Precision Parts Cleaning

About

Although all manufacturing operations require cleaning as part of their process, it is important to understand the distinct difference between “cleaning” and “precision cleaning.”  For some industries, a surface that is visually clean may be sufficient while for others, even the most microscopic contaminants need to be removed to ensure the safety and quality of the equipment.   Precision cleaning is the process that is utilized to achieve these critical levels of cleanliness in a wide array of industries, including Space, Aviation, Military & Defense, Medical Device, Semiconductor, Laser and Automotive.

What is Precision Cleaning?

Precision cleaning removes contaminants such as particles, fibers, oils, and greases, resulting in a surface so clean it must be validated on a microscopic level.  Ineffective removal of these contaminants can be costly and have a significant impact on a company’s productivity, profitability and reputation. TMPI understands the importance of providing quality cleaning services. We recognize that each industry and every component have its own unique requirements. The proper cleaning solution will be based on a combination of factors including:

• The material composition and configuration of the hardware/components
• The level and composition of the contamination that is present
• The level of cleanliness that is required by the customer

As such, we test and certify all materials prior to the cleaning process.  Our cleaning methodologies are comprised of two core elements.

The first element involves cleaning the surface using specific precision cleaning techniques combined with an approved cleaner in a process that has been validated for the stated purpose.

The second element involves testing and verification that the surface is cleaned to the level of precision necessary for it to be safely used in its intended environment.  Our degreed scientists test the critical surfaces for residues using a process called Gravimetric Non-Volatile Residue Mass Determination (NVR) Testing. We also quantify and size any remaining particles that are found on the critical surfaces.

Precision Cleaning Techniques

Based on the above factors, one or more of the following techniques may be employed:

Aqueous Cleaning: This method allows parts to have a long dwell time in the cleaning solution.  Additives such as detergents and surfactants are added to water that has been treated by deionization or reverse osmosis.  This water-based cleaning method is very effective at removing different soils on parts that are compatible with water.  The result is in an environmentally friendly method for achieving the desired level of cleanliness.

Solvent Cleaning: Cleaning by immersion in solvents is particularly effective on parts with complex configurations and for certain soil compositions.  This method utilizes the chemical properties of the solvent to remove the contaminants from the part.  For some applications, solvent cleaning is used in conjunction with ultrasonic cleaning.

Ultrasonic Cleaning: This technique uses cavitation which is induced by high frequency sound waves to agitate the cleaning solution aiding in dislodging particles.  It is particularly effective for precision parts cleaning of complex parts with threads, rough surfaces and blind interior spots that are inaccessible by other cleaning methods.  Ultrasonic cleaning typically employs aqueous, semi-aqueous and solvent-based cleaning systems and detergents.  This combination removes contaminants at nearly a microscopic level, with higher sound frequencies generally able to remove finer particles.

High-Pressure Spray Cleaning: This procedure utilizes the kinetic energy of a water jet to “blast” the particles and soils from a surface.  It is most often used in conjunction with detergents or surfactants to chemically loosen or solubilize the soils in order for the water jet to more effectively remove the contaminants from the surface.  The ability to vary the water pressure, nozzle size and/or spray pattern allows this method to be easily customizable for different materials of construction and soil compositions.

Wipe Cleaning: This method uses special lint- and particle-free wipes or swabs, often wetted with solvents or deionized water, to hand clean delicate surfaces that cannot withstand more aggressive cleaning methods.

Flush Cleaning: Using a turbulent velocity, cleaning liquids are flooded through the interior of tubes, pipes, and other internal pathways to flush the contaminants out of the hardware or component as it rotates.  This method is particularly useful for precision cleaning of components of varying shape and size for which high-pressure sprays are not useful.

Vacuum Bakeout: This methodology uses vacuum baking to volatilize hydrocarbon contaminants and remove hydrocarbons that are entrapped in the pores of sensitive equipment.  It also reduces the outgassing rates to acceptable levels for aerospace instrumentation.