Environmentally compatible and fast: new cleaning method for thermally deburred workpieces

Citation

(2002), "Environmentally compatible and fast: new cleaning method for thermally deburred workpieces", Assembly Automation, Vol. 22 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2002.03322aaf.005

Environmentally compatible and fast: new cleaning method for thermally deburred workpieces

Environmentally compatible and fast: new cleaning method for thermally deburred workpieces

Keyword: Cleaning

In close cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Production and Automation Technology (IPA) in Stuttgart, the Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies Division of Bosch Rexroth AG has developed a new Unique planetary roller screw technology enables linear actuators to provide higher speeds, higher loads and longer life cleaning method. With this method, removing the oxide layer after thermal deburring (TEM) can be performed more environmentally compatible, faster and thus more cost-effective than before (Plate 5).

Plate 5 Environmentally compatible and fast: new cleaning method for thermally deburred workpieces

The new cleaning medium is based on low-concentration, organic substances which can be recovered from reproducible raw materials. Cleaning of the workpieces occurs under the influence of rotation, nozzles, temperature and high-frequency in a closed chamber. After cleaning, the workpiece surfaces are rinsed and passivated in one single operation. During development, the process parameters as well as the medium have been optimized.

Due to this optimization, cleaning can be performed in one single operation, where four to six steps had been required before. Moreover, an anti-corrosion layer is produced, which is convincing by its small layer thickness as well as high compatibility with varnish constituents, cooling lubricants and oils.

The bath and plant parameters of this method are matched in such a way that the workpieces will not corrode between cleaning and conservation. There is no necessity of measuring or subsequent dosing for the user. Instead of this, small quantities of the medium are gathered automatically and recycled during the process in order to achieve a constant cleaning and conservation effect. Subsequent dosing of the media, as well, occurs automatically controlled by means of the electronic bath parameter monitoring.

Users like the automotive ancillary industries, having to guarantee absolutely burr-free workpieces to their customers, may simply adjust this cleaning method to different materials, such as steel or castings. Thus, the fast and environmentally more compatible method contributes considerably to even more reduced costs for the overall process of thermal deburring.

Contact: Bosch Rexroth AG, Corporate Communications, Robert Bitzan, 97813 Lohr a. Main, Germany. Tel: +49 (9352) 18-24 31; Fax: +49 (9352) 18-11 90; ISDN: +49 (9352) 18-37 17; E-mail: pr@rexroth.de ; Web site: www.BoschRexroth.de