Cleaning of mechanical components: procedures and advantages

agosto 02, 2023

Often underestimated, the cleaning of mechanical components is a fundamental process to ensure maximum efficiency, reliability, and longevity of mechanical systems. By removing unwanted particles and contaminants, damage, premature wear, and malfunctions that could negatively affect system performance and safety are prevented.

Analysis and relevance of the cleaning process

Cleaning of mechanical components refers to the process of removing extraneous particles, contaminants, or residues present on the surface or inside the components used in machinery, equipment, or mechanical systems. This practice is crucial to ensure optimal operation, reliability, and longevity of the components, as well as to maintain the performance of the systems in which they are used.

The primary goal of cleaning mechanical components is to minimize the accumulation of contaminants. Extraneous particles can cause damage, premature wear, malfunctions, and a significant reduction in efficiency. Critical sectors such as the automotive, aerospace, food, electronics, and many others rely on clean components to ensure the safety, quality, and reliability of their products.

Pollutants in mechanical components, such as gears, can result from residues from mechanical processing, lubricants, environmental dust, and contaminations during handling and storage. These pollutants can negatively impact the quality and performance of the finished component, reducing its durability and efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to adopt rigorous cleaning and control procedures to ensure the utmost integrity and reliability of gears before they are sold and assembled into mechanical systems.

Measuring pollutants

Various techniques are used to measure pollutants in mechanical components, especially in gears:

Chemical analysis: Analytical tools such as mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy identify and quantify unwanted chemicals in components.

Particle counting: Particle counters measure the quantity and size of particles present in components, evaluating the cleanliness of fluids used in production processes.

Microscopic analysis: Microscope observation to identify small particles present in the components.

Gravimetric analysis: Weighing the component before and after a cleaning or filtration process to determine the quantity of removed pollutants.

Washing and filtration tests: Components undergo washing or filtration tests with specific fluids to assess the effectiveness of cleaning processes.

Normative references for cleaning mechanical components

International standards, such as ISO and ASTM, define cleaning methodologies and contamination grades for various industrial sectors, including mechanical components like gears. These standards establish inspection procedures, analysis techniques, and criteria for classifying contamination grades. Following these standards allows for a uniform and reliable evaluation of component cleanliness, facilitating communication between manufacturers, suppliers, and customers.

Managing contaminants in mechanical components

To keep the level of contamination in mechanical components under control, it is essential to follow a well-defined process and adopt appropriate preventive and corrective measures:

Specify cleaning requirements: Clearly define cleaning requirements in drawings and technical specifications.

Material and production method selection: Use materials and production processes that minimize the generation of contaminating particles.

Filtration and separation: Employ adequate filtration systems to control particles and contaminants present in process fluids.

Environmental control: Maintain a clean and controlled work environment to prevent component contamination during assembly and handling.

In-production cleaning: Integrate cleaning procedures during the production process to remove residual particles from mechanical processes such as turning, milling, and grinding.

Protected packaging: Package components in a controlled environment to preserve their integrity.

The cleaning of mechanical components is a fundamental practice to ensure the proper operation and longevity of mechanical systems. By removing pollutants, damage and malfunctions are avoided, contributing to improved quality, efficiency, and safety of industrial products. In GSI, we adhere to international standards and implement preventive measures to ensure the highest reliability of mechanical components and achieve optimal performance in the long run.

Cleaning of mechanical components: procedures and advantages

Analysis and relevance of the cleaning process

Measuring pollutants

Normative references for cleaning mechanical components

Managing contaminants in mechanical components

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