MAXIMUM CLEANLINESS: FAR MORE THAN A PARTS WASHING PROCESS

To secure a future-proof and competitive position in the market, numerous companies are restructuring their product ranges. The trend is towards sophisticated solutions for high-tech industries. This not only means higher demands on the precision of components, but also extremely strict specifications regarding particulate and film cleanliness, which must be achieved in a process-reliable, economical and sustainable manner. The trend demands a different approach to cleaning: a critical look at the entire production chain and manufacturing environment, and an experienced partner.

In the course of industrial transformation, more companies are focusing on the manufacture of high-quality products and components with good margins. The focus is on high-tech industries that promise stable demand through growth in the future. The extremely high demands on manufacturing precision in these sectors – such as e-mobility, optical, sensor technology, photonics, thin-film technology, vacuum, laser and aerospace – include the cleanliness of components. This factor applies regardless of whether the components are millimetre-small connecting elements, precision optics or metre-sized structural components, and regardless of the materials from which they are manufactured.

The trend poses challenging tasks for parts cleaning. Unlike conventional component cleaning, which usually involves removing large quantities of manufacturing residues such as chips and processing media, ultra-fine and high-purity cleaning is all about removing minimal residual contamination. The specifications for particulate cleanliness extend into the sub-micrometre range.

Depending on the industry, component and its application, film-like residual contamination, such as organic and inorganic residues, ionic residues and microorganism residues, must be removed in a process-reliable and reproducible manner down to nanometre levels. In high-purity applications, such as the manufacture of components for EUV lithography, so-called hydrogen-induced outgassing (HIO) substances must also be considered.

The requirements for particulate cleanliness to be met during cleaning are specified by the corresponding surface cleanliness class (ORK) according to EN ISO 14644-9 (SCP – surface cleanliness by particle concentration) or the corresponding VDI guideline 2083, sheet 9.1. Film-chemical, organic and inorganic surface cleanliness is usually defined by individual specifications or factory standards. In addition, outgassing rates may be evaluated using mass spectrometers.

These demanding tasks require a technology partner which not only has comprehensive technological expertise and knowledge of the applications and physical relationships, but also experience in the field of cleaning and appropriate test facilities for cleaning trials under production-related conditions. As an experienced full-service provider of future-oriented and globally available solutions for ultra-fine and high-purity cleaning, Ecoclean says it meets these requirements.

To meet these very strict cleanliness specifications in a process-reliable, reproducible and sustainable manner, several cleaning steps are usually required along the manufacturing chain. The following questions play a role in selecting the optimal solution for the respective cleaning process: What is the workpiece material? What are the geometry, dimensions and weight of the component? What contaminants require removal? What cleanliness requirements must be met? Which cleaning process and chemicals are suitable for the task?

On this basis, it becomes possible to determine which and how many cleaning steps are necessary, using which medium and which process technologies. Other aspects that need consideration include the required quality of the rinsing medium and the appropriate drying technology, as well as clean part handling and the operating conditions (such as a cleanroom).

The basis for ultra-fine or high-purity cleaning is “oil- and grease-free” parts. To achieve and maintain this level of cleanliness, a cleaning process is carried out after the various processing steps, such as machining, forming, grinding or polishing. The effect of the cleaning medium deployed is enhanced by various process technologies that can be combined in almost any combination, such as steam degreasing, spray, high-pressure, immersion, ultrasonic and megasonic cleaning, as well as plasma cleaning, injection flood washing, pulsed pressure cleaning (PPC) and ultrasonic plus. These process options ensure that the required cleanliness is consistently achievable, even for geometrically complex workpieces.

For intermediate cleaning processes or parts with less stringent cleanliness specifications, modular single- or multi-chamber systems operating under full vacuum, such as EcoCstretch or EcoCvela, are typically used. Depending on the processing medium, these systems can be operated with an environmentally friendly solvent, such as hydrocarbons or modified alcohol, or a specially selected water-based cleaner. The design, system engineering, media flow and treatment of the systems are specially tailored to ultra-fine cleaning and high-purity applications. Thanks to the process mechanics concentrated in the working chamber – like injection flood washing, ultrasound and PPC – this type of system also offers advantages when cleaning large and complex workpieces.

Ultrasonic multi-bath immersion systems are the optimal solution for parts with a wide variety of materials, high throughput requirements and/or strict cleanliness specifications. In addition to individually designed cleaning systems for high-end applications, Ecoclean offers an efficient solution with its UCMSmartLine and UCMPerformanceLine series of systems consisting of standardised modules. The electrical and control technology is integrated into the respective modules for the process steps of cleaning, rinsing, drying, loading and unloading, as well as for the transport system. This, together with the provision of process mechanics tailored to requirements, such as PPC, allows the systems to be optimally adapted to the respective task. The option of upgrading the cleaning system at a later date ensures future-proofing in the event of increased requirements.

Ecoclean determines the right system concept for the application and the optimal cleaning process in its own High Purity Test Centre. It has a Class 7 clean room with Class 6 zones and various measurement and analysis methods (microscopy, residual gas analysis, UV light and fluorescence measurement). In addition to the product-specific development of cleaning processes and parameters, Ecoclean also uses its test centre to carry out contract cleaning orders. A packaging station for cleaned parts ensures that the high level of cleanliness achieved is also delivered to the customer.

More information www.ecoclean-group.net

EPS Services explains bandsaw tooth pitch

When choosing a bandsaw blade, tooth pitch is often treated as a secondary consideration. Blade width or overall blade type usually takes priority, with TPI mentioned almost as an afterthought. In reality, tooth pitch plays a major role in how a blade performs in the cut, influencing cutting speed, surface finish, blade life and even machine load. According to EPS Services, problems often blamed on set up or machine condition can frequently be traced back to blade selection.

Tooth pitch refers to the number of teeth per inch of blade, written as TPI. Lower TPI blades feature larger teeth with deeper gaps between them, while higher TPI blades have smaller, closely spaced teeth. These gaps, known as gullets, are responsible for carrying chips away from the cut. If chips cannot clear efficiently, they pack into the gullets, increasing friction and heat and accelerating blade wear. Poor chip clearance is one of the most common causes of premature dulling.

A useful rule of thumb is to ensure at least three teeth are always engaged in the material. This spreads the cutting load and promotes smooth operation. Too few teeth can cause grabbing and chatter, while too many can lead to rubbing rather than cutting, generating heat and reducing efficiency.

Fast dulling, slow cutting, burning and wandering cuts are often linked to incorrect pitch selection, even when machine set up is sound. These symptoms are sometimes misattributed to blade quality.

Variable pitch blades, which alter tooth spacing along the blade, can reduce vibration and improve stability. However, they are not a substitute for selecting the correct pitch range.

Ultimately, tooth pitch affects far more than surface finish. A small change in TPI can significantly improve cutting performance, consistency and blade life.

More information www.eps-services.co.uk

Cosen fills the gap with new SH-520DM bandsaw

Any new fabrication equipment worth mentioning is often the result of a company listening to the needs of its customer. As just one example, fabricators working in structural steel, heavy manufacturing and job shop environments sometimes find themselves forced to compromise by investing in a small saw that cannot keep pace with production needs because the large-format saw would be overkill in more ways than one. The engineers at Cosen Saws, however, listened to customers and developed a solution with a product that it says “fills the gap” – the SH-520DM bandsaw.

Peng Huang, president of Cosen Saws North America, says at the heart of the SH-520DM double-mitre bandsaw is its ability to make a mitre cut up to 60° in either direction. For a variety of shops, that range is critical as it allows aggressive angles and precise cuts on I-beam, channel, tubing and other structural material without the need for multiple set ups or added equipment.

Huang says manufacturers in the utility and fabrication space need a saw that can handle straight cuts and severe angles, and the SH-520DM gives them that flexibility while keeping the material flow straightforward and well-supported.

“There was a need for the shops that started out with a smaller machine and wanted to grow their production into the next machine, but the next machine was too big to fit their floor space,” he explains. “The introduction of this model not only saved them on floor space, it also produces at the capacity that they can comfortably grow into.”

Cosen made a deliberate decision to go semi-automatic with the SH-520DM. Huang notes that not everyone needs a fully computerised machine. There is a strong market for saws that are intuitive, practical and versatile without heavy programming. The SH-520DM is designed to meet that need.

More information www.cosensaws.com

Cutting-edge stainless steel sawing: The real results

Since UK-based KR Saws was founded in 2004, the stainless steel industry has been one of its core focus areas. Backed by the innovation and research of parent companies Kinkelder and Roentgen, KR Saws says it has continually pushed the boundaries of cutting performance and efficiency. The company’s long-standing commitment to this sector is reflected in its position as the only bandsaw blade supplier to be a member of the British Stainless Steel Association.

Roentgen’s R&D team never stops refining its blade technology. After promising test results on stainless steel, the company introduced the Titan ST — a next-generation carbide-tipped bandsaw blade designed for speed, precision and durability. To put the Titan ST to the test, KR Saws partnered with a major stainless steel stockholder that wanted to reduce cutting times and improve productivity.

The stockholder had been using a bi-metal blade, but using Roentgen’s RCS cutting calculator, KR Saws recommended a cutting speed four times faster than the company’s previous set up. In addition, the Titan ST delivered longer blade life, while its pre-honed edge meant no running-in period.

“I’m actually shocked,” said the customer. “The carbide ST blade has been running for a week at the recommended feed and speed, and it’s still cutting perfectly. We’ve had over 100 cuts (16.6 m² blade life) and it’s still going; this blade is a game changer.”

Another recent stainless steel project pushed the limits further — cutting large-diameter 316 and 304 stainless steel. The target was to outperform a competitor’s average blade life of 8.9 m². Following Roentgen’s recommendation, KR Saws introduced the M51 Master, a bi-metal blade built for stainless and alloy steels. Across five blades, the M51 Master achieved an average life of 10.8 m², outperforming the competition by over 21%.

More information www.krsaws.co.uk

Why bandsaw accuracy drops and how to fix it fast

When the cutting accuracy of a bandsaw drops, the impact is immediate: uneven cuts, higher scrap rates and longer cycle times. In this article, UK bandsaw supplier Dimakin explains why cutting accuracy declines, and how to correct it quickly.

Accuracy rarely disappears overnight. In most cases, clear warning signs emerge first, allowing workshops to correct problems quickly and avoid unnecessary downtime. Common symptoms include angled or tapered cuts, rough or inconsistent surfaces, blade wandering, excessive burr formation, and inconsistent cut lengths. Operators may also notice increased vibration, chatter or unusual blade noise. These indicators typically point to issues with blade condition, set up, alignment or feed control.

Blade condition is one of the most frequent contributors to poor accuracy. Worn blades struggle to maintain a straight cutting path, particularly in thicker sections or higher-strength materials. Incorrect blade selection has a similar effect: fine-tooth blades can clog in thick material, while coarse pitches lack stability on thin sections. Both increase cutting resistance, leading to blade deflection. Prompt blade replacement and correct tooth pitch, geometry and width selection are among the fastest ways to restore accuracy.

Blade tension is equally critical. Under-tensioned blades flex during cutting, while excessive tension accelerates fatigue and places unnecessary strain on machine components. Following manufacturer-recommended tension settings and checking them regularly helps maintain stable blade tracking.

Guide and bearing alignment also play a vital role. Worn, misaligned or contaminated guides allow the blade to drift under load. Keeping guides clean, correctly aligned and positioned close to the workpiece minimises unsupported blade length and improves precision.

Finally, consistent feed control and secure workpiece clamping are essential. Controlled bow descent prevents blade deflection, while firm, square clamping eliminates vibration and movement.

More information www.dimakin.co.uk