Materials Solutions Ltd, a leading additive manufacturing (AM) company based in Worcester, highlights the fact that the AM printing process leaves powder particles as residue that must be cleaned off, adding that the metal it uses is ‘incredibly sensitive and can stain when cleaned’, so turned to the Tewkesbury-based cleaning specialist
MecWash Systems Ltd for a solution to its dilemma.
Material Solutions said: “Working with high-strength and high-temperature materials to create reliable components are our daily business. We have almost 20 years’ experience of metal AM, which gives our team an immense understanding of the materials used in the process. Before working with MecWash, our components often required manual input, which slowed down productivity; and, mishandling this process could damage components, which often feature very complex geometries — such as internal channels or lattice structures that are challenging to clean thoroughly using conventional methods.
“The insights and support from MecWash have been exceptional and the cleaning results have boosted our efficiency. The understanding of the chemical compounds from MecWash has been transformative for Materials Solutions.”
Embracing new challengesDave Pawson, MecWash’s in-house chemist, said: “Here at MecWash, we love to embrace new challenges, and it is always exciting when trying to find a solution for customers complex washing requirements. We were determined to create a process that ensured the components made by Materials Solutions would be entirely free from residual materials.
“The incomplete removal of residuals, such as powder, dye penetrant and coolant, can severely affect a component’s functionality and integrity. We took great care in analysing the samples to identify the opportunities and how we could attain a high-quality wash of the components.”
Paul Jarratt, MecWash’s sales manager, said: “Materials Solutions needed a parts-washing system and an original chemical compound that could effectively clean their intricate components. After close consultation, an MWX600 was deemed to be the ideal system, combining ultrasonic cleaning, high-flow washing, extended rinsing, and vacuum drying; and with a maximum load weight of 250kg it can accommodate the components manufactured by Materials Solutions.”