“Historically, we’ve used an open-top trichloroethylene tank,” explains Clamason’s quality manager Paul Edwards. “However, the recently tightened Solvent Emissions Directive (SED) regulations set us thinking about sourcing a different cleaning method.”

A new Pero V2 solvent vapour degreasing system provided the answer.

“Not only does the V2 ensure that we meet the SED legislation, but also the cleaning results are far superior and more consistent compared with our old open-top trichloroethylene tank,” says Mr Edwards. “We would previously find dirty parts in the middle of baskets that would require reprocessing. This simply doesn’t happen any more.”

An added advantage is that solvent loss has also been cut significantly. Using its open-top trichloroethylene tank, Clamason would lose approximately 14 tonnes of solvent every year. Now solvent loss is estimated at less than 2/3 barrel per year, representing a considerable financial saving.

“We operate in a very competitive market with the highest quality requirements,” concludes Mr Edwards. “Our customers expect clean parts, but unfortunately without incurring any price rise. Hence we have to clean our components through a non value-added process in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible without compromising quality. The Pero V2 has provided this capability.”

Established 60 years ago, Clamason Industries is a highly service-orientated, independent UK manufacturer and assembler of precision pressings serving a broad spectrum of global customers from its manufacturing bases at Kingswinford (West Midlands) and Nitra (Slovakia).

Current turnover is spread over half-a-dozen key market sectors – automotive engineering and medical together comprising two-thirds, with the remaining third consisting of home entertainments, building products, electrical accessories and disparate niche markets.

Typical parts include airbag inflator housings, ladder platforms, set top boxes for digital TV, central heating boiler parts, vehicle engine control units, car radio housings, window hardware, tiny medical pressings and electrical contacts.