Our client, an original equipment manufacturing (OEM) supplier, operates in the defense and aerospace industry, dealing primarily with aluminum parts. These parts go through extensive in-process cleaning as they progress through the manufacturing process.
The client needed Brulin’s team of parts cleaning experts to design a cleaning process aimed at removing heavy oils, Zyglo penetrant, and waxes, which are typically applied during different stages of manufacturing.
The equipment utilized for the cleaning process is sourced from System Technologies. When the client reached out to us for help refining their cleaning process, our team was ready and able to deliver results above and beyond their expectations.
Cleaning aluminum parts in the aerospace and defense industry demands precision, given the critical role these parts play.
The removal of heavy oils, Zyglo penetrant, and waxes was necessary to ensure part performance and longevity. The cleaning process needed to keep pace with the fast-moving manufacturing process without compromising the quality of the cleaning.
Our team of parts cleaning advisors recommended AquaVantage® 3887 GD, a highly effective aqueous detergent, as the optimal cleaning solution. Known for its effectiveness in aerospace cleaning scenarios, AquaVantage® 3887 GD is particularly adept at handling challenging cleaning needs. A concentration of 5-10% was advised, providing the necessary cleaning power without being too harsh on the aluminum parts.
The process was designed to occur at a temperature of 140°F (60°C) and a time of 5 minutes for both the washing and rinsing phases. This specific time-temperature configuration was chosen to ensure the effective removal of the oils, penetrant, and waxes while maintaining part integrity.
The rinse water temperature was also kept at 140°F (60°C) with a rinse time of 5 minutes, allowing for a thorough and efficient rinsing process. To complete the process, a drying phase was included at 150°F (65.6°C) for 5 minutes, ensuring the parts were thoroughly dry and ready for the next stage in the manufacturing process.
Upon implementing the recommended cleaning process using AquaVantage® 3887 GD, there were some initial, critical observations.
It was noted and agreed upon that maintaining the pH of the cleaning solution was crucial to prevent the pitting of the aluminum parts. Also, for the removal of heavy oils, it was found necessary to increase the heat and concentration slightly. The enhanced heat and concentration facilitated the breaking down and removal of the heavy oils, ensuring a thorough cleaning.
The new cleaning process brought about a noticeable improvement in the cleaning efficiency of the aluminum parts, enhancing the overall manufacturing process’s flow and quality.
With the team’s newly designed cleaning process, the OEM supplier was able to optimize the cleaning of aluminum parts in their manufacturing process. The precise maintenance of pH, along with the increased heat and concentration for heavy oils, ensured a thorough cleaning process, leading to improved product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
Our team of trusted parts cleaning advisors remains dedicated to supporting any and every customer’s needs. Working with the Brulin team is a testament to continuously striving for excellence in cleaning processes and exceeding expectations.