Flammability – (In)Flammable and Combustible

The terms “flammable,” “inflammable,” and combustible all describe materials that will burn.  Semantics and nebulous definitions of each have led not only to a great deal of confusion over the years but, probably, to several unfortunate accidents.  In doing the research for this blog, I discovered that there is no simple and fast definition of …

Flammability – More Things You Should Know – LFL and UFL

Although, fortunately, we seldom encounter flammability issues in cleaning, it’s a good idea to be familiar with some of the terms like Upper and Lower Flammability and Explosive Limits for the sake of safety. In the preceding blog, it was explained that three things were needed to produce a fire – Fuel, Oxidizer, and a …

Lubricants and Coolants – “Vanishing” Oils?

“Vanishing Oils” are often considered as an alternative to more conventional lubricants in light duty stamping and forming operations.  The conception is that these formulations actually “vanish” eliminating the need for cleaning once there is no longer a need for lubrication.  True, depending on circumstances, they may reduce or eliminate the need for cleaning but in fact, …

Lubricants and Coolants – Effectiveness vs. Cleanability

In order for a lubricant or coolant to be effective it must possess the very properties that make it difficult to remove.  In industrial machining, stamping and metal forming applications, selecting lubricants and coolants wisely can greatly simplify cleaning processes required to remove them once these processes are complete. Effective lubricants must be able to adhere …

Coolants and Lubricants – Ramifications on Cleaning

Lubricants and coolants are two of the most common contaminants requiring removal in industrial cleaning.  Understanding their basic nature and how they work may help lead to the solution of many cleaning problems Lubricants help prevent friction between two surfaces moving relative to one another by, in effect, providing a barrier between the two surfaces …

Applications Notes – Ultrasonic Filter Cleaning

Filters used to filter air, water and chemicals in industrial processes can cost thousands of dollars and more.  Some filters are intended to be renewable by cleaning.  Other filters, even some considered “disposable,” can be recovered for re-use using ultrasonic cleaning techniques. A filter, as we discussed in earlier blogs (search “filter”) is a device …

Ultrasonic Cleaning – More About Baskets and Fixtures

This blog is in response to recently received reader questions regarding the best designs for baskets and fixtures used in ultrasonic cleaning applications.  The blog Reader Questions – Baskets for Ultrasonic Cleaning addressed previous questions.  Today’s question concerns the use of metallic fasteners in the construction of baskets and fixtures to hold parts for ultrasonic cleaning. The …