Effective fulfilment of changed demands in part cleaning

Die Ausstattung der nasschemischen Reinigungsanlage mit einer Niederdruck-Plasmareinigung ermöglicht höchste filmische Sauberkeit zu erzielen. (Bildquelle: Ecoclean GmbH) / By adding low-pressure plasma cleaning to a wet chemical cleaning system, film-type contamination can be minimized for unsurpassed cleanliness. (Image source: Ecoclean GmbH)

Apart from the particulate cleanliness of industrial components, the removal of film-type contaminants is moving ever more sharply into the focus. The digitalization of cleaning systems also plays an increasingly important role. Addressing these altered requirements in part cleaning, Ecoclean will be presenting diverse new developments at this year's parts2clean (Hall 3, Stand B 31), including some live displays and forward-looking service solutions.

Manufacturing processes such as coating, adhesive bonding, sealing, painting, welding or even heat treatment call for very clean part surfaces. Even minimal residue of film-type contaminants – e.g., oils, greases, metalworking fluids, corrosion inhibitors, preservatives, mould parting agents – and other auxiliary production compounds have a quality-impairing effect.

For the ultra-fine degreasing treatment that commonly follows wet chemical cleaning with a solvent or aqueous medium, Ecoclean (formerly Dürr Ecoclean) has developed an innovative solution. It permits an additional low-pressure plasma cleaning step to be performed in the working chamber of the wet cleaning system. By means of this combination cleaning cycle, the free surface energy that is key to optimum adhesive strength can be raised from 60 to 80 mN/m in virtually one single process. At the upcoming parts2clean this breakthrough will be presented by way of example on an EcoCcore solvent-based cleaning system.

Another innovation at the cleaning equipment manufacturer's booth will be an automated compact application carrier for diverse uses in the partial cleaning and activation of metal and plastic workpieces. Depending on the objective, this lean platform can be fitted with plasma, EcoCsteam, laser, CO2snow jet or EcoCbooster technology for integration into a production line. It can thus be employed to perform various tasks – e.g., in the electromobility, supplier industry and medical equipment segments – efficiently using a partially dry process.

When it comes to fine and ultra-fine cleaning, e.g., in the optical industry, precision mechanics, medical equipment making and machine tool production, the ultrasonic cleaning systems made by UCM AG, a member company of the SBS Ecoclean Group, shine with diverse advantages at both the machine and process technology levels.

Over and beyond these highlights, an innovative cloud-based solution for the digitalization of cleaning systems will be exhibited. It is designed to deliver optimized process reliability, plant availability and overall equipment efficiency. This digitalization solution is also capable of generating an batch- or part-specific end-to-end documentation of equipment and process conditions of the kind required in the aircraft, medical equipment and automotive industries.  To the plant operator, it thus yields a range of value-adding benefits that include improved productivity and superior production planning.

Another prime subject at the Ecoclean booth will be forward-looking service solutions. On the “Service Island”, experienced after-sales support staff will provide information on aspects such as predictive maintenance, tailor-made service concepts, trainings for customer employees, and equipment modernization / adaptation.