Enhancing production with a second MecWash parts washer

HellermannTyton, a global specialist in cable management solutions, supplies high-performance products to the aerospace, automotive and electrical sectors. At its Plymouth facility the company focuses on the manufacture of heat-shrinkable tubing and related components, where maintaining dimensional integrity during production is essential. These components must be cleaned thoroughly without being exposed to excessive heat, as temperatures above 38°C would trigger premature shrinkage and make the parts unusable. The challenge of protecting product quality while accommodating rising output led HellermannTyton to explore an increase in cleaning capacity.

The company had already invested in a MecWash Midi system, which had delivered reliable and consistent performance over many years. However, increases in production volumes meant that an additional system was required, one capable of handling the technical demands of washing heat-shrinkable tubing and the operational expectation of continuous round-the-clock processing. The specific difficulty lay in removing silicone residue, which is famously resistant to standard cleaning techniques, while ensuring that the components were never exposed to damaging levels of heat.

After consultation with MecWash Systems, HellermannTyton selected the MecWash MWX400, a precision aqueous parts washing system engineered for complex cleaning applications and sensitive materials. Working closely with HellermannTyton, MecWash developed a solution that combined ultrasonic cleaning with specialist cleaning chemistry and carefully controlled low-temperature drying. MecWash AC33, a formulation designed specifically for plastics, was used to protect the integrity of the delicate components while ensuring a consistently high cleaning standard. The ultrasonic cleaning cycle enables stubborn silicone residues to be dislodged and removed, and the drying process is tightly regulated so that the temperature never exceeds the 38°C threshold.

Paul Jarratt, Sales Manager at MecWash Systems, emphasises the importance of the solution to the customer’s manufacturing process, explaining that maintaining product integrity is critical for HellermannTyton. He notes that the MWX400’s ultrasonic cleaning action targets silicone contamination without compromising component structure, while precise low-temperature drying safeguards the heat-sensitive nature of the tubing.

The installation of the MWX400 has already delivered significant benefits. Production capability has increased markedly, enabling genuine 24-hour operation without any loss of consistency or product quality. The complete removal of silicone residues protects performance and provides reliable repeatability across high volumes of components processed each day. The purchase of a second MecWash system demonstrates HellermannTyton’s confidence in the technology as well as the company’s long-term relationship with MecWash Systems.

Steve Walker, Continuous Improvement Engineer at HellermannTyton, confirms that the MWX400 has been instrumental in boosting throughput while securing stringent quality standards. He highlights that the system consistently maintains the exact temperature required to protect the heat-shrinkable materials, eliminates even the most persistent contamination, and is dependable during continuous operation.

MecWash has been a pioneer in advanced aqueous cleaning for more than three decades, supporting industries that demand exceptional cleanliness and performance, including automotive, aerospace, medical and hydraulics. According to Managing Director John Pattison, the repeat order from HellermannTyton reflects the loyalty of customers who value long-term reliability. He explains that the combination of the Midi and the MWX400 has produced substantial gains in efficiency at the Plymouth site, and with appropriate maintenance the systems are designed to continue delivering outstanding performance for many years.

With the integration of the MecWash MWX400, HellermannTyton has reinforced the strength and scalability of its production operations. The collaboration highlights the vital role of precision cleaning technology in safeguarding product standards and demonstrates MecWash’s capability to engineer tailored systems for applications where reliability and consistency are essential.