Should you automate your cleaning process?

Well, that depends on the type of cleaning process you have, but the good news is, they can all be automated in some way, but the bigger question is, what are the benefits of automation in a cleaning process? Initially it is probably the usual most common issue of operator costs to load and unload parts into the cleaning system. This is an easy one, just compare the cost of the operator with the cost of automation.

A lesser understood reason to automate the cleaning process is “Process Control” and this can be a more difficult justification depending on the application. Many applications have a forgiving process however if corners are cut or untrained operators are asked to pick up the slack during busy times this can lead to problems much further down the production line. In addition, many applications require a clearly defined and repeatable process to comply with either a customer’s specification or to ensure the cleanliness specification is consistently met and it is critical the components go through the correct predefined process. For example, some components may not be allowed to go through a process with Ultrasonics while others can, some parts may require to only go through a certain limited process or miss out one tank or other components require longer to dry. With basket flagging or bar code recognition, automation can control all these variables, in addition you can process multiple components through different processes in the same system saving time and money. Add to that data logging, remote access and data downloads you can rely on the automation to select the correct process every time, insuring repeatability and have full traceability.

A lesser known advantages of many automation systems in the cleaning sector is process monitoring. While the equipment may well do this, the automation can control whether or not to process parts depending on the input from the cleaning system its self, for example, chemical temperature can greatly affect the performance of a process, likewise chemical concentration, with a go/no go option depending on the criteria of the process this can be controlled and baskets held until these parameters are met. Additionally, DI water quality can be a good indicator of effective final rinsing and depending on the mix of component or quantity which can vary from batch to batch the recovery time of a DI water tank can vary, again, automation can control this element as well.

There are many variables and cost benefits to automating a cleaning process, some are obvious however some are more subtle but can have significant cost implications further down the line if the controls are not put in place.

Having spent over 30 years in this business it is amazing to see how automation has moved on from the early pick and place systems to todays fully automated and connected systems however, it is vitally important to not get carried away and over specify a system and you should always keep one eye on the cost, performance benefits.

With over 55 years of experience in component cleaning, across all areas of manufacturing, Fraser Technologies is the name to trust. For more information, visit www.frasertech.co.uk or call 01506 443058.