Parts cleaning excellence

Parts cleaning excellence

28th May 2024 | In News | By Mike Richardson
Parts cleaning excellence

This year is particularly special for industrial parts cleaning system specialist, MecWash Systems as it marks the company’s 30th anniversary – a significant milestone that underscores three decades of innovation, quality and commitment to excellence in the parts cleaning industry.

MecWash Systems, a pioneer in industrial parts washing technology, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. This marks an exceptional journey of innovation, customer focus and commitment to excellence. During this period the company has established itself as a global leader in providing bespoke aqueous parts washing solutions to meet the most stringent demands of manufacturers.

Working alongside some of the most prominent names in manufacturing, MecWash has developed component cleaning systems for the most complex applications. The UK-based manufacturer has built unique insight and expertise for solving cleaning challenges across a spectrum of industries.

MecWash originated as a spin off from an impregnation business and was started by Paul and Steven Young, in 1993. Originally based in Gloucester, the business moved to Tewkesbury in 1998 and then relocated to the other side of the M5 junction in 2005 to its current facility.

John Pattison acquired the business and became managing director in 2008 and has overseen the growth and the progress of the technology since then.

“I am delighted to be part of the MecWash story, and I am excited to see the opportunities for MecWash to develop over the coming years,” states Pattison. “There have been challenging periods of economic uncertainty during my tenure, but MecWash is stronger than ever.

“We think that 30 years is a sign of maturity and it’s remarkable to see what MecWash has achieved. Our bespoke parts washing systems are now used by the world’s leading manufacturers. We are confident of building on our success over the decades to come.”

The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its focus on aqueous systems, designing and manufacturing durable machines with minimal environmental impact. MecWash machines are built to withstand the rigors of demanding industrial environments, ensuring years of reliable performance.

Part cleaning evolution

Aqueous washing has progressed enormously during MecWash’s lifespan. Thirty years ago, solvent systems were ubiquitous in industry and many engineers were very wary of aqueous cleaning. This has changed substantially with many major manufacturers solely relying on aqueous cleaning and solvents being avoided wherever possible due to environmental and H&S concerns and the regulatory burden.

This evolution was partly driven by environmental regulations such as the EU Solvent Emissions Directive, causing a surge in demand for aqueous washers. It was also aided by the substantial improvements in aqueous washing chemistry and technology. MecWash has played a key role in the development of the UK aqueous washing industry, consistently pushing the boundaries and developing sophisticated precision parts washing machines.

The MecWash bespoke parts washing systems are now used by leading manufacturers
The MecWash bespoke parts washing systems are now used by leading manufacturers

The first machine produced by MecWash was the MPS. The Mini, Midi and Maxi systems (small medium and large sizes) followed shortly after. These machines offered spray and flood washing, plus rinsing and hot air drying. In 2006, the Solo was first produced as a cost-effective spray only interstage washer, before the mid-market general purpose Duo system was added in 2007. In recent years the Mini, Midi, and Maxi have been modernised to the MWX300, MWX400 and MWX600. These machines incorporate greater functionality, easier maintenance and the latest connectivity, for ‘talking’ to customer systems or for cloud connections.

“MecWash machines have developed considerably over the last three decades,” Pattison explains. “Today, the design, build and maintenance of the systems are very sophisticated, just like the components they are designed for. We understand the manufacturer’s process end-to-end and the different applications that require cleaning. System integration is part of the MecWash story. It’s vital that each system in the range integrates seamlessly with other handling and ancillary equipment. Each MecWash installation is tailored to meet precise requirements of the customer.”

In addition to process and machine building skills, the team possess an unparalleled understanding of cleaning chemistry. MecWash has invested in its own laboratory at its headquarters in Tewkesbury. The site is purpose built to design, develop and formulate chemicals for common and bespoke component cleaning applications.

“Our expertise in wash chemistry is based on years of experience tailoring chemicals for the most testing wash challenges for individual customers, as well as manufacturing our own range of general wash chemicals and inhibitors,” concludes Pattison. “It’s this fully-rounded knowledge of all aspects of cleaning that enhances the analysis and insight our team provides, which gives MecWash the edge. Customers contact the MecWash team to find a solution to their most difficult cleaning issues, components with complex geometries, challenging substrates or tenacious contaminants.”

MecWash understands that a manufacturing process is only as strong as its weakest link. The company strives to ensure that its cleaning technology embraces and supports the progress of intelligent manufacturing, continuing to provide enhanced efficiency, reliability, integration and quality for the manufacturer.

www.mecwash.com

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