A need to increase the number of high precision engineered components cleaned at any one time, along with a demand for even greater cleanliness standards, led a Midlands based company to turn to MecWash for a solution.

Stourbridge Turning and Grinding Ltd (STAG) is a leader in its field when it comes to the production of CNC turned, machined and ground components for customers in the global hydraulics, automotive, construction, industrial vehicle and agricultural sectors.

But as the Stourbridge based company increased production by 30% to cater for demand, the need to wash the final components in greater numbers and to even higher standards also increased.

Having seen the MecWash aqueous cleaning and degreasing systems in use at a number of customer locations, STAG director, Phil Pargeter, knew the proven technology was what his company needed to meet its requirements and those of its customers.

“Our production levels were rising but we were unable to increase the number of components we could wash at any one time. On top of this, the expectations from our customers was for increased levels of cleanliness – something that is mirrored throughout the engineering world as technology and capabilities evolve,” said Mr Pargeter.

“I’d seen the MecWash system in use and had been impressed not only by the high levels of cleanliness but the quantities that could be cleaned while surpassing the existing cleanliness levels. That was vitally important for us.”

Products that would need to go through the cleaning process included dry hydraulic and pneumatic turnings in hard chrome, EN8, EN16, aluminium, stainless steel, brass and mild steel.

Such high precision components must be cleaned to exacting standards before they leave for the customer.

Working with MecWash sales manager, Paul Jarratt, the Duo 400 system was identified as the perfect fit not only in terms of STAG’s quantity and cleanliness requirements but also in terms of being fitted and commissioned into the existing washing area within the company’s production facility.

“It was clear from the start that STAG had some big demands. The last thing the company wanted was to increase production of the components only to be unable to wash them in greater quantities, as would have happened with their old cleaning system,” said Mr Jarratt.

“Our aqueous component cleaning system is capable of delivering the quantities and cleanliness standards required. In fact, it will exceed them, allowing for further growth in future production and quality standards.”

“The MecWash Duo 400 combines a powerful flood and spray wash with a spray rinse and hot air dry. The drum is capable of taking a range of baskets which have been designed to cover the parts manufactured by STAG.