Enhanced automation equipment provides a more effective and efficient way to clean industrial parts while reducing costs and improving workplace safety. The cleaning methods range from baths with aggressive chemicals to Megasonic cleaning using high-frequency sound waves. For all these cleaning processes, automation can improve consistency and predictability. When the handling of sharp or heavy parts or the mixing of chemicals presents hazards for workers, automation can increase workplace safety. Using enhanced automation equipment can deliver these benefits by taking over the operation of the cleaning process and running it more efficiently.
Automation of the Cleaning Process Can Save You Money
Manual cleaning of parts and monitoring the cleaning process is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Workers must mix the chemicals and place the parts in the bath. If the parts are removed from the bath too soon, the remaining contamination has to be removed by hand. Human error can cause chemical spills or incorrect mixtures. Inconsistencies in the cleaning process can mean poor results that require additional part cleaning.
With enhanced automation, the cleaning process can be optimized. Chemical use is fixed and controlled at optimum values, and spills can be eliminated. Cleaning process times are set, and chemical waste is reduced. Operators can start the automated process and then do other more productive work. When they return, they can remove cleaned parts that are ready for further process steps. Automated precision parts cleaning can reduce costs with lower chemical use and lower workforce requirements.
Automated Cleaning Is Safe for Workers
When workers have to handle parts to be cleaned manually, they must follow safety procedures to minimize the possibility of injuries. Special safety equipment may also be required. Manual cleaning of sharp objects can result in injuries, and handling heavy parts is often difficult, especially when placing them in a chemical bath.
Automated precision parts cleaning systems eliminate many of these safety issues. Heavy parts can be placed in a basket, and the robotics take care of immersing the parts in the chemical bath. The automation system mixes the chemicals and times the cleaning process to ensure all parts are clean. The operators no longer have to handle the chemicals, and the need for manual cleaning is reduced.
Modutek’s Automated Process Stations Can Clean Industrial Parts and Equipment
Modutek has enhanced its automated process stations to clean industrial parts and equipment ranging from the smallest components to parts weighing up to 250 pounds. Typical parts weighing about 50 pounds made of metal or glass can fit into a 2-foot by 2-foot basket. Heavier parts can be placed on a cart and rolled up to the cleaning station. A robot loads the parts into the cleaning station bath, which goes through several automated cleaning and rinsing cycles. The stations can support baskets with parts weighing more than 250 pounds if required. The automated cleaning station design is aimed at cleaning industrial parts that are hard to handle manually.
The automated cleaning process can be observed on a touchscreen showing the major cleaning system components and their status. The touchscreen is also used for programming the cleaning cycles, setting the amounts of chemicals used, the process times, and the rinse cycles. Operators can run the cleaning process and then adapt settings to improve performance. The process is optimized to use the least amount of chemicals to achieve excellent cleaning results.
Modutek’s Expertise in Designing Automated Equipment
Modutek has extensive in-house experience and expertise in designing and building automated process systems. This means Modutek can evaluate customer cleaning processes and requirements and deliver the corresponding industrial parts cleaning equipment to meet their requirements. Modutek’s enhanced automation allows the cleaning stations to reduce chemical use, improve cleaning performance and provide a safer working environment. If you need automated industrial parts cleaning equipment, contact Modutek for a free consultation.
