Metal parts degreasing

Before carrying out heat treatment or surface treatments such as chrome plating, galvanization, or powder coating, it is critical to thoroughly degrease the parts to remove all organic or inorganic contaminants. Residues can alter heat uniformity and cause defects on treated parts or interfere with the adhesion of coatings. Thorough degreasing not only ensures the quality of the treatment but also its durability.

During part manufacturing, repeated degreasing may be necessary between different machining stages. Metals can accumulate residues such as cutting oils, protective products, soap, phosphates, etc., which need to be quickly removed to maintain the precision of subsequent operations. 

Solvents are used to dissolve stubborn oils and greases, which are often present after processes like turning, milling, or turning. Composed of non-polar molecules, solvents can break down organic contaminants and allow for fast and intense cleaning.

Detergents or cleaners can also be used. These solutions must account for the nature of the parts to be degreased (plastic, aluminum, cast iron, etc.), the contaminants to be removed, and the industrial process to offer, if necessary, temporary corrosion protection and optimal cleaning quality. The nature of the detergent (acidic, neutral, alkaline) is critical to the degreasing operation, whether it's desoxidation, dephosphatation, decarbonization, or removal of mineral residues. Depending on the equipment, other factors, such as foam resistance in the case of spray washing or the release capacity to remove foreign oils, must also be considered to optimize cleaning performance and extend bath life.

A3 solvents, used in hermetically sealed vacuum washing machines, have the advantage of being able to be distilled and reused for multiple washing cycles. These organic solvents, often hydrocarbons or modified alcohols, have a narrow boiling range and stability, allowing them to be easily regenerated by distillation. They are commonly used after turning, stamping, or machining operations in various sectors such as medical, aerospace, watchmaking, electronics, etc. They are effective at degreasing parts from neat oils, soluble oils, and polishing pastes while carrying out relatively short cleaning cycles. The choice of A3 solvent is generally linked to the washing machine used and the contaminants to be removed, in order to select the solvent that provides the best regeneration.

Metal degreasing is an essential operation to ensure the quality, precision, and durability of industrial parts. Regardless of the metal or equipment used, it is crucial to choose the degreasing method best suited to each situation. MotulTech offers a full range of cleaners covering all cleaning methods: immersion, ultrasonic, and/or high-pressure spray. To ensure an optimal process, in-depth knowledge of the materials and available techniques is often necessary. If you have questions or would like to discuss the best degreasing solutions for your production, feel free to contact us.