Optimized for fine cleaning

Aligned with the efficient cleaning of components with film-like contaminants, is the new workpiece carrier system from LK Mechanik.

Managing Director Matthias Kroll: "Our new cleaning bins minimize contamination and shorten the drying time, leading to a reduction in process durations."

Heart of the new workpiece carrier system from LK Mechanik are thin-walled and weight-optimized stainless steel cleaning baskets that can hold up to 25 kg of material. They are stackable and roller conveyor compatible.

Designed for efficient cleaning of components with filmic contaminants, LK Mechanik's new workpiece carrier system is a state-of-the-art solution. In its first expansion stage, it consists of thin-walled stainless steel baskets available in two sizes, whose sophisticated construction ensures optimal cleaning and drainage behavior, resulting in short process times. They are characterized by high manufacturing quality and can be integrated into automated cleaning and production processes.

The new standard basket system, known as the S-basket system from LK Mechanik, opens up numerous possibilities for process optimization for manufacturers and suppliers of components with especially high requirements for technical cleanliness. Its stainless steel cleaning baskets, developed according to high-purity criteria, are designed for the highly efficient, production-integrated cleaning of workpieces with filmic contamination and support the implementation of traceability concepts based on the Data Matrix Code (DMC). During the development of the new carrier system, LK Mechanik's engineers primarily focused on very high purity standards and material flow requirements, such as those common in the electronics industry, component manufacturing in energy generation and storage, and optical component production. "For a long time, the focus in industrial part cleaning was primarily on particulate contamination; however, the removal of filmic contaminants is increasingly gaining importance for quality assurance. This paradigm shift is particularly noticeable among users of adhesive, painting, and coating processes," says Matthias Kroll, managing director of the Hüttenberg-based company.

From the industry, for the industry

The new workpiece cleaning baskets from LK Mechanik were developed as part of a recently completed large-scale project in collaboration with VACOM cleanFAB, one of the leading cleaning service providers in the high purity sector. Among other things, the project aimed to realize a system solution for production-integrated fine cleaning of medium and small components. During their development, numerous factors had to be considered. In addition to high purity requirements, the engineers also took into account the geometry of the components, handling compatibility with cleaning systems, the use of specialized cleaning chemicals, and many other process parameters. "Throughout all development iterations, we coordinated closely with renowned equipment manufacturers in cleaning technology," emphasizes Matthias Kroll.

The core of the new workpiece carrier system consists of thin-walled, weight-optimized stainless steel cleaning baskets that can hold up to 25 kg of material. They are stackable and compatible with roller conveyors, initially available in two sizes: 525 x 310 x 200 mm and 525 x 620 x 400 mm. These are standard dimensions that correlate with most current market-relevant cleaning systems. Despite their small basket surface and reduced mass design, they are characterized by high mechanical stability and torsional rigidity. Thanks to their electrochemically treated surfaces, harmonized and leveled weld seams, and numerous clever details, they ensure excellent cleaning and drainage behavior of the media. "This way, our baskets minimize carryover and shorten drying times, leading to reduced process durations," explains Matthias Kroll. The system offering also includes partition walls, insert trays, and lids with one-handed closures, as well as product-specific tools for optimal holding of the components to be cleaned.

Seamless traceability in the process

The new workpiece carriers from LK Mechanik are also designed to be easily integrated into production workflows whose traceability (DMC-based) is based on the principle of Data Matrix coding. Specifically: The wash baskets feature Data Matrix codes on all four sides, ensuring their unique and comprehensive identification—regardless of where they are in the cleaning or manufacturing process. The baskets are process-capable both individually and in pairs, thanks to lightweight mechanical connections. Special contact points on their end faces also allow for easy and automatic handling in lifting, positioning, or conveying devices. And last but not least: tailored small parts carrier sets (KBTK) are available for cleaning small components.

Innovative workpiece carrier systems like LK Mechanik's new S-basket system significantly influence the efficiency of part cleaning processes and, consequently, manufacturing and energy costs. They make a substantial contribution to environmental protection and quality assurance in manufacturing. As a result, they have become an immediate factor in the value chain.