Achieving Optimal Cleanliness in Precision Manufacturing
Kemet International Ltd is an expert in precision lapping and polishing technologies. The company has been providing innovative solutions for achieving precise geometry and finish for over 85 years. Kemet's solutions cater to various industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and optics. They are widely used in the manufacturing of critical components such as turbine blades, hydraulic valves, and medical implants.
Kemet understands that achieving the perfect finish is not enough. Maintaining that finish is also critical to ensure the longevity and performance of the components. Even a microscopic film of lapping compound, swarf, or oil residue left on a precision-finished surface can compromise sealing performance, accelerate wear, or cause rejection during quality inspection. Hence, the company has established strategic partnerships with world-leading manufacturers of ultrasonic cleaning equipment and aqueous-based cleaning fluids, allowing Kemet to offer a genuine end-to-end process — from rough lapping through to final validated cleanliness.
Why Precision Cleanliness Matters
As tolerances tighten across aerospace, automotive, medical, and optical manufacturing, component cleanliness has become just as important as dimensional accuracy and surface finish. Contaminants trapped in micro-scale surface features can lead to premature bearing failure, valve leakage, or implant rejection. Many customers now work to recognised cleanliness standards such as ISO 16232 and VDA 19, which set strict limits on residual particle count and size. Kemet's cleaning systems are designed to help manufacturers meet and document compliance with these demanding specifications.
How Ultrasonic Cleaning Works
Ultrasonic cleaning equipment is a highly efficient and effective way of cleaning intricate and hard-to-reach surfaces. It works by using high-frequency sound waves to create tiny bubbles in the cleaning solution, which then collapse rapidly in a process known as cavitation, generating high-pressure micro-jets that dislodge contamination from the surface. Because the cleaning action reaches into blind holes, threads, undercuts, and other complex geometries that brushes or spray washers cannot access, ultrasonic cleaning consistently outperforms manual and conventional cleaning methods. The result is a clean, residue-free surface that is ready for further processing, inspection, coating, or assembly.
Modular Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems for Every Stage of Production
Kemet's Finnsonic range of modular industrial ultrasonic cleaners is designed to provide a complete process line. The equipment comes in sizes ranging from 40 to 160 litres and includes rinse tanks, hot air dryers, filtration, and transport systems. Each module can be configured and combined to match the exact cleanliness requirement, throughput, and part geometry of the application, allowing for a seamless and efficient cleaning process from initial degreasing through to final rinse and drying. For specific applications, Kemet can design and manufacture more complex systems, ranging from large single tanks to fully automated mass production systems integrated directly into a production line.
Bench-Top Cleaners for Smaller-Scale Operations
In addition to ultrasonic cleaning equipment, Kemet also offers a range of bench-top cleaners for smaller-scale operations. These cleaners come in sizes ranging from 5 to 30 litres and are ideal for research and development labs, small-scale production facilities, tool rooms, and maintenance workshops where a compact footprint and lower throughput are required, without compromising on cleaning performance.
Environmentally-Friendly, Aqueous-Based Cleaning Fluids
Kemet understands the importance of using environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions. That's why all of its ultrasonic cleaning equipment is designed for use with aqueous detergents, which are more environmentally friendly than traditional solvent-based systems and help customers reduce their reliance on hazardous chemicals. Kemet offers biodegradable cleaning fluids from NGL Cleaning Technology, which has over 300 standard cleaning fluids, including neutral, alkaline, or acid types formulated for specific metals, contaminants, and process requirements. Customers can avail themselves of free trials by Kemet's technical specialists to establish the perfect solution to their cleaning challenges, ensuring the chosen fluid delivers optimal results without damaging sensitive substrates or finishes.
Technical Support, Trials, and Aftercare
To ensure that customers can maintain a high standard cleaning cell with minimal disruption, Kemet offers technical and practical support at every stage of the process. The company's technical specialists can offer free trials to establish the best cleaning solution for each customer, testing actual components under real process conditions to verify results before any commitment is made. They can also provide training on how to use and maintain the equipment, helping operators get the most consistent results from day one. Kemet's after-sales/service department can provide maintenance and repair services, ensuring that the equipment is always in optimal condition and minimising costly production downtime.
A Complete Precision Manufacturing Partner
By combining decades of expertise in precision lapping and polishing with market-leading ultrasonic cleaning equipment and cleaning fluids, Kemet International offers manufacturers a single, trusted partner for the entire surface finishing process. Whether you need a compact bench-top cleaner for a research lab or a fully automated multistage cleaning line for high-volume production, Kemet's team can help specify, supply, and support the right solution for your application.