INTRODUCTION

Cleaning consists of the removal of contaminating or otherwise unwanted liquid, solid, or semisolid matter from the surfaces of a component. Though too often not considered a part of the manufacturing process, cleaning operations are very important in industrial production. They are also very common, perhaps the most frequently occurring of all manufacturing operations.

Cleaning operations are specified to put a component into proper condition for subsequent events. Most cleaning is for in-process use: to prepare the part for the next manufacturing operation, e.g., further machining, painting, plating, or assembly. Some cleaning is performed prior to storage to remove corrosives. Some is performed as a final operation to put the product in proper condition for sale and for use.

The choice of cleaning process to be used depends on three major factors: (1) the soil to be removed, (2) the degree of cleanliness required, and (3) the cost of cleaning. Part design is another factor, although a lesser one. It may influence the method of application of the cleaning agent.

Specifying the degree of cleanliness required is not easy. Normally, painting, plating, and other finishing operations require the highest degree of cleanliness. However, the degree of cleanliness required for a finishing operation is seldom specified on a parts drawing. Instead, it is left to...