Our client, an OEM supplier to Boeing, holds itself to the highest standards of manufacturing excellence. Their commitment to delivering superior quality helicopter rotor leading edges and airframes made of Aluminum 7075 and 7055 demanded an equally exceptional cleaning process.
The aluminum parts undergo an in-process cleaning regimen as they progress through the manufacturing workflow. The primary objective was the removal of MetDraw and Houghto-Draw oil residues, ensuring the parts met the highest cleanliness standards before further processing.
Seeking improvements in both parts cleaning effectiveness and tank longevity, they turned to our team of trusted parts cleaning advisors for our expertise. Our recommended process adjustments resulted in significant time and cost savings while meeting their stringent requirements.
The client’s existing cleaning process employed AquaVantage® 815 GD at a concentration of 20% in a 1700-gallon immersion tank with eductors. The parts, composed of Aluminum 7075 and 7055, were subjected to a 30-minute wash cycle at a temperature of 140°F (60°C).
A single rinse was performed for 10 minutes at the same temperature, followed by air drying. However, this process presented challenges such as inadequate cleaning results, failed water break tests, and limited tank life, necessitating multiple cleaning iterations.
To address the client’s challenges and enhance their cleaning process, we recommended the following adjustments:
The implementation of our team’s recommended process adjustments yielded remarkable results. The parts were now thoroughly cleaned in just one-third of the original time, achieving the desired cleanliness standards and successfully passing the water break test.
Additionally, the tank life was extended by approximately three times, reducing the frequency of tank maintenance and improving overall operational efficiency.
Our comprehensive approach, addressing equipment adjustments, tank concentration, wash temperature, and cycle times, proved instrumental in winning the client’s satisfaction. By streamlining their cleaning process and optimizing its efficiency, we saved the client significant time and costs.
Our expertise in recommending process improvements, tailored to their specific needs, demonstrated our commitment to delivering innovative solutions and driving customer success. The resulting time and cost savings further reinforced our commitment to delivering exceptional solutions that meet stringent aerospace industry requirements.
Our partnership with the client continues, as we remain dedicated to supporting their ongoing success and delivering the highest standards of cleaning excellence.