Precision cleaning of industrial parts can be time-consuming and expensive. Manual brushing and scraping are labor-intensive and can result in injuries to the workers or damage to the parts. Handling heavy parts from manufacturing equipment is often difficult, especially when they have to be placed in a chemical bath. The chemicals themselves are expensive, and spills or errors in mixing can be dangerous.
When precision parts cleaning is automated in a system, chemical use is clearly defined, and waste is reduced. The automated system handles the parts, improving worker safety. Workers can carry out other tasks while the automated system carries out the cleaning. In this way, automation can save time, reduce precision cleaning costs, and improve cleaning performance.
Fully Automated Precision Cleaning Results in Consistent Cleaning Performance
The automated precision parts cleaning system is made up of the cleaning station, robotics, and automation. The cleaning station includes the cleaning tank, an enclosure, and the piping for the cleaning chemicals and solutions while the robotics handles the parts to be cleaned. The automation system runs the cleaning process and has an operator interface used to program the system and to observe the cleaning process.
Once the automation system is programmed for a cleaning application, the operator can place the parts to be cleaned in a basket. The robotics transfers the basket to the cleaning station and positions it for cleaning. The automation system goes through the programmed cleaning cycle, whether it involves di-water cleaning, megasonic cleaning, immersion, or other cleaning processes, adding chemicals and draining the baths as needed. Once the cleaning cycle is complete, the robotics removes the basket from the cleaning station and presents the clean parts to the operator.
Fully automated precision cleaning is especially valuable when the same or similar parts are cleaned repeatedly or when manufactured parts have to be cleaned before shipment. Sample parts can be cleaned and checked to see whether the cleaning performance is adequate. Once the automatic cleaning is satisfactory, the program can be run repeatedly to give consistent results. A series of parts are cleaned exactly the same way and present the same level of cleanliness.
Modutek’s Automated Precision Cleaning Systems Support Customer Requirements
Modutek offers a fully automated solution for precision industrial cleaning of small, mid-sized, and large parts, usually made of metal or glass that typically weigh up to 45 pounds. A 2 X 2-foot basket can hold one or more parts and has a payload of 100 pounds. Baskets with payloads of 150 pounds or more can also be supported. The basket takes the parts to be cleaned and places them in position inside the cleaning station. Once started, the cleaning process runs without operator intervention until the cleaning cycle is complete and the basket brings out the clean parts for operator pickup.
A touch screen can show the progress of the cleaning process and the operation of the station. The touch screen can also be used for configuring the automated cycles and for operating the cleaning station. Normally, once the cleaning cycle has been programmed, the station will run until the clean parts are ready to be taken away. Modutek’s precision cleaning systems are ideal for precise cleaning of industrial parts that are not easily manipulated for manual cleaning. The automation and the robotic part handling equipment reduce the possibility of operator error and worker injury. Modutek’s precision parts cleaning systems can be designed and built to meet your specific application requirements.
Modutek’s Expertise and Experience
Modutek is a leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer, that has in-house experience and expertise in designing equipment for wet processing and silicon wafer cleaning applications. The company can advise customers on the type of automated cleaning systems needed to meet manufacturing requirements. Contact Modutek for a free consultation to discuss the specific cleaning needed for your industrial parts.
