A 75% reduction in component cleaning time, environmental betterment and more consistent product quality - the benefits now being enjoyed by leading sub-contract turned parts manufacturer MSP Ltd., through the use of MecWash Systems Ltd.'s aqueous cleaning technology, are clear cut.

Producing up to 15 million parts per year to meet sale successes world-wide, MSP has become an important player in the industry during its 35 year history. The installation now of a MecWash Solo 400 component washing system - importantly linked to an Aqua-Save water recycling unit - is not only helping the company maintain its success but is also enhancing the service it offers to its customers.

"Before installing the MecWash system we used an ultrasonic facility with four in-line tanks and an over-head gantry," says MSP Quality Assurance Manager Martin Smith. "The new unit, however, means that we can now operate much more quickly - previously a 20 kg load would take 20 minutes to process, for example, and this has now been reduced to less than 5 minutes. It also means that backlogs have been eliminated and the need to close the line down for up to four hours per week for cleaning out is no longer necessary. Moreover," he continues, "waste and oil have been minimised, water costs are reduced and we have been able to deploy one of the two operatives needed for the ultrasonics line to other duties around the plant."

Manufacturing an extensive range of brass, steel and aluminium parts between 1 mm and 110 mm in diameter, some of which undergo additional assembly work, production rates are geared both to meet immediate demand and to hold products in stock to match longer term customer requirements. In turn, this has prompted the use of AC 32 wash solution, also supplied by MecWash Systems, which includes an inhibitor to retain product quality into the longer term.

"MSP's customers include many of the leading names in the automotive, electrical, hydraulic and white goods sectors so the demand for quality is paramount," explains MecWash System's Director, Paul Young. Stringent cleanliness levels at the site can translate to contaminant of no more than 15 mgs/kilogram of parts - levels which the Solo 400 can readily accommodate.

"The decision to link the Solo 400 to an Aqua-Save water recycling unit is also very significant," continues Paul Young, "because it enhances the company's commitment to environmental care. The Aqua-Save permits the re-circulation of the wash solution producing only the minimal amount of waste oil for removal off site. At a time when many of MSP's customers are calling for production techniques to meet the highest environmental standards, this is seen as an important addition."

Some 70% of MSP components produced at the company's Coleshill premises now pass through the MecWash system - all of which are contained in up to four stainless steel baskets per wash cycle. These are placed in the rotating drum that is at the heart of the Solo 400 design with components held securely via lockable lids developed by MecWash Systems to match the dimensions of MSP's own baskets. It is the rotational action coupled to the wash and rinse processes assigned to each Solo 400 programme, that ensures the highest levels of cleanliness are achieved.

"The use of our equipment means that cleanliness has now been eliminated as a potential rejection issue by MSP," adds Paul Young, "which in turn has built on the high levels of quality already being achieved by the company. Indeed, the organisation is able to provide many of its products on the basis of a zero defect promise.

"At a time when competition in all areas of engineering is at its height, we are delighted to have been involved," he concludes, "and believe this makes a major contribution to the success record of one of the leading players in this specialist sector of industry."