A multinational company specializing in engine manufacturing needed an efficient solution for washing plastic crates used to transport mechanical components. The crates were contaminated with oil, grease, and machining residues.
The goal was to quickly return the containers to the production cycle while ensuring maximum cleanliness, preserving the quality of the transported components, and eliminating any risk of contamination.
THE CHALLENGE
The plastic crates were used daily throughout different production departments to transport engines and mechanical parts. Over time, they accumulated dirt, industrial oils, emulsions, and metal particles that could compromise product quality and increase the risk of contamination during assembly operations.
In particular, contamination resulted in:
- Risk of contaminating mechanical components
- Transfer of metal chips and impurities that could cause assembly defects
- Oil and grease deposits that made crate handling more difficult and less safe
- Deterioration of the containers and reduced readability of labels and traceability systems
For the automotive industry, plastic crate washing is an essential process to ensure high-quality standards, production continuity, and efficient internal logistics.
THE SOLUTION: LINEAR WASHING TUNNEL
To meet these requirements, a custom-designed Linear Industrial Washing Tunnel (Tunnel L) was installed. The system was engineered according to the dimensions of the plastic crates, the required production capacity, and the desired cleaning performance. The solution was developed to integrate seamlessly into the customer’s production flow, ensuring a continuous, reliable, and easily automated process.
The crates are automatically conveyed through the different stages of the washing cycle, including washing, rinsing, and hot-air drying. Special spray nozzle manifolds evenly distribute the cleaning solution over all internal and external surfaces, ensuring the complete removal of oils, grease, emulsions, and machining residues.
The industrial plastic crate washing system completes the washing cycle with air blowing and hot-air oven drying, ensuring perfectly dry plastic crates, free of residual moisture and ready for immediate reuse in the production line
Like all Teknox industrial washing tunnels, this system was configured according to the customer’s product characteristics and manufacturing process, defining the number of treatment stages, the handling system, and the level of automation best suited to the application.
The washing system can be easily integrated into automatic production lines with either manual or robotic loading and unloading systems, ensuring maximum production flexibility.
Thanks to its customized design, the linear washing tunnel delivers high productivity, consistent cleaning results over time, simplified maintenance, and optimized energy consumption, providing a reliable solution for the continuous washing of industrial plastic crates used in modern manufacturing processes.
DETERGENT USED
For this application, XL 10 was used at a 3% concentration. This industrial detergent is specifically formulated for the washing of plastic crates and containers contaminated with oils, grease, emulsions, and machining residues.
Thanks to its excellent degreasing properties, XL 10 effectively removes even the most stubborn contaminants while preserving the integrity of the plastic crates and ensuring consistently high cleaning performance over time.
RESULTS ACHIEVED
The installation of the Teknox linear washing tunnel delivered significant operational benefits:
- Washing capacity of 200 plastic crates per hour
- Complete removal of oil residues and contaminants
- Prevention of component contamination during transport
- Improved safety and organization within the production area
- Fast return of the crates to the logistics cycle, increasing operational efficiency
- Standardized washing process with consistent and repeatable cleaning results
Thanks to its fully customized design, the linear washing tunnel is the ideal solution for the industrial washing of plastic crates, reusable containers, and handling supports used in the automotive, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing industries.
Its tailor-made configuration ensures outstanding cleaning performance, continuous production, consistent results, and maximum process reliability, even in high-volume manufacturing environments.
Looking for the best washing solution for your application or need personalized technical advice? Contact our experts today and request a customized consultation.
