Investing in a custom parts washer begins long before the equipment is built. The design process starts with understanding exactly what the washer needs to accomplish within your manufacturing operation.
Every cleaning application is different. The size and geometry of your parts, the contaminants being removed, your production requirements, and the available floor space all influence the final design. Answering these questions early helps ensure the finished washer meets your cleanliness specifications while integrating smoothly into your workflow.
1. What Parts Will the Washer Clean?
The first question is often the most important. Will the washer clean one part consistently, or will it need to accommodate multiple sizes and configurations? Are the parts simple in shape, or do they contain blind holes, internal passages, or other complex geometries that require specialized cleaning and drying methods?
The more complex the part, the more carefully the cleaning process must be engineered.
2. What Are Your Cleaning Specifications?
Every manufacturer has different cleanliness requirements. Some applications require only the removal of oil and machining residue, while others must meet strict customer, military, or industry cleanliness standards. Certain features of the part may also require additional attention during the cleaning or drying process.
Understanding the required cleanliness specification helps determine the appropriate combination of washing, rinsing, drying, and other process stages.
3. What Production Rate Do You Need?
Production requirements play a major role in parts washer design. Questions to consider include:
- How many parts must be cleaned each hour?
- Will production remain constant throughout the day?
- Does the washer need to keep pace with an automated production line?
Cycle time, loading methods, and automation all influence how quickly parts can move through the cleaning process.
4. How Will Parts Be Loaded and Unloaded?
Material handling is just as important as the cleaning process itself. Some facilities prefer manual loading because of lower production volumes. Others want to reduce operator involvement by integrating conveyors, robots, or other automated handling systems that improve consistency while reducing repetitive lifting.
Designing the loading process early helps ensure the washer fits naturally into the overall manufacturing workflow.
5. What Contaminants Need to Be Removed?
Different contaminants require different cleaning approaches. Oil, grease, machining fluids, swarf, carbon deposits, rust inhibitors, and other residues each present unique cleaning challenges. Some applications may also require an additional chemical treatment after washing, such as a rust preventative.
Identifying the contaminants at the beginning of the project helps determine the most effective cleaning process and any waste management considerations.
6. What Is Your Budget?
Budget is an important part of every project. AEC Systems works closely with customers to design the most economical solution for their application while balancing production requirements, cleanliness specifications, automation, and long-term operating costs. Throughout the design process, we strive to be transparent about equipment options, estimated costs, lead times, and ongoing maintenance requirements.
Collaboration Leads to Better Parts Washer Design
The best custom parts washer designs result from collaboration. We encourage our customers to involve plant managers, manufacturing engineers, maintenance personnel, purchasing teams, and company leadership during the planning process. Each group brings a unique perspective that helps ensure the finished system supports production goals, staffing requirements, maintenance expectations, and long-term value.
AEC Systems welcomes customers to visit our facility, meet with our design team, and learn more about our engineering and manufacturing process.
Let’s Discuss Your Application
If you’re planning a new cleaning system, AEC Systems can help you evaluate your custom parts washer design requirements and develop a solution tailored to your manufacturing process.
Contact us today to discuss your application and begin designing a parts washer built specifically for your production needs.