inconsistent cleaning process as well as high cleaning costs due to high consumption of cleaning agent.
This paper discusses the underlying causes behind these challenges and explains key factors fundamental to ensuring high-quality metal cleaning in terms of consistency, reliability and sustainability. Furthermore, it will introduce state-of-the-art cleaning capabilities that supersede the combined (2-step-) process of solvent and water in one machine, launched successfully more than a decade ago. Thanks to a combination of modern cleaning technology and innovative solvent development, a simple one-process step with two-solvent based media can now meet demanding cleaning requirements of both polar and non-polar contaminations at the same time. This results in lower cleaner consumption as well as less drying time and hence shorter cleaning cycles.
The theoretical principles** will be further illustrated through practical customer examples.