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PROBE MANUFACTURER CUTS SOLVENT COSTS BY 40%
Innovative solvent monitoring and auto top-up system
Manufacturer of metrology equipment Renishaw plc significantly lowered the cost of product finishing with the introduction of a Kerry ultrasonic cleaning machine. Designed to minimise solvent losses during the cleaning process, the Microsolve unit cut weekly expenditure on solvents by approximately 40%. The machine removes contaminants and swarf from the components of highly accurate measuring devices, which are used in precision manufacturing and quality control applications.
According to Production Engineer Damian Lai, one of the reasons for choosing the Microsolve unit was its low solvent consumption. Commenting on the savings achieved by the new system, he said: "With our old machine we were spending around £150 a week on solvents, but now it's only about £90."
The fully automated Microsolve M350/2C machine is fitted with the Kerry solvent monitoring and auto top-up system. Whenever the fluid in the machine drops below a certain level, the system automatically replenishes it and logs the volume of solvent delivered. Downloaded into a spreadsheet, this data allows the long-term economy of the system to be checked, and any unexpected increase in consumption to be quickly identified and remedied.
Based in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, Renishaw manufactures metrology components in a range of materials, including stainless steel and tungsten carbide probes tipped with a small, spherical "ruby ball". Damian Lai reported that, as well as cleaning the components more cost-effectively, the action of the Kerry machine has improved the strength of the adhesive bond holding the ruby balls in place.
The Microsolve M350/2C provides two-stage co-solvent cleaning using hydrocarbon and hydrofluoroether (HFE) solvents. In the first stage contaminants are dissolved by the hydrocarbon, which is agitated by ultrasonic transducers and by the boiling action of the HFE. The second stage, also ultrasonically assisted, consists of pure HFE to displace the residual hydrocarbon, and is followed by vapour rinsing and drying.
Free component trials
Whether your interest is in blast, wash or ultrasonic cleaning equipment, we offer FREE component trials, with no obligation to buy. To contact Guyson International, call on +44 (0)1756 799911, fax +44 (0)1756 790213, or email info@guyson.co.uk.
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