A need to increase the number of high-precision engineered components cleaned at any one time, along with a demand for even greater cleanliness standards, led a Midlands-based company to turn to Mec-Wash (www.mecwash.co.uk) for a solution.

Stourbridge Turning and Grinding Ltd (STAG) manufactures CNC turned, machined and ground components for customers in the hydraulics, automotive, construction, industrial-vehicle and agricultural sectors.

Company director Phil Pargeter said: “Our production levels were rising, but we were unable to increase the number of components we could wash at any one time.

“On top of this, the expectation from our customers was for increased levels of cleanliness — something that is mirrored throughout the engineering world as technology and capabilities evolve.

“I’d seen the MecWash system in use and been impressed not only by the high levels of cleanliness but also the quantities that could be cleaned. That was vitally important for us.”

The products that would need to go through the cleaning process included dry hydraulic and pneumatic turnings in hard chrome, EN8, EN16, aluminium, stainless steel, brass and mild steel.

Such high-precision components must be cleaned to exacting standards before they leave for the customer.

With the help of MecWash sales manager Paul Jarratt, the Duo 400 was identified as the ‘best fit’ for STAG — not only in terms of the customer’s quantity and cleanliness requirements but also because of the space available in the existing washing area.

Mr Jarratt said: “Our aqueous component cleaning system is capable of delivering the quantities and cleanliness standards required.

“In fact, it will exceed them, allowing for further growth in production. The MecWash Duo 400 combines a powerful flood and spray wash with a spray rinse and hot-air dry.

“The drum is capable of taking a range of baskets, which have been designed to cover the parts manufactured by STAG.

“The compact system fitted neatly into the area designated for cleaning, and the specially designed conveyor system made the cleaning operation very efficient.”