When it comes to degreasing metal surfaces, there are multiple methods available for companies. Most of these methods involve the use of a chemical solvent. While these solvents do effectively clean metal surfaces, they come with their own safety concerns for those working with them. As such, more and more companies are turning to the benefits of parts washer machines to avoid these issues.
Some of the chemicals used in solvent-based cleaning include trichloroethylene, n-propyl bromide, and perchloroethylene. These chemicals are known to release volatile organic compounds or VOCs, which are flammable and can cause health issues such as headaches, dizziness, breathing problems, and a flare-up of allergy symptoms. This is especially true for workers with chemical sensitivities.
Parts washer machines rely primarily on water, heat, agitation, and alkaline detergents. Because they don’t have those chemicals, aqueous parts washer machines avoid the risk of fire and chemical exposure, keeping workers safer.
Along with posing a threat to workers, chemically-based parts washing methods also pose a risk to the surrounding environment. After all, the waste created by the volatile cleaning solutions must be disposed of somewhere. Along with this, the VOCs that would harm the health of workers also contribute to local air pollution. The materials used in parts washers are gentler on the environment.
Fortunately, facility owners do not have to choose between worker safety and business sense. This goes beyond removing barriers to efficiency, such as needing to dispose of hazardous materials and workplace illness from VOCs. One of the benefits of a part washer machine is that it uses shorter run times. Shorter run times means less energy and fewer materials, cutting cost for the same process.
Although there are many degreasing options available to you as a metalworking facility, few of them match aqueous cleaning solutions for efficiency, safety, and cost reduction. Our heavy-duty parts washers are ready to meet all your business’ needs.
