Auxitrol Weston upgrades to MecWash MWX300

Precision aqueous cleaning specialist MecWash Systems has strengthened its long-standing relationship with Auxitrol Weston, a specialist in the manufacture of aerospace sensors and indicators. The new MWX300 parts washer was designed, manufactured and installed as a replacement to Auxitrol’s long-standing MecWash AVD system. The MWX300 is not only providing thorough, delicate cleaning, it is also delivering increased capacity.

Auxitrol Weston’s products are used in some of the most demanding aerospace applications, including engine controls, APUs, propeller gearboxes, fuel systems, landing gear, braking systems, flight control actuators and hydraulic power generation. The components are highly intricate, sensitive and safety-critical, where even microscopic contamination can affect performance, reliability and lifecycle.

Paul Jarratt, Sales Manager at MecWash, has worked with Auxitrol Weston for over 15 years. He says: “When working with manufacturers that serve the defence and aerospace sectors, we understand exactly how strict the tolerances are. Every sensor and indicator Auxitrol Weston produces has to deliver accurate data in some of the harshest environments. Since 2009, Auxitrol Weston relied on their MecWash AVD system at its Farnborough site. However, with increasing production volumes, they needed to further boost capacity, enhance process control and safeguard the integrity of their most sensitive components. We reviewed Auxitrol Weston’s applications and future capacity needs, and recommended the MWX300 system, which provides world-class performance with a robust, repeatable cleaning process.”

Ultrasonic precision cleaning for intricate, sensitive components

The MWX300 is equipped with full ultrasonic cleaning functionality of up to 30 watts per litre, providing both ultrasonic wash and ultrasonic rinse stages. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted through the wash solution, destabilising and lifting contamination from within complex geometries, blind holes and fine internal features without damaging the component surface.

Additionally, Auxitrol Weston added an Aqua-Save system to the MWX300. This allows continuous recycling of the wash and rinse solutions, greatly reducing the frequency of replacing the wash and rinse solutions.

Says Paul: “The MWX300 is ideal for small, intricate precision components such as those manufactured by Auxitrol Weston. With its smaller footprint, the system delivers the perfect aqueous cleaning system for industries with strict specifications.”

Michael Poulter, Facilities & HSE Manager at Auxitrol Weston, adds: “Our components are particularly sensitive, so it’s vital that the cleaning process is delicate enough to maintain the integrity of the products. These include level sensors, densitometers, mass flow sensors, torque sensors and analogue indicators. The sensors and indicators measure and display various physical parameters of fluids, structures and components in the aerospace industry. Our products are present on almost all major aircraft developed over the past four decades.”

He continues: “The MecWash AVD had been in continuous operation since 2009 and was beginning to show signs of wear. To maintain process efficiency, it was decided to upgrade to the new MecWash MWX300. This investment has increased productivity while also improving cleanliness and reliability. The MWX300 wash chamber was specifically designed and manufactured to accommodate all the basket types previously used in the AVD, ensuring a seamless transition to the new system without disruption to our existing processes.”

Technical expertise and long-term relationships

The ‘MecWash approach’ focuses on working closely with customers, sometimes over many years and often decades, to understand and optimise industry contamination challenges.

John Pattison, Managing Director at MecWash, understands the requirements of the defence sector: “At MecWash, we have unparalleled experience with defence and aerospace, where customers include Rolls-Royce, BAE Land Systems, UTC Aerospace Systems and Meggitt Plc. These prestigious blue-chip companies rely on our cleaning systems to effectively and reliably clean their components. Working in collaboration with manufacturers, enables us to understand the strictness of the tolerances and the specific chemicals and processes required for highly specialised applications or substrates. The component cleaning systems deliver consistently excellent results to satisfy the industry regulations.”

Continues John: “We’re confident that our systems provide excellent value for manufacturers. The power, compact size and robustness of the MWX300 provides optimum results for customers in high-precision sectors. Delivering perfectly cleaned and maintained parts ensures better performance and longer life. A more reliable operation avoids downtime and creates savings for the customer. We look forward to working with Auxitrol Weston again to support their continued success for years to come.”