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In metalworking, machine tools, automotive supply and machinery manufacturing, parts cleaning is the operation with the highest solvent consumption. Machining, casting cleaning, pre-paint degreasing — all these processes consume significant solvent volumes.
Cleaning Solvents Used in the Metal Sector
The most commonly used solvents for metal surface cleaning:
- Acetone: Standard degreaser for oil and grease, 90–95% recovery
- IPA: Precision parts cleaning, 92–96% recovery
- MEK: Strong binder and oil solvent, 87–92% recovery
- Naphtha/white spirit: Casting and heavy swarf cleaning, 80–88% recovery
Application in Machining Facilities
CNC machining centres use cutting fluid separately, but the acetone and IPA used for final parts cleaning are easily recovered. A mid-sized machining workshop using 100–300 litres of solvent monthly can achieve significant annual savings with the AR-120 model.
💡 Pre-filter solvent containing metal swarf before placing in the machine. This improves recovery quality and extends machine life.
Application in Automotive Supply
Automotive suppliers use high volumes of solvent especially for pre-paint degreasing and assembly cleaning. AR-200 or AR-500 models are designed for this scale. At large suppliers, monthly solvent savings can be substantial.
Quality Control Considerations
Recovered solvent used for metal parts cleaning must be close in purity to the original solvent. Otherwise oil residue may remain on part surfaces, affecting paint adhesion. AR-series machines offer a double-distillation option for high-purity output.
✅ AR-series output solvent purity is typically 97–99%; suitable for metal parts cleaning.
Conclusion
Solvent recovery in the metal sector is beneficial both for cost and quality. Reducing waste solvent disposal also simplifies environmental regulatory compliance.