CLEANING & FINISHING FEATURE


Cleaning regimesmeet standard for hydraulics components


Between 70-80 per cent of hydraulic system outages are due to increased contamination levels, so it is time for manufacturers of components in the sector to consider whether their existing cleaning regimes are delivering the right results for customers


E


xacting levels of cleanliness are vital in the sector because even the smallest


levels of contamination can have significant and costly long-term effects. Tewkesbury-based MecWash works closely with many companies in the sector providing aqueous cleaning systems. John Pattison, managing director at


MecWash, says: “While it is widely recognised that aqueous cleaning is far kinder to the environment and employee health than solvents, historically some manufacturers have been deterred from converting to aqueous by concerns about potential corrosion or the ability to clean fine components. However, advances in the technology of water-based washing systems and developments in the chemistry of wash solutions mean aqueous cleaning for hydraulics and pneumatics component manufacturers is now recognised as the preferred approach, as our work with these key companies servicing the sector shows.” One MecWash customer since 1997,


Concentric AB, a manufacturer of niche hydraulic systems, has five MecWash systems installed at its main Birmingham plant, including a Midi that was commissioned to clean pumps produced for a major automotive manufacturer. Mark McFall, Concentric manufacturing


engineering manager, comments: “Having trialled a number of cleaning methods, the MecWash Midi was the only one that exceeded the cleanliness levels demanded by our customer. “The Midi was commissioned to clean


pumps for one particular customer that sells its precision engineered systems to leading automotive manufacturers all over the world. We provide an extensive prototyping and testing period for each of our customers to ensure their pump works perfectly, and we use the same ethos when selecting our suppliers.”


HYDRAULIC CONTROLS CLEANING A second company to benefit from MecWash’s aqueous component cleaning is HUSCO International, a global player in hydraulic and electro-hydraulic controls,


which has now invested in 12 MecWash systems for use in the UK, USA and China. These include Midi aqueous wash


machines used to clean hydraulic control valves manufactured for off-highway applications, including agricultural machinery and materials handling to the exacting standards demanded by HUSCO’s customers around the world. HUSCO’s senior manufacturing engineer,


Eric Pollard, says: “Our customers trust us to deliver precision engineered parts manufactured to the very highest specifications. HUSCO’s global reputation is recognition of our unwavering commitment to quality and this applies to all aspects of our supply chain. “Solid particle contamination can


interfere with the lubrication process in hydraulic fluid systems – causing wear to the components, which can result in additional maintenance and repair costs, and a substantial decrease in the system’s service life. Worn components can lead to parts seizing, higher fluid temperatures, leaks and reduced control. “It is therefore vital that all of our parts


are free from contamination before they reach the assembly line. This is the main reason why we continue to invest in MecWash machines as they are renowned for achieving high cleanliness standards.” Pattison adds: “The Midi, and the latest


updated version, the MWX400 system, is the ideal choice for cleaning components used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems. It has been specifically designed to process complex and intricate machined parts that require very high standards of cleanliness and dryness. “The systems can handle large volumes


of delicate small spools or valves, or a heavyweight version can handle large blocks weighing 200-300kg. The systems can incorporate high flow washing, our unique dedicated jetting system that targets critical features with jets that rotate with the component and vacuum drying. All features can be programmed to optimise cleanliness and efficiency, and ensure consistency in the cleaning and drying processes.”


/ FACTORYEQUIPMENT FACTORY EQUIPMENT | SEPTEMBER 2017 19


VEHICLE SECTOR SAFETY FITTINGS IMI Precision (formerly known as IMI Norgren) is an established MecWash customer with a number of the company’s aqueous cleaning systems installed since 1997. As well as achieving unprecedented levels of cleanliness (beyond the capabilities of small individual washing units attached to some of the machine tools), it is helping to reduce the risk of mechanical handling damage while increasing operational cost efficiency and environmental protection. The company’s Fittings Division


produces mainly brass components that are destined for the commercial vehicle sector for safety critical braking and auxiliary applications, which calls for the highest levels of component cleanliness. Chris Jones, manufacturing engineer at


IMI Precision, explains: “Components are collected at the machining stations directly into the wash baskets submerged in machining oil, which provides protection for the parts as they exit down the chute into the basket. From each location, they are transported on special pallets to the central wash area and hand loaded onto a roller conveyor that feeds into the MecWash machine.” “From all points of view, the


The MecWash Midi aqueous wash machine is used to clean hydraulic control valves manufactured for off- highway applications by one of its customers


investment in the MecWash wash system has been highly successful. We are committed to improving our performance and quality standards on an on-going basis and this installation is clearly an important step in this direction.”


MecWash Systems Limited www.mecwash.co.uk


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