Ultra Precision’s main business activity is in CNC milling, turning, and machining. Based at a purpose-built factory in Haverhill, Suffolk, key operational sectors include aerospace, medical, oil and gas, subsea, nuclear, hydraulics and defence.
A 2019 investment programme increased engineering capacity and provided customers with parts finished to a world-class level of cleanliness. As well as cleaning equipment, the investment also included the acquisition of new CNC machines.
Replacing the previous labour-intensive method of cleaning, the MecWash Duo 400 exceeds the requirements to clean machined stainless steel and aluminium precision components including rods used in medical applications, removing soils, oil, coolant, and swarf. It was essential for the machine to have the ability to clean and dry products to a high-quality specification.
MecWash’s Duo 400 has the benefit of flood/immersion washing, which provides the highest standards of cleaning by full solution contact with all component surfaces, and a re-circulating heated spray rinse, which provides a superior surface finish by removing detergent residues left by the wash solution. The rinse stage can also be used to apply a longer term corrosion inhibitor for ferrous components, all finished off with a hot air dry.
Simon Quick, production manager at Ultra Precision Products says: “Our new component washing facility from MecWash has proven to be a great success, significantly improving the quality of the parts we deliver in terms of cleanliness, whilst also reducing the process time to complete the cleaning operation. This in turn has helped with lead-times and delivery.
“The machine is fully programmable for any cycle required, with a combination of flood wash, spray wash, rinse and dry. The water is filtered and skimmed automatically to keep the wash solution in the best condition possible and the dosage of cleaner is controlled and maintained automatically in cycle.
“As well as a full rotating wash, more fragile items can be run on a static wash where the baskets stay still. A variety of baskets, dividers and clamps allow us to hold all parts securely.”
Geoff Quick, managing director at Ultra Precision Products explains the decision behind choosing MecWash: “Being a British built machine was a factor in the purchase of the Duo,” he reveals. “This coupled with the outstanding cleanliness provided by the machine made it the top choice for Simon.
“MecWash’s customers include aerospace, medical, pharmaceutical, defence and motorsport. We also supply precision parts into a wide range of these industries, many of which also have MecWash machines, so we are aware of the excellent cleanliness levels that are achievable.”
John Pattison, managing director at MecWash Systems adds: “We are always delighted when customers are recommended our systems from other suppliers they work with. Ultra Precision supplies parts into many of the same sectors that we supply our cleaning systems, so they have seen how a well developed and manufactured washing system can provide the required results.
“We work closely with all of our customers to ensure the right mix of washing technology and a bespoke blend of cleaning chemicals. The Duo’s final wash quality meets the highest possible standards of cleanliness. I am positive that the Duo 400 will deliver for Ultra Precision as they continue to increase their capabilities and I hope they will return to us again in the future with any further cleaning requirements.”
MecWash Systems www.mecwash.co.uk
Ultra Precision Products www.ultraprecision.co.uk
