For many companies and organizations, using metal cleaning solutions is an inevitable part of supporting industrial work processes. However, while there may be plenty of metal cleaning solutions to choose from, choosing the right ones for your applications requires some important considerations. Below are six considerations that can help you choose metal cleaning solutions that are right for the metal you must clean and the kinds of soils you need to remove.
- Type of Metal
Most important of all is selecting a cleaning solution whose formulation will clean the metal without degrading its surface quality. The appearance of the metal you’re cleaning may not be overly important. But it’s crucial to note that what are considered blemishes are often the beginning of corrosion that can progress until it weakens the dimensional stability of parts.
- Type of Soils
Once you’ve clearly identified the metal (i.e. the grade of stainless steel), you can target metal cleaning solutions specifically formulated for removing certain soils from your metal. This is typically the easiest step. You match information about the metal with information about the soils to generate a list of cleaner options that will be further refined by the four steps below.
- Machine or Manual Washing?
If you clean metal parts in a parts washing system, step three is choosing cleaners that are compatible with your parts washer concerning the type of cleaning process it performs (e.g., vapor degreasing) and the material construction of the washing chamber.
Also, if you use a machine, and the washer has a value-added benefit such as solvent recycling, you may wish to choose a cleaner that lets you take advantage of the special feature.
- Geometry of Parts
If you use a parts washer, the geometry of your parts shouldn’t be of much concern. The washer is presumably designed to clean parts whose geometries range from simple to complex.
However, if parts are cleaned manually using wipes, aerosol, spray, etc., it’s important to choose a cleaner whose formulation and method of application support soil removal. Speaking with one of our chemists can be of great help for choosing a cleaner under these considerations.
- Stock or Custom Cleaner?
You shouldn’t have trouble finding a solvent that offers the basic performance properties you need (e.g., good efficacy, non-residue, highly evaporative, low flashpoint, etc.), but it isn’t uncommon to experience a special need that eliminates stock solvents from your range of options (e.g., concurrently removing multiple soils not often found in unison).
In this situation, ordering a custom solvent is the best option. In case you end up needing the option, it’s a good idea to start out shopping for cleaners at suppliers that offer it.
- EPA Regulations
Some metal cleaning solutions available today may not be available in the near future due to toxic ingredients the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is scheduled to regulate or ban. Using these cleaners is essentially living on borrowed time. Visit the EPA to learn about chemicals that are scheduled for regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
About Ecolink
Ecolink is a supplier of environmentally preferred, industrial grade solvents, including a wide selection of cleaners for metals. Providing readymade and custom solutions to companies and organizations of various sizes, in numerous industries, we make it easy to know you’re getting the right cleaners by supplying product samples you can try for free, with no obligations.
For more information, call us today at 800-563-1305, or send us an email using our contact form. We’d love to talk!
Selecting Metal Cleaning Solutions in 6 Steps
/in Industrial Cleaning Solutions/by Industrial DegreasersFor many companies and organizations, using metal cleaning solutions is an inevitable part of supporting industrial work processes. However, while there may be plenty of metal cleaning solutions to choose from, choosing the right ones for your applications requires some important considerations. Below are six considerations that can help you choose metal cleaning solutions that are right for the metal you must clean and the kinds of soils you need to remove.
Most important of all is selecting a cleaning solution whose formulation will clean the metal without degrading its surface quality. The appearance of the metal you’re cleaning may not be overly important. But it’s crucial to note that what are considered blemishes are often the beginning of corrosion that can progress until it weakens the dimensional stability of parts.
Once you’ve clearly identified the metal (i.e. the grade of stainless steel), you can target metal cleaning solutions specifically formulated for removing certain soils from your metal. This is typically the easiest step. You match information about the metal with information about the soils to generate a list of cleaner options that will be further refined by the four steps below.
If you clean metal parts in a parts washing system, step three is choosing cleaners that are compatible with your parts washer concerning the type of cleaning process it performs (e.g., vapor degreasing) and the material construction of the washing chamber.
Also, if you use a machine, and the washer has a value-added benefit such as solvent recycling, you may wish to choose a cleaner that lets you take advantage of the special feature.
If you use a parts washer, the geometry of your parts shouldn’t be of much concern. The washer is presumably designed to clean parts whose geometries range from simple to complex.
However, if parts are cleaned manually using wipes, aerosol, spray, etc., it’s important to choose a cleaner whose formulation and method of application support soil removal. Speaking with one of our chemists can be of great help for choosing a cleaner under these considerations.
You shouldn’t have trouble finding a solvent that offers the basic performance properties you need (e.g., good efficacy, non-residue, highly evaporative, low flashpoint, etc.), but it isn’t uncommon to experience a special need that eliminates stock solvents from your range of options (e.g., concurrently removing multiple soils not often found in unison).
In this situation, ordering a custom solvent is the best option. In case you end up needing the option, it’s a good idea to start out shopping for cleaners at suppliers that offer it.
Some metal cleaning solutions available today may not be available in the near future due to toxic ingredients the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is scheduled to regulate or ban. Using these cleaners is essentially living on borrowed time. Visit the EPA to learn about chemicals that are scheduled for regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
About Ecolink
Ecolink is a supplier of environmentally preferred, industrial grade solvents, including a wide selection of cleaners for metals. Providing readymade and custom solutions to companies and organizations of various sizes, in numerous industries, we make it easy to know you’re getting the right cleaners by supplying product samples you can try for free, with no obligations.
For more information, call us today at 800-563-1305, or send us an email using our contact form. We’d love to talk!
Rust Removing Solvents: Benefits of Rust Rip from Ecolink
/in Rust Removal/by Industrial DegreasersRust is a common sight on industrial equipment and parts, but it doesn’t have to be. Just because metal rusts doesn’t mean it has weak dimensional stability. However, if rusting progresses unchecked, it will eventually devour the metal it affects, literally turning it into a pile of rust over the course of months or years.
Companies and organizations can prevent rust by applying Rust Rip rust remover and phosphatizer to surface accumulations of rust before they progress deep into the metal. Rust Rip is one of the best rust removing solvents for industrial users. Below are four reasons why.
Some industrial rust removing solvents are formulated for ferrous metals, others are created for non-ferrous metals, and still others are designed to remove rust from both types of metal. Rust Rip belongs in the third category of industrial rust removing solvents; it removes rust from ferrous and non-ferrous metals equally well, with no unexpected surprises in store.
Non-flammability is always considered a positive trait of an industrial solvent. But the true value of a non-flammable formulation depends on the work environment where the solvent is applied. If you need to apply or store rust removing solvents in areas that have sources of ignition, Rust Rip lets you do it without jeopardizing the fire safety of workers and the building itself.
As stated on Rust Rip’s product page, “[Rust Rip] destroys the corrosive agents that support oxidation and leaves a clean, rust-free, metal surface… [creating] minute inert elements that become an integral part of the metal surface, without changing tolerances, and prevent further rusting.”
Known as phosphatizing, this process creates a surface that’s perfect for paint bonding. Coating equipment and parts in paint that thwarts rust development is an excellent rust protection measure — a measure made possible by properly applying Rust Rip.
Rust negatively affects practically any characteristic you would desire in metal, including ductility that provides flexibility, hardness that delivers strength, and softness that makes metal easy to form into parts with a machine.
Keeping metal rust-free with Rust Rip makes it easier for metal to retain the properties required to supply it with these metallurgical characteristics and others. Rust has no place in industrial metallurgy. Rust Rip helps ensure that rust stays away.
Place Your Order Today
If you’re shopping for environmentally preferred rust removing solvents that treat ferrous and non-ferrous metals, are non-flammable, promote paint bonding via phosphatization, and help preserve the functionality of metal, Rust Rip is a good match for your needs.
If you have additional requirements that Rust Rip doesn’t address, we can create a custom solvent that is tailored to your needs. To see how one of our solvents works before you order, simply request a free sample — no strings attached.
Place your order for Rust Rip today through our website, call us at 800-563-1305, or send us an email using our contact form. Use Rust Rip to banish rust and prevent further rusting!
Custom Aqueous Solvents: How to Purchase Them Economically
/in Aqueous Cleaning Agents/by Industrial DegreasersMost companies and organizations that invest in custom aqueous solvents do so out of necessity. They need a water based solvent but can’t find a ready made solution that meets their needs. The only option is creating a custom solvent that addresses all requirements.
Because custom aqueous solvents are manufactured from scratch, they frequently cost a bit more than stock solvents. You may have no option but to pay the price; however, there are four simple steps you can take to purchase your solvent economically. Let’s look at what they are.
Suppliers of custom aqueous solvents have different price structures, so it pays to shop around, as the old saying goes. Chances are that most of the quotes you receive will be in the same ballpark, but one price will be lower than the rest.
Choosing a supplier that offers the best price points is the first step toward saving money on your aqueous solvent purchase. But before you buy, confirm that the price is the regular price, not a special offer that won’t be available the next time you need to order solvent.
You have the option of purchasing your solvent in ready to use form or in concentrated form that must be diluted with water. If you’re familiar with the water dilution process for the type of solvent you need, buying in concentrated form allows you to use the highest percentage of water, while maintaining the efficacy of the solvent for the application.
The volume in which you order a custom aqueous solvent also impacts price. For large-scale solvent users, buying in bulk is commonly the best option, as it typically offers a lower price per volume than a standard purchase. For small-scale users, purchasing solvent on an as-needed basis is often the best option. It allows them to use only as much solvent as required and prevents over investing.
Whether you can recycle your solvent depends on its formulation and how you use the solution. For example, using a vapor degreasing solvent in a closed parts washer can facilitate solvent recycling, as long as the washer has the technology required for the job. If you can recycle your solvent, it could become a big cost saver in the long run.
Get Custom Aqueous Solvents Here
Ecolink is a seasoned supplier of eco friendly cleaners available in stock and custom formulations. We have years of experience creating unique solvents for the unique needs of specific users. We offer eco friendly, custom aqueous solvents that are ready to use or come in concentrated form, provide a variety of supply volume options, and supply free test samples of solvents on request.
To get started on creating a custom aqueous solvent, please call us today at 800-563-1305, or send us an email through our contact form. We look forward to supplying a custom solution at a competitive price you can afford!
How to Replace TCE Vapor Degreaser in 4 Steps
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersTCE vapor degreaser works like a charm, so why would you want to replace it? If you’re in the position of most companies and organizations that plan to replace TCE vapor degreaser, the reason is twofold: Chemicals TCE contains are toxic to humans and natural ecosystems.
This is why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking steps that appear headed toward the official ban or heavy regulation of TCE. Right now, TCE users are in the position to voluntarily replace TCE vapor degreaser or replace it by legal precedent when regulations kick in. According to senior EPA officials, voluntary replacement is the most hassle-free, cost effective option.
According to Wendy Cleland-Hamnett, director of the EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), “Voluntary efforts are frequently quicker and more cost-effective than regulations … But where we can’t do it through voluntary efforts, we will pursue regulations.” Below are four simple steps that you can take to replace TCE vapor degreaser voluntarily.
Specifically, focus on choosing a provider of “environmentally safe” and “environmentally prefered” cleaners. Solvents that fall under one of these classifications are virtually guaranteed to remain free of EPA regulations. You can depend on using an environmentally safe or an environmentally prefered TCE replacement for many years to come.
Selecting a provider that offers both stock and custom cleaners gives you the widest range of TCE replacement options. There’s good chance you can find a stock solvent that meets your requirements. If not, working with a provider of custom solvents brings the opportunity to acquire a unique solution that’s tailored to your needs.
After you identify a provider, request assistance with replacing your TCE degreaser, as needed. Examples of important information the provider can offer includes: solvent and parts washer compatibility, safety measures that should be taken with a particular solvent, and emissions per volume based on how the solvent is used, to name just a few.
Not all providers offer this option, but those that do generally offer the highest level of customer service. For example, Ecolink supplies free test samples of all of our products. Simply request a product sample through our website, and see for yourself how the cleaner performs. After you observe the results, you can make a highly educated buying decision.
Contact Ecolink Today
TCE has worked well as an industrial degreaser for many years, but its chemical safety profile is too dangerous to workers and the environment to remain unregulated. The regulations may be an impediment to TCE users right now, but they’re ultimately a blessing. When you replace TCE vapor degreaser with a safer solution, you become a better steward to your workers and the environment.
Ready to replace TCE vapor degreaser? Call us today at 800-563-1305, or use our contact form. We look forward to presenting TCE replacements that are safer but just as efficacious as TCE.
Solvent Cleaning 101: What is a Polar Solvent?
/in Electrical Contact Cleaning Solutions/by Industrial DegreasersIf you’re shopping for industrial cleaning solvents, you may have run across the term “polarity” in your search. If you’re not a chemist or a salesperson for a solvent company, you may be wondering what the term means and why it’s significant. Below, we provide a simple definition of a polar solvent and explain why this type of solvent is important to cleaning operations.
What is a Polar Solvent?
Polar solvents contain molecules that maintain an electrical charge that has low amperage, which means the amount of electrical current flowing between the molecules is low on the amperage scale. The most common example of a polar molecule is water; it contains one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms that are set at an angle to the oxygen atom, creating a minor imbalance in the electrical charge (a.k.a. polarity) of the water molecule.
If you place a solid in water, it can dissolve due to the solid’s molecules attracting to the electrical charge of the water molecules. For example, salt dissolves in this manner when placed in water. The same thing can happen when you subject a soil to a polar cleaning solvent. However, a polar solvent will not readily dissolve non-polar materials. This is why polarity is one of the chief considerations when choosing a solvent for removing specific types of accumulations.
Dielectric Constancy
Polar solvents for industrial applications are frequently classified by dielectric constancy, which is measured by what’s known as a polarity index. Encyclopedia Britannica defines dielectric constant as the “property of an electrical insulating material (i.e., a dielectric) equal to the ratio of the capacitance of a capacitor filled with the given material to the capacitance of an identical capacitor in a vacuum without the dielectric material.”
More to the point of our purpose here, Britannica goes on to explain, “Dielectric constants of liquids and solids may be determined by comparing the value of the capacitance when the dielectric is in place to its value when the capacitor is filled with air.”
When we use a polar solvent to remove soils from a material, we use it to remove polar materials. Otherwise, we’d perform the cleaning process repeatedly, without good results. This is why choosing a cleaning solvent without knowledge of the solvent’s polarity and the polarity of the soil(s) that need to be removed can hamper productivity and waste time and money. It’s also why you can’t go wrong by speaking with a solvent chemist before you place a solvent order.
Need a Polar Solvent?
If you’re not sure, contact Ecolink. Our team of chemists are here to produce efficacious, eco friendly solvents, and help you select the right option for your requirements. If one of our stock solutions doesn’t hit the mark, we’ll formulate a custom solution that works flawlessly. Plus, we’ll send you a free sample of what you plan to order, so you can see how it works before buying.
Call us today at 1-800-563-1305, or use our contact form. We look forward to assisting you!