With a strong focus on overseas markets, Cambridge-based C4 Carbides manufactures tungsten carbide and diamond-coated power-tool accessories and bandsaw blades. To meet the demands of ever-increasing production, and to extend its cleaning regime, the company ordered two aqueous cleaning systems from MecWash (www.mecwash.co.uk). The first has now been installed, and the second is due to be added shortly.

More than 90% of C4 Carbides’ output is destined for overseas markets, including the USA, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.

Established by current CEO Peter Nicolson in 1985, the company has established a reputation for developing innovative products using cutting-edge brazing technology.

Process engineer Chris Norman says: “Effective cleaning plays an extremely vital role in our manufacturing process. The nature of our products demands that we achieve an extremely clean surface prior to applying the tungsten carbide or diamond.

“Any oil or dirt residue remaining from the production process has the potential to significantly impact the quality of our product, which in turn could adversely affect our reputation.

“We first invested in a MecWash Duo back in 2012, and it has been delivering excellent cleaning results up to the present day.

In recent years, we have experienced unprecedented demand, and we were keen to have a common cleaning approach across all of our manufacturing processes.

“This led us to contact MecWash again, who recommended that we install two custom-made washers. We are really pleased with the results we’ve seen since installing the first new washer, and we look forward to commissioning the
second one.”