Aerospace parts are often exposed to harsh environments, extreme temperatures, and various contaminants during usage. Keeping these parts clean and in pristine condition is crucial for the performance and safety of aircraft – helping to remove unwanted substances such as dirt, oil, lubricants and more. But how is the whole cleaning process carried out? We explore three common cleaning procedures below.
Solvent Cleaning
Solvent cleaning is a widely used technique in aerospace maintenance to help remove contaminants such as grease, oil, dirt, and debris from aerospace components.
How Does it Work? – Solvent cleaning uses specialised cleaning agents to dissolve and remove contaminants. The solvent evaporates, leaving the parts clean and residue-free.
Benefits of Solvent Cleaning
Solvent cleaning is particularly effective for parts with intricate designs or components where water-based cleaning methods may not be suitable. You’ll usually experience faster drying times compared to aqueous methods, helping to minimise downtime.
High Pressure Water Jetting
The aerospace industry uses high pressure water jetting to clean a range of aerospace parts. High-pressure water jetting is particularly effective for removing stubborn substances like rust or paint.
How Does it Work? – Pressurised water is expelled through a nozzle, creating a focused and powerful stream – used for blasting away contaminants.
Benefits of High Pressure Water Jetting
High pressure water jetting is efficient and environmentally friendly, using water as the primary cleaning agent. It’s an incredibly effective cleaning method which tends to work well on larger parts such as turbine blades.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning is a highly efficient and gentle method employed in aerospace part maintenance.
How Does it Work? – Ultrasonic washers use high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles that agitate the cleaning solution. This agitation helps dislodge contaminants from the surface of aerospace parts, including small, intricately designed parts, as well as larger industrial components.
Benefits of Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning is a safe and effective method for aerospace parts. It delicately cleans components, removing all contaminants without the need for harsh chemicals that can cause damage.
It’s an automated cleaning process which is designed to help save you money and time. Simply place the part in the cleaner, choose the appropriate cleaning cycle, and let the machine do its job. Depending on the part’s size, ultrasonic cleaning can be finished in as little as ten minutes.
Clean Your Aerospace Parts with Unitech Washers
We offer a range of industrial cleaning systems for your cleaning needs. Our ultrasonic washers are a reliable choice for aviation parts manufacturers, guaranteeing high quality results for the most demanding of standards. For any more information, feel free to contact us on 01543 224608.