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Manufacturers: Parts Cleaning

Manufacturers: Parts Cleaning

Companies that need to clean parts in manufacturing may use a variety of chemical solvents such as TCE, methylene chloride, toluene, benzene, mineral spirits, methyl ethyl ketone, and hydrocarbons.  The Lab has the experience and know how to help metal finishing, solar, military and electronics sectors find safer substitutes or processes. We provide free on site technical assistance and testing for Massachusetts companies.

Parts cleaning generally refers to those processes involved with the preparation of surfaces and the cleaning of parts during and after the manufacturing of products in industries such as metal working and tooling. This type of cleaning may also address maintenance issues, including the upkeep of automotive parts and machinery. These processes are often referred to as gross cleaning applications.

In parts cleaning, the identity and the source of surface debris (for example, metal fines) or films (lubricating oils) are often known, and their presence is detectable by visual or tactile means. The gram-weight of a contaminant/soil on the part may be measurable.

All aspects of a company's personnel may be involved in the decisions affecting parts cleaning, for instance, purchasing agents, quality control staff, production managers, equipment operators, vendors and suppliers. Parts cleaning protocols are typically performed on the plant floor with specialized cleaning equipment and chemicals requiring proper ventilation and protective gear (i.e., eye goggles and gloves) for practitioners.

Precision cleaning generally refers to those processes involved with the preparation of surfaces and the cleaning of parts during and after the manufacture of products in industries such as the semi-conductor and medical sectors. This type of cleaning may also address maintenance issues, including the calibration of precision instruments and aerospace-related devices.

In precision cleaning, the identity and the source of surface debris (for example, dust) or films (fingerprints) may or may not be known. The presence of a contaminant is most often not detectable by visual means without magnification and its gram-weight on the part is almost never measurable. Sensitive analytical methods are needed to measure the soil on a case-by-case basis.

In addition to the personnel mentioned under parts cleaning, engineering professionals may play a larger role in the decisions affecting precision cleaning for product design or re-design. Like parts cleaning, precision cleaning uses cleaning chemicals and equipment such as ultrasonics, but may also require clean-rooms of varying classes, specialized supplies (wipes) and clean-room attire (gowns, masks, etc.) for practitioners.