Knowledgebase
FAQs
Why choose an aqueous parts washer? How does the custom design process work? Can I return my aftermarket parts? Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about aqueous parts washers and how Jenfab Cleaning Solutions can help you.
General FAQs
In many cases, modern aqueous solutions, properly paired with heat and agitation, provide equal or even greater cleaning power than solvents. The key is selecting the right chemistry for your specific contaminants and material types.
It requires a holistic view. While upfront equipment and some solution costs might be higher, long-term the picture changes. Often aqueous washers benefit from longer solution life, lower disposal costs, and reduced regulatory expenses – these often create savings over time.
Aqueous parts washers handle a vast range of materials. From greasy machining components to delicate medical devices – as long as the solution is compatible with the base material, aqueous solutions are viable.
Generally, yes. They typically contain fewer VOCs and harsh chemicals, minimizing fumes, skin irritation risks, and creating a safer work environment when compared to many solvent-based alternatives.
Often, aqueous solutions present simpler waste disposal procedures than solvents. However, local regulations regarding discharge limits must always be consulted. Your chosen cleaning solution supplier can also be a valuable resource.
Absolutely! Spray nozzles designed for targeted cleaning, immersion washing, and especially in combination with ultrasonics, allow even complex parts to be effectively cleaned with aqueous solutions.
The fusible link is a safety device in industrial parts washers that automatically disables the heating element if temperatures exceed a preset limit, typically 165°F. Located in the coil circuit, it contains a metal alloy designed to melt at this threshold temperature, cutting power supply to prevent solvents from combusting. It provides an extra layer of protection against fires caused by unexpected washer malfunctions.
Yes, aqueous parts washers can contribute to environmental sustainability in several key ways, including water circulation, biodegradable cleaners, solvent-free formulas, and waste minimization.
Here’s some more information on how aqueous parts washers contribute to a green-friendly initiative.
Sustainability has become a cornerstone of modern industrial operations, with aqueous parts washers playing a pivotal role in this green revolution. Systems equipped with recirculating functions and eco-friendly filters demonstrate a commitment to minimizing water usage and chemical waste.
Furthermore, the introduction of biodegradable cleaning agents and solvent-free detergents underscores the industry’s shift towards environmentally responsible cleaning solutions. These advancements not only ensure a lower ecological footprint but also support regulatory compliance and foster a healthier workplace.
A parts washer tumbler is a specialized cleaning machine designed to agitate and clean small parts using a combination of solvent, media, and vibration. Unlike traditional parts washers that rely on immersion or spraying, tumblers utilize a tumbling action to remove dirt, grime, rust, and other contaminants from the surfaces of parts.
Here’s how Parts Washer Tumblers work:
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Loading: The parts to be cleaned are placed inside the tumbler basket along with a cleaning solvent and a specific type of media. The media can be of various shapes and sizes.
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Tumbling: The machine vibrates, causing the parts and media to tumble together. This friction between the parts, media, and the inner walls of the tumbler dislodges and removes contaminants from the parts’ surfaces.
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Cleaning and Rinsing: The cleaning time varies depending on the level of contamination and the chosen media. After cleaning, the parts are typically rinsed with water or solvent to remove any remaining media or cleaning solution.
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Drying: The cleaned parts can be air-dried or dried with compressed air.
Benefits of Using a Parts Washer Tumbler:
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Effective cleaning: Tumblers can effectively clean complex shapes, crevices, and hard-to-reach areas that might be difficult to access with other cleaning methods.
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Gentle cleaning: The tumbling action is gentler than harsh chemicals or scrubbing, making it suitable for delicate parts.
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Uniform cleaning: All parts are exposed to the cleaning media and solvent, ensuring consistent cleaning throughout.
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Versatility: Tumblers can clean various parts made from different materials, such as metal, plastic, and rubber.
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Efficiency: Tumblers can handle large batches of parts simultaneously, saving time and labor compared to manual cleaning.
Applications of parts washer tumblers:
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Automotive industry: Cleaning engine parts, transmission components, and other small automotive parts.
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Manufacturing: Cleaning machined parts, hardware, and other small metal components.
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Jewelry cleaning: Polishing and cleaning jewelry, gemstones, and other delicate items.
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Firearm cleaning: Cleaning gun parts, casings, and other firearm components.
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Restoration projects: Cleaning and restoring antique parts, tools, and hardware.
Choosing the Right Parts Washer Tumbler:
Several factors need to be considered when choosing a parts washer tumbler, including:
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Size and capacity: Select a tumbler with enough capacity to handle the volume of parts you typically clean.
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Type of media: Choose the appropriate media based on the material and size of the parts being cleaned.
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Cleaning power: Consider the level of cleaning required and choose a tumbler with sufficient power for your needs.
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Additional features: Some tumblers offer features like timers, variable speed controls, and automatic shut-off for added convenience.
By understanding the functionality, benefits, and applications of parts washer tumblers, you can determine if they are a suitable solution for your specific cleaning requirements.
A Bio-Circle parts washer is a unique and environmentally friendly cleaning system designed for removing dirt, grease, and grime from various parts and components. Unlike traditional parts washers that rely on harsh chemicals and solvents, Bio-Circle systems utilize a water-based cleaning solution and natural bioremediation process to achieve effective cleaning.
Here’s how Bio-Circle parts washers work:
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Cleaning Solution: The system uses a special water-based solution containing microorganisms and cleaning agents. These microorganisms naturally break down and consume grease, oil, and other contaminants in the solution.
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Parts Cleaning: Parts are submerged in the cleaning solution and either agitated through an immersion process or sprayed with the solution using a wand.
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Bioremediation: The microorganisms in the solution feed on the contaminants, breaking them down into harmless byproducts like carbon dioxide and water.
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Filtration: The cleaning solution is continuously circulated and filtered to remove debris and maintain its effectiveness.
Benefits of Bio-Circle Parts Washers:
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Safer and healthier: Eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals and solvents, reducing exposure risks for operators and improving indoor air quality.
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Environmentally friendly: Bio-based cleaning solution and bioremediation process minimize environmental impact compared to traditional methods.* List item
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Cost-effective: The water-based solution is reusable and requires less frequent replacement, leading to long-term cost savings.
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Effective cleaning: Effectively removes various contaminants from different materials like metal, plastic, and rubber.
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User-friendly: Easy to operate and maintain with minimal training required.
Applications of Bio-Circle Parts Washers:
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Automotive industry: Cleaning engine parts, transmission components, and other automotive parts.
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Manufacturing: Cleaning machined parts, tools, and other metal components.
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Food processing: Cleaning food processing equipment and utensils.
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Aviation and aerospace: Cleaning aircraft parts and components.
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Printing industry: Cleaning printing plates and machinery.
Things to Consider with Bio-Circle Parts Washers:
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Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to ensure the health and effectiveness of the microorganisms in the cleaning solution.
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Cleaning limitations: May not be suitable for heavily soiled parts requiring very aggressive cleaning.
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Cost: The initial investment in a Bio-Circle system might be higher than traditional parts washers.
Overall, Bio-Circle parts washers offer a safe, sustainable, and effective cleaning solution for various industries. They are particularly well-suited for applications where environmental responsibility and operator safety are important considerations.
An automated parts washer is a mechanized cleaning system designed to efficiently and thoroughly clean various parts and components with minimal manual intervention. Unlike traditional cleaning methods that involve manual scrubbing and soaking, automated parts washers offer a faster, more consistent, and safer cleaning process.
Here’s how automated parts washers work:
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Loading: Parts are placed in a basket or on a conveyor belt within the washer.
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Cleaning Cycle: The washer initiates a pre-programmed cleaning cycle, which may involve various stages:
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Pre-wash: A preliminary rinse to remove loose dirt and debris.
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Main wash: Parts are submerged or sprayed with a cleaning solution, often accompanied by agitation mechanisms like brushes, jets, or ultrasonic waves.
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Rinse: Multiple rinses with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution and contaminants.
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Drying: Parts are typically air-dried or dried with forced air depending on the system.
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Unloading: Once the cleaning cycle is complete, the parts are removed from the washer.
Benefits of Automated Parts Washers:
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Increased Efficiency: Automated cleaning cycles significantly reduce cleaning time and labor compared to manual methods.
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Improved Consistency: Ensures consistent and uniform cleaning across all parts, eliminating the variability associated with manual cleaning.
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Enhanced Safety: Minimizes operator exposure to harmful chemicals and solvents commonly used in manual cleaning.
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Versatility: Different models cater to various cleaning needs, from delicate components to high-volume processing of parts.
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Cost-Effectiveness: This can lead to long-term cost savings through reduced labor costs, lower solvent consumption, and improved cleaning efficiency.
Types of Automated Parts Washers:
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Immersion washers: Parts are submerged in a cleaning solution during the cleaning cycle.
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Spray washers: Parts are sprayed with the cleaning solution through nozzles or jets.
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Ultrasonic washers: Utilize high-frequency sound waves to create cavitation bubbles that effectively remove contaminants from even microscopic crevices.
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Conveyorized washers: Parts are continuously moved through various cleaning stages on a conveyor belt.
Choosing the Right Automated Parts Washer: Several factors need to be considered when selecting an automated parts washer, including:
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Cleaning requirements: Consider the types of parts you will be cleaning, the level of cleaning needed, and the materials involved.
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Throughput: Choose a washer with sufficient capacity to handle your cleaning volume.
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Features: Evaluate features like different cleaning stages, filtration systems, and automation options.
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Budget: Automated parts washers come in various price ranges depending on their features and capabilities.
By understanding the functionality, benefits, and different types of automated parts washers, you can determine if they are a suitable solution for your specific cleaning needs and can improve efficiency, safety, and consistency in your cleaning processes.
When recycling an old industrial parts washer, it’s key to: (1) identify recyclable materials like steel, some plastics, motors, and wiring to send to specialty facilities; (2) evaluate if it can be sold or donated if still operational versus potentially needing hazardous material disposal; and (3) check local regulations and manufacturer guidelines for proper dismantling and separation of components.
Let’s dive into some more detail on recycling an industrial parts washer.
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The materials used in the washer:
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Metal components: Steel and other metals in the washer body, frame, and basket can usually be recycled through scrap metal programs offered by waste management companies or local recycling facilities.
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Plastics: Depending on the type of plastic used, it might be recyclable in specific programs. Consult your local recycling guidelines or contact the parts washer manufacturer for information about the plastic types used.
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Electrical components: Motors, switches, and other electrical components often require specialized recycling due to the hazardous materials they may contain. Contact an electronics recycling facility for proper disposal options.
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The condition of the washer:
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Operational washers: If the washer is still functional, consider selling it used or donating it to an organization that could benefit from it.
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Non-functional washers: Depending on the extent of damage, some parts might be salvageable for repair or repurposing. However, severely damaged washers might need to be disposed of responsibly.
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Local regulations:
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Always check with your local regulations and waste management companies to understand the specific requirements for disposing of industrial equipment, including parts washers. They might have specific guidelines for handling different materials and components.
Here are some general recommendations for recycling an industrial parts washer:
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Contact the manufacturer: The manufacturer might offer guidance on dismantling and recycling the washer or have established partnerships with recycling companies.
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Consult with a waste management company: They can assess the specific components of your washer and advise on proper disposal or recycling options based on local regulations.
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Look for specialized recycling facilities: Depending on the materials used, some facilities might handle specific components like electronics or hazardous materials within the washer.
Remember: Responsible disposal and recycling are crucial for minimizing environmental impact and ensuring proper handling of potentially hazardous materials. By following these steps and seeking guidance from relevant authorities, you can ensure the responsible recycling of your industrial parts washer.
The aqueous parts washing world has its own verbiage. Let’s unpack some common terms so you can speak the language as you embark on your parts washer journey!
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Agitation: It’s all about shaking things up! In parts washing, agitation uses motion (bubbles, rotating parts, etc.) to break down stubborn grime and get cleaning solution into every crevice.
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Bioremediation: A bit of science magic! Bioremediating cleaners use microscopic organisms to break down oils and grease into more environmentally friendly byproducts.
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Detergent: Think of it as souped-up dish soap. Detergents, specifically formulated for industrial cleaning, cut through oils, grease, and contaminants and lift them off your parts.
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Filtration: Keeping your solution clean! Filters trap loose debris, oils, and solids, extending the life of your wash solution and keeping parts free from redeposited soils.
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Immersion: This means giving your part a bath! In immersion washers, parts are submerged in the cleaning solution, giving the chemicals time and exposure to remove contaminants.
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MSDS: This stands for Material Safety Data Sheet. It’s like the owner’s manual for any cleaning solution, detailing safe handling, emergency procedures, and ingredients. Always read the MSDS before using a new product.
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Oil Skimmer: An eco-friendly helper! Oil skimmers use belts or discs to continuously remove floating oils and grease from your wash solution, extending its lifespan and reducing disposal costs.
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Oil Skimmer: An eco-friendly helper! Oil skimmers use belts or discs to continuously remove floating oils and grease from your wash solution, extending its lifespan and reducing disposal costs.
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PPE: Personal Protective Equipment refers to your safety gear – gloves, goggles, aprons, etc. The MSDS tells you what PPE is recommended for the specific chemicals you’re using.
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Ultrasonic Cleaning: This is where things get high-tech! Ultrasonic cleaners use super-fast sound waves to create microscopic bubbles that scrub hard-to-reach areas traditional sprays can’t penetrate.
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Wastewater: After you wash those parts, what’s left behind? Wastewater needs to be properly treated and disposed of in compliance with local and often industry-specific regulations.
Bonus Word to Know:
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Aqueous: A fancy way of saying water-based! Aqueous parts washers harness the power of water, combined with specialized detergents, to achieve impressive cleaning results.
Pro Tip: Many washing equipment manufacturers and industrial cleaning suppliers have handy glossaries of their own to provide even more insights into parts cleaning terminology.
Buying Spare Parts
General Inquires
Aftermarket parts are replacement parts. The original equipment manufacturer has not made them. However, aftermarket parts are often more affordable and can perform better than OEM parts in many cases.
No. Aftermarket means parts have been produced by a manufacturer different from the original equipment manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are still reliable, well-made parts.
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. An OEM part means that the same company that made the end product made the replacement part.
Ordering & Shipping
Yes! You can order spare parts directly from our website. Browse Spare Parts.
Our spare parts are compatible with Jenfab parts washers and machines from other brands. Just make sure the specifications for the part match your equipment.
Please allow 1-3 days for us to process your order. Once we ship the order, the delivery date depends on the carrier. We are not responsible for shipping carrier delays.
You may return spare parts if they are defective or damaged when you receive them. We will send you a replacement. Please review our Shipping & Returns policy.
Please email [email protected] with your request. Note that customers must pay to ship the item(s) back to us for a return.
Choosing A Jenfab Parts Washer
About Aqueous Cleaning
How do you clean dirty metal parts? How do you clean oily metal parts? With an aqueous parts washer!
Aqueous parts washers clean just as effectively as solvent parts washers, if not better. The best way to clean parts is through aqueous cleaning, which eliminates the health and environmental hazards of using harsh solvent cleaners.
Aqueous cleaning solutions are typically nonflammable, less toxic and contain little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
An aqueous parts washer is a machine that cleans metal, glass or plastic components. Aqueous parts washers use a variety of cleaning techniques and water-based cleaning solutions to remove debris and residue from parts of all sizes.
Solvent cleaning involves using petroleum-based cleaners with mineral spirits, trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, benzene and xylene.
Petroleum solvents can be expensive and potentially dangerous to dispose of. They also pose workplace safety concerns when in operation. Petroleum solvents release toxic VOCs into the air and are highly flammable.
Yes, aqueous parts washers use water-based cleaning solutions—also known as chemistries.
Aqueous cleaning chemistries are mostly made of water. Depending on your application and goals, aqueous chemistries may contain various surfactants, builders, sequestering agents and inhibitors.
Aqueous parts washers harness the four factors of cleaning: time, temperature, agitation and chemistry. Heat and agitation aid the aqueous cleaning solution in removing soils. These factors can accelerate the cleaning process.
Cleaning solution flows through parts washers like this:
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Aqueous cleaning solution is housed in a tank.
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The solution is sprayed onto the parts.
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As the solution is sprayed, it is collected and filtered.
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Used solution is filtered and pumped back into the tank for reuse.
We combine a custom cleaning solution with other factors like time, temperature and mechanics to remove oil and grease from parts. Oil skimmers and coalescing systems can be added to any aqueous parts washer.
Selecting a Machine
There are many types of parts washers. They clean using high-pressure spray, immersion into solution, mechanical agitation or a combination of these techniques.
Jenfab Cleaning Solutions sells cabinet part washers, conveyor belt washers, rotary drum washers, heavy duty parts washers, vertical agitation washers, monorails and many more models. We also customize parts washers to your needs.
Yes! Share your constraints and cleanliness requirements with our team. We will guide you in your selection and recommend additional custom features if needed.
You should consider the size of the parts you need to clean, how many parts you need to clean and your specifications. Your budget, workflow and available floorspace also play into the type of machine that will work for you.
We develop parts washers that are easy to operate with minimal training. Our automatic parts washers include programmable logic controllers with touch screens and simple dials and buttons.
Startup costs for aqueous parts washers can be more expensive, but they pay for themselves over time. Customers save money on disposal costs and reduced labor.
Aqueous cleaning solutions typically last longer than solvent cleaners, reducing the materials customers must purchase on a regular basis.
Custom Parts Washer Design Process
Designing A Parts Washer
When designing a parts washer for you, we consider the following factors:
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Size of the parts
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Number of parts
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Geometry and profile of the parts
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Soils
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Cleanliness specifications
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Workflow
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Available facility space
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Customer budget
We can customize the size and capacity of your parts washer, along with its specific features, materials and electric paneling. Our team can design parts washers for standalone cleaning or in-line feeding.
Oil skimmers, chip baskets, filters, tank insulation, dryers, and gas and steam heat options are a few examples of what we can customize on your machine.
Our experienced engineers at Jenfab work with you to design your parts washer. Once it’s time to build it, our in-house fabrication team will produce the components.
Designing and building a custom parts washer could take six to eight months on average. The timeline for your parts washer will depend on what you require.
Many of our customers require precision cleaning, which means meeting stringent industry standards. We have experience designing precision parts washers that meet micron particle counts and non-volatile residue tests for medical devices, aerospace parts and more.
Ultrasonics help you achieve specialized cleaning. Ultrasonics are often used when precision cleaning is required or for parts with complex geometries, grooves and recesses. We can add ultrasonics to most custom parts washers.
Ultrasonics emit sound waves underwater. These sound waves affect water molecules, causing them to implode upon impact with parts. Each implosion sends a mini shockwave through the parts, which helps knock off soils.
Enclosed parts washers do wash, rinse and dry. Automatic parts washers can be designed for single-stage or multi-stage processes, depending on your needs.
Custom parts washers can wash, rinse, dry, apply inhibitors, passivate, and much more.
Generally, parts washers can hold 20 to 350 gallons or more of aqueous cleaning solution.
Custom aqueous parts washers can clean greasy motor parts effectively for new manufacturing and engine rebuilds. Review our automotive industry page to learn more about aqueous cleaning and car parts.
Jenfab’s team will help install your parts washer. We assist you with the initial setup at your facility. Our team will travel globally.
Custom Parts Washer Maintenance
Maintaining your parts washer will extend its life. We recommend that you regularly grease turntable bearings and zerk fittings, clean out nozzles and remove sludge buildup from the bottom of the tanks.
You can contact Jenfab for parts washer repairs and inspections. Our service technicians are happy to travel to your facility.
Yes. You can spray WD-40 where the aqueous cleaning solution is not touching. Check your chemistry safety sheet to see if your chemistry could be affected before trying.
Yes. Our service technicians can replace worn or damaged parts and perform preventative maintenance on your machine. We service Jenfab parts washers as well as those from other brands.
Our service team travels in the United States and Mexico. Request service support.
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