Tech: Vapor Degrease

Vapor Degrease

Vapor degreasing is a simple and highly effective cleaning process that uses solvent vapors to cleanse and remove contaminants from various materials during manufacturing. It doesn’t require water or scrubbing. The process is commonly used for cleaning metal, plastic, glass, gold, and ceramic parts. Vapor degreasing typically leaves no residue on the parts being cleaned.

Vapor degreasing is a crucial step in preparing metal parts for finishing processes such as coating, bonding, or painting.



Vapor Degrease Process Overview:

The process involves the use of a solvent that is heated to its boiling point, creating vapor. The parts to be cleaned are suspended in the vapor, which condenses on the cooler surfaces of the parts, dissolving and removing contaminants such as oils, greases, and other residues. The condensed solvent, now carrying the contaminants, drips back into the boiling solvent reservoir, where it is purified and reused in a continuous cycle. This method is particularly valued for its ability to clean intricate and complex parts thoroughly and efficiently.


Benefits:

  • Quality Finish: Ensures superior surface cleanliness prior to additional processes.
  • Worker Safety: Supports safety by using non-flammable cleaning agents.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Minimal waste and no water usage.


Vapor degreasing simplifies cleaning, consistency, and sustainability in metal finishing processes and is a critical step to remove oils and coolants left from CNC manufacturing processes prior to plating.


Vapor degreasing tank operator
Vapor degreasing tank operator, Heriberto (“Eddie”), has run our vapor degrease for more than 35 years.
Clean parts after vapor degrease process.
Clean parts after vapor degreasing process in preparation for anodizing.