SRD Engineering, a manufacturer of high-quality precision-engineered parts for challenging applications in a range of sectors including Formula One, recently acquired a new MecWash Duo 400. The new parts cleaning system was selected as it is ideal to effectively clean machined parts in brass, titanium, stainless and carbon steel.

SRD managing director Mark Bonham said: “Previously, the team hand-washed the machined parts which took valuable time and, with an increase in workload, became slow-paced and inconsistent. We wanted a machine that could provide high standards of cleaning and drying, allowing the team to focus on providing our customers with the precision parts we are renowned for.”

MecWash managing director John Pattison said: “Speaking with Mark, it was clear from our initial discussions that MecWash had the experience and expertise to provide the system that SRD required.”

Using the latest cleaning technologies, coupled with specialist chemicals formulated in-house, MecWash aqueous cleaning systems enable customers to meet the demanding requirements of industries with stringent surface finish standards.

Paul Jarratt, MecWash sales manager, said: “After detailed analysis of SRD’s cleaning requirements, we recommended the Mecwash Duo. In this case, the Duo 400 was the most appropriate as it features a 400 x 450 x 600mm wash chamber and has a compact footprint.

“The Duo process involves immersion washing, which provides higher standards of cleaning by full solution contact with all component surfaces. It has a spray wash, and a recirculating heated spray rinse, which provides a high standard of surface finish removing detergent residues left by the wash solution. The process is completed with a hot air dry.”

Mr Pattison continued: “The Duo is very popular with companies working in a variety of industry sectors including aerospace, automotive, defence, hydraulics and general engineering, due to the ease and speed of use. It has a range of pre-set programmes with each cycle taking typically no more than 10min, making it ideal to help quickly meet growing production demands.”

SRD Engineering has a wide range of customers that includes aerospace, Formula One racing teams, blue chip organisations and local engineering companies.

Seb Meier, QHSE officer at SRD Engineering, said: “We are now able to clean a higher volume of parts to a much higher quality standard than previously. The Duo is easy to use and effectively removes the swarf, coolant and neat oil from the components. It is very reliable, and the support and quick response from MecWash for advice or spares has been fantastic.”

Mr Bonham continued: “Many of our customers are prestigious brands who expect the highest quality of product. The Duo helps to ensure there is no compromise in regards to cleaning and degreasing any machined component.

“We operate machines from DN Solutions, Matsuura and DMG Mori and it is the scale of our lathes and milling machines that enables SRD to mass produce high-quality precision engineered parts with just-in-time supply. The speed and the quality of the service gives SRD the advantage over our competitors. The MecWash Duo provides consistently high standards of cleanliness which gives SRD the ability to exceed their customers’ expectations.”

Mr Pattison concluded: “The vast range of machines possessed by SRD Engineering require effective precision parts washing. We are delighted that the Duo has improved the efficiency of the cleaning process at SRD.”