AUTOMATED PARTS CLEANING SYSTEMS
RETURN-TO-OPERATOR (RTO) PARTS WASHERS
Better Engineering Return-to-Operator parts washers integrate automated washing, rinsing, and drying into compact work cells, returning cleaned components to the same operating area for the next step in production.
66 years
Designing Cleaning Systems
25,000 +
Machines Sold Worldwide
0 Solvents
100% Aqueous Cleaning
100%
Engineered In-House in Joppa, MD
KEEP THE PART IN THE WORK CELL.
In cellular manufacturing, every unnecessary move adds time. Sending a component away from the work cell for cleaning creates additional handling, transportation, staging, and opportunities for production to slow down.
A Return-to-Operator parts washer changes that flow.
Better Engineering RTO (return-to-operator) systems clean parts and return them to a single operating point, keeping washing closer to machining, assembly, inspection, or other manufacturing operations. Parts can be loaded manually or robotically, then automatically washed, rinsed, dried, and returned for the next production step.
With multiple RTO configurations available, the cleaning process and material handling can be engineered around the work cell, rather than requiring the work cell to be redesigned around the washer.
STANDARD MODELS AT A GLANCE
| System | Material Flow | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|
|
RTO-1000
|
Tight U-turn conveyor |
Compact work cells requiring continuous part movement |
|
RTO-2000
|
Powered vertical door with direct loading |
Manual or robotic loading of individual parts or fixtures |
|
RTO-3000 |
Carousel-style turntable |
Multiple parts processed around a rotating platform |
|
Custom RTO |
Engineered around application |
Multi-chamber, rotor, larger, or highly automated processes |
The right RTO parts washer depends on more than available floor space. Part geometry, takt time, loading method, cleaning stages, automation requirements, and how the component returns to the operator all influence system selection.
See the Cyberjet in Action
See how RTO systems automate parts cleaning while keeping loading and unloading within the same compact production area.
BUILT AROUND THE PRODUCTION CELL
Aerospace & Aviation
Automotive & EV
General MFG
Heavy Equipment & MRO
Rail & Transit
CLEAN IT. RETURN IT. KEEP PRODUCTION MOVING.
Bring automated parts cleaning into the work cell without creating another trip across the production floor.
THREE STANDARD RTO APPROACHES
RTO-1000
TURN THE CONVEYOR, NOT THE PRODUCTION LINE.
RTO-1000 systems use conveyor belting that makes a tight U-turn inside the cleaning chamber. This allows parts to travel through the cleaning process and return toward the loading area within a compact footprint.
The configuration is particularly useful when a work cell benefits from conveyor-style movement without requiring a traditional straight-through tunnel washer layout.
RTO-2000
DIRECT ACCESS FOR MANUAL OR ROBOTIC LOADING.
RTO-2000 systems use powered vertical doors and are typically configured with a dolly that rolls out of the cleaning chamber.
Parts can be loaded manually or robotically, making the platform particularly adaptable to automated machining and manufacturing cells.
RTO-3000
PROCESS MULTIPLE PARTS AROUND A CAROUSEL.
RTO-3000 systems use large carousel-style turntables that can hold multiple components at a time. Better Engineering currently identifies typical turntable diameters such as 50, 60, and 70 inches, with robotic loading available depending on the application.
RESOURCES FOR WORK-CELL PARTS CLEANING
Case studies and engineering guides built around the decisions you’re actually making.
RETURN-TO-OPERATOR PARTS WASHER FAQS
What is a Return-to-Operator parts washer?
A Return-to-Operator parts washer, or RTO washer, is an automated cleaning system that loads parts and returns them to the same general operating area. This lets you integrate washing, rinsing, and drying into compact manufacturing cells, rather than requiring components to travel to a separate cleaning operation.
Why use an RTO parts washer in cellular manufacturing?
RTO systems are designed around compact work cells and lean manufacturing layouts. Keeping loading and unloading in the same operating area reduces unnecessary part transportation and makes it easier to integrate cleaning between machining, inspection, assembly, and other production steps.
Can an RTO washer be robotically loaded?
Yes. Better Engineering can design RTO systems for robotic loading and unloading. Automation can also be integrated so the washer works as part of the larger manufacturing cell.
Can an RTO parts washer wash, rinse, and dry?
Yes. The cleaning process can incorporate multiple stages based on the application. A Better Engineering RTO-2000 robotic work-cell system, for example, uses wash, rinse, fresh rinse, and dry stages.
Are RTO washers only for small parts?
No. RTO refers primarily to the system’s production-flow concept, not a specific part size. Better Engineering offers conveyor-style, direct-load, carousel, and custom RTO configurations to accommodate different components and work-cell requirements.
How do I choose the right RTO configuration?
Start with how the part moves through the work cell. Part dimensions and weight, production takt time, manual or robotic handling, required cleaning stages, available footprint, and the operations immediately before and after cleaning all help determine the appropriate configuration.
What are the differences between Better Engineering's different RTO systems?
RTO-1000 Systems
RTO-1000 washers have conveyor belts that take a tight U-turn inside the cleaning chamber. Typical parts are washed on the incoming side, rinsed along the turn and dried on the return path.
RTO-2000 Systems
RTO-2000 Systems are super compact spray washing systems. They have powered vertical doors and can be designed with wash, rinse and dry stages. These machines can be loaded by hand or by robot. Options include: stationary platform or turntable, roll-out dolly, manual or powered, and precise positioning for robotic loading.
RTO-3000 Systems
RTO-3000 units are carousel style parts washers with a large turntable (50″, 60″, 70″, etc. in diameter) that holds several parts at any given time, thus extending the process times. In one revolution, the parts are clean and ready to be picked up.
RTO-4000 Systems
Custom Return-to-Operator systems include: 1) rotor units – utilizing a spinning action. Parts are rotated on a horizontal axis as they are spray washed to flush out any complex passageways. A dolly transports parts in and out of the rotor. 2) Multi-chamber systems – to increase production, systems can have multiple independent cleaning chambers; load one chamber while the others are in cycle. 3) Larger RTO’s – there is no size limit for Better Engineering’s Return-to-Operator systems!
SHOW US HOW THE PART MOVES THROUGH YOUR WORK CELL.
The right RTO system starts with more than the part itself. Show us the component, takt time, loading method, available footprint, cleaning requirements, and what happens immediately before and after washing. We’ll help develop a cleaning process that fits into the production flow.