Pero parts cleaning machine saves time and money

Clean Savings for Harwin who select Pero parts cleaning machine

Not a company to be intimidated by new legislation, Harwin Plc. is an example of how doing the right thing environmentally – investing in a Pero V0 Universal solvent parts cleaning machine – can have a very positive effect on the bottom-line.

Emily Gower is an R&D Engineer at electrical and electronic interconnect solutions provider, Harwin Plc., where she played a key role in the installation and commissioning of the company’s new Pero V0 Universal solvent degreasing machine, an investment that she is keen to discuss, not just because of the impending change in solvent emissions regulations (SER) due to come into force in October of this year, but also because of the cost savings implications for Harwin.

“Every stage of our manufacturing process is continuously scrutinized to ensure that we maintain the highest standards – both in terms of production quality and our environmental responsibilities,” she states. “We planned our response to SER legislation well in advance, because solvent cleaning is a vital step in the production process for our electroplated parts.”

Before the investment in the new machine, Harwin cleaned its components using a standard solvent dip tank, which required solvent changes at frequent intervals and which used much more solvent than was SER compliant.

“Since installing the Pero parts cleaning machine, we’ve been able to drastically reduce the amount of solvent used – effectively operating a closed loop solvent recycle for months at a time. We have also reduced the man-hours required for degreasing and the load on the downstream electrochemical clean. ”

Located in an almost clean-room environment, the Pero parts cleaning machine is treated with the respect that a chemical process deserves. Staff members are trained to a very high level, and they are aided by a detailed photo-driven operating manual.

Excellence from Pero parts cleaning equipment

“Harwin’s Quality System is applied with genuine passion –at every level within the company,” says Gower. “The team members operating the Pero parts cleaning machine are all involved in developing and documenting both training and working procedures, which are regularly reviewed to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the business.”

The working environment is very clean and orderly – in keeping with best working practices. Visitors to the Pero parts cleaning machine often comment that the working area is more ‘laboratory’ than ‘factory floor’.” Air extracted from the Pero parts cleaning machine contains less than 3ppm solvent, and any liquid solvent entering or leaving the plant is managed using the SAFETAINER™ closed connection system.

“We run a very tight ship,” says Gower, “The Pero parts cleaning machine offers a high level of process consistency, is reliable and is easy to operate. It is now an integral part of our operations.”

Traceability and cost control are all important to the business. All work processed through the Pero parts cleaning machine is logged on a PC, and this data fed back into accounting and scheduling functions. Even the energy use of the unit itself is constantly monitored – with a digital meter that toggles between displays showing the kWhr being used and the actual cost to the business of that energy.

Harwin Chairman, Damon de Laszlo, is known for his opinions on how British and European industry needs to reduce overheads if it is to compete with the threat from the Asian market. One of his beliefs is that British companies can thrive by committing to and investing in the best practice and the latest manufacturing technology.

“Since we’ve been operating the Pero parts cleaning machine we’ve made dramatic savings” says Gower. “From a previous spend on solvents of around £800 per month, we anticipate spending no more than £800 in total over a full year operation of the Pero parts cleaningmachine which includes safe disposal of used solvent at the end of its life. That’s hard, financial proof that doing the right thing for the environment and purchasing a Pero parts cleaning machine can also be a good business opportunity”.