Stourbridge-based metal-finishing specialist Midland Deburr & Finish (MDF) is enjoying strong growth after receiving clearance to continue using trichlorethylene (‘trike’) — a highly effective industrial solvent metal degreaser that is covered by the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) guidelines .

The REACH process set a sunset date of April 2016 for the use of trike, but a seven-year review period has been agreed, on strict conditions (www.midlanddeburrandfinish.co.uk).

The trike degreasing process at MDF is conducted in hermetically sealed machines, which feature spray and immersion, as well as vapour degreasing.

The top-loading machines enable large (up to 1,500mm long), heavy and complexcomponents to be processed, as well as parts down to 1mm in diameter.

MDF cleans a wide range of automotive components, plus general engineered ferrous and non-ferrous components, including presswork, machined parts and bearings.

Managing director Chris Arrowsmith said: “The new legislation forced many companies to scrap their old ‘open-top’ solvent degreasers, but not everyone has invested in the new sealed equipment.

"We wanted to continue offering our customers the best service and decided to invest in up-to-date technology to ensure that we are REACH-compliant.

"Our levels of degreasing business have increased dramatically, because we can offer companies the option of sub-contracting work instead of having to invest heavily in their own plant. The degreasing quality is guaranteed.”