Products Finishing magazine is the No. 1 industrial finishing publication in the world. We keep our readers informed about the latest news and trends in plating, painting, powder coating, anodizing, electrocoating, parts cleaning, and pretreatment.
Issue link: https://pf.epubxp.com/i/830013
Advanced Metal Parts Cleaning Systems • Universal Vacuum Degreasers • Vacuum Vapor Degreasers • Vacuum Distillation Systems • Contract Cleaning Services PERO Corporation p. 860.298.0317 f. 860.298.0319 sales@perocorp.com www.perocorp.com Innovation S1 PRODUCTS FINISHING — PFonline.com 31 lab test before delivery as proof that the machine will perform as promised." When it comes to maintaining existing cleaning equip- ment, CTG offers a two-day preventive maintenance service in which a technician visits the facility and runs tests to deter- mine how efficiently the system is operating. Again, many factors come into play, beginning with the type of machining process being performed, as well as how efficiently it is running. As the word "system" implies, increasing connec- tivity between once-separate systems shows how one that is operating can affect the other. If there are too many particulates found in the spent solvent, a pre-spray could be added so that the parts aren't carrying unnecessarily high amounts of debris into the cleaning system, clogging its filters. If an obstruction causes problems with the flow of the solution through the system, the machines are programmed to alarm out and shut down. They are also capable of running in "gray mode" when no parts are being loaded, essentially powering down to avoid excess energy costs. Just as robots have revolutionized many areas of manufacturing, recent years have seen automation intro- duced into parts cleaning systems in ways that have increased flexibility and productivity. Mills is quick to add, however, that there is a signifi- cant difference between aftermarket or "peripheral" systems that can be added to a machining cell after the point of purchase and the newer integrated systems that are wired into the cleaning system and moni- tored through its Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The PLC allows for seamless interaction between the robot and the cleaning machine while loading and unloading parts. In addition, the results can be fed into the company's facilities information system for both documentation and process review. Providing a streamlined footprint, a more efficient use of space on the shop floor and the ability to conduct lights- out machining, are other benefits to robotic loading and unloading. Mills says he has seen increased interest in efficient cleaning systems over the span of about five years and more automation being incorporated into machining/ cleaning cells in the past three years. "Ninety percent of our customers who request a quote have a cleaning specification they have to maintain, whether that be visual inspection, a white glove test or a complete lab test that determines the size and weight of particles left suspended in the solution," he says. "Parts cleaning is becoming more of a priority than ever before." For more information on the Cleaning Technologies Group, call 877-933-8278 or visit ctgclean.com. PARTS CLEANING