 |
|
The
ultrasonic cleaning action is able to infiltrate the smallest
crevices and hard-to-reach surfaces, penetrating areas normally
inaccessible to other cleaning methods.
|
Maintaining
efficient machine shop and parts finishing production is dependent
on many factors. Even when operating at near optimum levels, inefficient
parts washing systems and procedures can slow throughput. Such was
the case at Renco Encoders (Goleta, CA), which manufactures high-quality
rotary optical encoders for precise sensing of motion and speed
control.
Prior to installing
the Omega Pro parts washing system, Renco was using a hand-washing
procedure to pre-clean the components before bathing them in their
small capacity, ultrasonic tabletop unit. Renco's spokesman stated,
"We couldn't even apply heat, so more hand labor was required
to blow the parts dry with a pressurized air gun."
In addition
to the costly and time-consuming hand operations, the ultrasonic
tabletop unit could only hold a small quantity of parts. As a result,
each batch of newly minted parts had to be divided and washed in
several small batches with frequent solvent changes. The Renco company
pointed out that more than just being inefficient, the solvent was
costly to use, store and dispose, since it had to hire an outside
service to pick it up and take it away.
|
|
|
Electronically
cleaned encoder bases await inspection prior to any further
assembly or finishing operations.
|
"Good to the last drop."
"The
non-toxic, enzyme-based cleaning solution we now use is long lasting
and cost- effective. We also like the way it smells. Even in our
heavy-use application, OmegaZyme maintains its cleaning power for
about three months." The Renco company spokesperson added,
"After such a long period of use, the solution actually has
a second life. When we are ready to change the bath solution, we
crank up the heat in the tank and use the Omega Pro to do the scheduled
maintenance on our tooling equipment. We clean all the screens and
filters from the CNCs and other cutting machines. And finally, we
use the old solution to mop the floor and let it dry itself out.
Aside from changing the bath, the system has not required any maintenance
other than a wipe down at the end of the day. Basically it has been
a reliable workhorse for our company. We are very happy with it
being here."
|
|
|
At
Renco, non-toxic ultrasonic cleaning bubbles, and the cavitation
they create, seek out and remove grease and unwanted particles
from the encoder components.
|
Safety concerns
about the use of toxic solvents is rapidly becoming a significant
problem to companies like Renco. Many states, California among them,
are beginning to outlaw their use. Since Renco installed the new
ultrasonic cleaning system about a year and a half ago, parts are
getting cleaned a lot faster. Smiling with satisfaction, the Renco
spokesperson quickly pointed out, "That's why our cleaning
output has tripled. With the new system, the entire process is safer
and environmentally friendly."
