AQUEOUS CLEANING

WHAT IS AQUEOUS CLEANING?

Aqueous cleaning is a water-based part cleaning method that uses chemistry, temperature, agitation, and rinsing to remove oils, greases, particulates, and residues from metal, plastic, and composite parts. Unlike solvent-based cleaning, it’s more environmentally friendly, safer for operators, and effective on both precision and high-volume parts.

    • Environmentally Safer: No harsh solvents or hazardous emissions

    • Cost-Effective: Scalable for high-volume production

    • Versatile: Compatible with a wide range of materials and part sizes

    • Thorough: Removes oils, chips, coolants, and contaminants without damaging parts

    • Post-Clean Ready: Parts are clean and residue-free for coating, bonding, or further processing

  • Aqueous cleaning provides the balance of volume efficiency, regulatory compliance, and dependable results manufacturers expect. In industries where part performance depends on surface cleanliness, whether for bonding, coating, or assembly —cutting corners on cleaning isn't an option.

    Arrow Finishing uses high-performance aqueous systems engineered for throughput without compromising quality.

  • Aqueous Cleaning

    • Water-based process using heat, detergents, and mechanical agitation

    • Ideal for large, durable parts or high-volume production

    • Suitable for removing oils, chips, coolant, and light particulates

    • Best for: Aerospace, Automotive, General Manufacturing

    • Materials: Steel, aluminum, plastics, composites

    • Part size: Medium to large with simple to moderate geometries

    Ultrasonic Cleaning

    • Uses high-frequency sound waves to create cavitation bubbles in liquid

    • Ideal for delicate, intricate, or complex-shaped parts

    • Reaches into tight crevices, blind holes, and internal passages

    • Best for: Medical Devices, Aerospace, Semiconductor

    • Materials: Stainless steel, titanium, glass, ceramics

    • Part size: Small to mid-sized, precision-critical components

    Degreasing (Solvent or Vapor Degreasing)

    • Uses solvent-based systems to dissolve and lift oils, waxes, and heavy grease

    • Often used as a pre-cleaning step or for very oily components

    • Fast and effective on surfaces not sensitive to solvents

    • Best for: Automotive, Tooling, Heavy Equipment, Defense

    • Materials: Metals only (not plastic-safe unless specified)

    • Part size: Varies, but most effective on simple external surfaces

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