Key considerations when choosing the best industrial parts washer.
1. Understanding Your Cleaning Requirements.
Before selecting an industrial parts washer, determine the specific cleaning requirements of your business. Consider the size and type of parts you need to clean, the level of contamination, and the desired cleanliness standards.
2. Evaluate Cleaning Methods
Different industrial parts washers employ various cleaning methods, such as spray, immersion, or ultrasonic cleaning. Evaluate which method aligns best with your cleaning needs and the nature of your parts.
- Spray Cleaning: This method involves spraying high-pressure water or cleaning solution onto the parts to remove contaminants. Spray cleaning is effective for large volumes of parts and offers good coverage, but it may not be suitable for intricate or delicate components.
- Immersion Cleaning: Immersion cleaning entails submerging the parts in a cleaning solution or solvent to dissolve and remove contaminants. This method is ideal for complex parts with hard-to-reach surfaces, but it may require longer cleaning cycles.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves to create cavitation bubbles that agitate the cleaning solution and dislodge contaminants. This method is excellent for precision cleaning of intricate parts, but it may not be as efficient for large, heavy parts.
- Aqueous vs. Solvent Cleaning: Consider whether to use an aqueous-based cleaning solution (water-based) or a solvent-based one. Aqueous solutions are environmentally friendly but may require a longer drying time, while solvent-based solutions are effective on tough contaminants but may have higher environmental and safety concerns.
Our Service Selector will help you establish the best type of machine so you have an idea before contacting us, but our expert team and bespoke options means you don’t need to worry, as we will help you find exactly what you need.
3. Capacity and Throughput
Choose an industrial parts washer that matches your production demands. Consider the washer’s capacity and throughput to ensure it can handle the volume of parts you need to clean within a given timeframe.
- Batch vs. Continuous Cleaning: Determine whether your cleaning process requires batch cleaning, where parts are loaded and cleaned in batches, or continuous cleaning, where parts move through the washer on a conveyor. Batch cleaning may be suitable for smaller production volumes, while continuous cleaning is more efficient for high-volume manufacturing.
- Load Capacity: Consider the maximum load capacity of the parts washer, both in terms of weight and volume. Ensure the washer can accommodate your largest parts without compromising cleaning performance.
- Cleaning Time: Assess the cleaning time required per batch or per part. A balance between thorough cleaning and efficient throughput is crucial to avoid bottlenecks in your production process.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for parts washers with energy-saving features, such as variable speed pumps and programmable controls, to optimise energy consumption during cleaning cycles.
- Accessibility and Ergonomics: Evaluate how easy it is to load and unload parts from the washer. Consider ergonomics to reduce operator fatigue and improve productivity.
- Future Growth: Anticipate your future production needs and consider whether the parts washer can accommodate increased volumes or if it can be easily upgraded.
4. Cleaning Chemicals & Environmental Impact
Assess the cleaning chemicals used by the parts washer and their impact on the environment. Opt for eco-friendly and biodegradable detergents if possible, while ensuring they are effective for your cleaning purposes. For over 25 years Metalwash have been offering powerful aqueous solutions to clean a diverse set of components.
5. Automation & Technology
Modern industrial parts washers often come with advanced automation features and technology. Consider the level of automation you need and the ease of use for your operators.
6. Quality & Durability
Investigate the build quality and durability of the parts washer. Look for reputable brands and read customer reviews to ensure the equipment’s reliability and longevity.
We will happily put you in touch with clients that can vouch for the reliability of our services. We are proud of the reasons our customers choose us.
7. Safety Features
Safety is crucial in an industrial setting. Check for safety features like emergency stop buttons, vapour management systems, and automatic shut-offs to protect your employees and equipment.
8. Support & Training
Choose a supplier that provides comprehensive support and training for your team. Proper training will ensure efficient operation and maintenance of the parts washer.
9. Budget & Total Cost of Ownership
Determine your budget for the parts washer, but also consider the total cost of ownership, including maintenance, operating expenses, and potential downtime. We help you make it economically viable by providing you with a Parts Washing Service rather than you needing to purchase the machine. This leads nicely into our final point, ensuring you have the right agreement for you.
10. Service Contract & Maintenance
Assessing Service Contract Options
When choosing a service contract, consider factors like frequency of maintenance/service visits, response time for repairs, and availability of spare parts. Review the terms and conditions of each contract carefully.
Tailored Contracts for Your Needs
Look for suppliers that offer customisable service contracts to suit your specific requirements. A one-size-fits-all approach may not be suitable for all businesses.
We don’t look to maximise the number of times we visit your premises, in fact our machines are designed to ensure that we limit the impact a service can have on your business. We actively aim to keep the frequency down and pride ourselves on this honesty.
Let Us Audit Your Business
We offer a no obligation audit of your business to help you determine what machine and service agreement is right for you – please contact us so we can be of assistance.
