Challenge
A North American stamping company needed a reliable way to clean lightweight aluminum stampings used for ECU casings. After pressing, the parts moved directly to a conveyor washer, but their low mass made them susceptible to shifting during the wash cycle. To ensure process stability and prevent part movement across all four washer modules, the customer required a full-length hold-down belt that could secure the aluminum pieces throughout the entire cleaning path.
Approach
The customer supplied dirty sample parts to Better Engineering’s test center for evaluation. Lab testing confirmed that BE’s cleaning technology effectively removed stamping oils and produced fully dry aluminum components. From there, the laboratory quality manager worked closely with BE’s engineering team to design a custom solution focused on safe part handling. The result was an engineered approach that ensured the lightweight stampings remained firmly in place while achieving consistent cleaning and drying performance.
Results
Better Engineering developed a customized Cyberjet C-14-S2-S2-DH-DH conveyor washer equipped to meet the customer’s specialized requirements. The system includes a full-length hold-down belt, two drying stages, and a high-speed 20 FPM conveyor to support production throughput. Additional features increase ease of use, reliability, and maintenance access.
Key outcomes:
- Full-length chip basket with service access
- Custom-engineered Cyberjet C-14-S2-S2-DH-DH conveyor washer
- Secure hold-down system to stabilize lightweight aluminum parts
- Water level controls and in-line bag filtration
- Oil-skimming belt and steam exhaust system
- Multiple access panels including marine clean-out door
- Two drying stages for 100% dry parts
Conclusion
This project demonstrated the value of partnering with an experienced manufacturer capable of engineering tailored cleaning solutions. The customer gained a high-performance washer that solves a unique handling challenge while offering room for future flexibility. The Cyberjet system’s adjustable frame accommodates part heights from 0.250″ to 2″, ensuring the equipment can support upcoming product lines. Better Engineering’s depth of expertise, spanning laboratory testing, mechanical design, and application engineering, enabled a reliable, long-term solution for the customer’s ECU casing cleaning needs.
Interested in finding your solution? Contact us for more information, a facility tour, or free part testing.