Challenge
Aerospace manufacturers require turbine blades to be thoroughly cleaned before inspection, coating, or assembly. These complex High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) blades contain intricate geometries and internal passages that can trap machining residues, oils, and particulates. The cleaning process must remove contaminants from both external and internal surfaces while maintaining part integrity and minimizing manual handling. The customer required a reliable batch cleaning system capable of delivering repeatable cleanliness while supporting efficient operator loading and minimal cycle-to-cycle variability.
Approach
Better Engineering implemented a return-to-operator automated washing system designed specifically for batch processing of turbine blades. Parts are loaded by the operator into the cleaning chamber and secured within the flushing enclosure before the powered door is closed to begin the automated cycle. The system sequences through multiple programmable stages including wash, ultrasonic wash, compressed air blow-off, rinse, ultrasonic rinse, and heated drying. Throughout the cycle, hot cleaning solution and rinse water are continuously flushed and reverse-flushed through the blades to ensure contaminants are removed from difficult internal passages. The system utilizes heated tanks with high-capacity pumps to maintain consistent flow, temperature, and cleaning performance.
Results
The automated cleaning system delivers consistent, high-quality cleaning of turbine blades with minimal operator intervention. By integrating multiple cleaning technologies within a single programmed cycle, the system effectively removes oils, machining debris, and fine particulates from both internal and external blade surfaces. The equipment processes up to 21 blades per cycle while maintaining reliable repeatability and process control. The streamlined batch operation improves productivity while ensuring aerospace cleanliness requirements are met.
Conclusion
The RTO automated parts washer provides a dependable solution for cleaning aerospace turbine blades. Its programmable multi-stage cleaning process, combined with continuous flushing and ultrasonic agitation, ensures thorough removal of contaminants from complex blade geometries. The return-to-operator design simplifies loading and unloading while supporting consistent cycle execution and reduced manual involvement. The result is a robust cleaning system that helps aerospace manufacturers maintain high quality standards while improving operational efficiency.
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