INDUSTRIAL CLEANING FEATURE
CLEAN UP WITH WET WIPES to extend life of tools
How can production managers extend the lifespan of tools in their factory by introducing easy cleaning techniques using powerful wipes? Edward Rabey, director of Uniwipe explains
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t is said that a man is only as good as his tools and this could be extended to say his clean tools. This is particularly true of engineering professionals who cannot compromise the outcome of their work because their tools are not up to standard. Good quality factory and engineering tools can be costly and when you take good care of them they will work in your favour. To do this, it’s essential to perform the proper maintenance to ensure their longevity. A key aspect of tool maintenance is
cleaning which is often overlooked. When tools begin to collect grime or start to rust long-term problems will develop. So how can engineers prevent the build up of grime and stubborn materials such as oil and grease?
SELECT CLEANING PRODUCTS WISELY With so many cleaning products available it can be very difficult to know whether you’re selecting the right ones. A key consideration to maximise your cleaning efficiencies is to ensure that the product you choose meets your requirements and makes your life easier. Traditionally, engineers and factory
workers will clean their tools and equipment with a cloth or rag and a liquid spray or chemical. However, the cloths will be used over and over again on different tools which spreads grime and muck instead of removing it. To prevent the dirt from spreading you
will need to clean and replace the cloths once they’ve reached their maximum use. This requires rinsing and laundering them which can be incredibly time
fibre fabrics that pick up and trap dirt. Consider the size and absorbency of the wipe as the bigger and wetter it is, the more you’ll be able to clean.
ADOPT SYSTEMATIC CLEANING TECHNIQUE Cleaning your tools may be the last thing you want to do after a long day but we recommend doing so after every use as ultimately, those few seconds it will take will cost you less then having to repair or replace them. Before you begin to use wet wipes or any cleaning product you need to educate all members of your team on how to use them to best effect. You can clean most hand tools by
consuming and prevent you from focusing on the task at hand. An alternative to this approach is to use
an impregnated wet wipe which is simply pulled out of its packaging, used to wipe and clean the tool then thrown away. This not only provides a more efficient clean but allows you to better utilise your time on your work rather than messing around with rags.
FIT FOR PURPOSE Like all cleaning products wet wipes aren’t effective unless they are fit for purpose so make sure you research and understand the benefits of its cleaning properties before purchasing. For engineering tool wipes, check that they are free from metal corrosive chemicals but can still remove stubborn materials such as oil, paint, grease and ink. It’s worth checking if they are safe to use on hands and if the wipe includes materials that act like low-lint micro-
An impregnated wet wipe is simply pulled out of its packaging, used to wipe and clean the tool then thrown away
simply wiping them down but if they’re really dirty it may require more ‘elbow grease’. Teach your team to clean methodically which will save on both products and time. By getting into a cleaning routine they will clean tools from top to bottom. Power tools can be slightly more
difficult to clean. Make sure the tool is unplugged, ensure it is free from dust particles and then wipe the surface of the tool. It’s best practice to lubricate any moving parts to ensure it is working to the best of its ability. In addition, you should identify grime
‘hotspots’ in your factory environment including toolboxes and storage places and give these areas a wipe down every so often. This will prevent the build up of dirt that can spread on to your tools.
Uniwipe T: 0333 241 9220
www.uniwipe.com
INTERNET OF CLEAN SERVICES OFFER NEW LEVELS OF INSIGHT AND CONTROL
The recent UK launch of its TASKI Intellibot robotic scrubber driers was accompanied by announcements from Diversey Care covering machine tracking innovations. These technologies enable remote management and diagnostic services that allow operators to oversee individual machines and fleets more efficiently and reduce significantly the overall cost of cleaning. All TASKI Intellibot machines are equipped with IntelliTrak. This management information and tracking system records all machine
operations and movements to provide a complete audit including operator ID, date of use, start time, machine location, cleaning time, performance issues, routes/areas cleaned. Information and reports can be accessed over the Internet of Clean using local WiFi or secure on-board SIM card. Authorised engineers can diagnose and deal with many issues as well as re-programme the machine with no need for an on-site service call. In this
way IntelliTrak augments the automated and hands-free cleaning capabilities of the robotic machines. TASKI IntelliTrail offers similar capabilities but can be installed on the
majority of the TASKI range including larger pedestrian-operated and all ride-on scrubber driers and compatible machines from other manufacturers. The system monitors a wide range of key performance indicators including geographical position, total operating hours, average working hours, under- and over-utilisation, number of accidents and battery charge levels. This information is monitored by on-board smart technology and GPS tracking and accessed in real-time over the Internet of Cleaning using web applications.
Sealed Air
www.sealedair.com FACTORY EQUIPMENT | NOVEMBER 2016 19
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