Semi-automatic parts washers

Semi-automatic parts washers: when and why to choose them

Semi-automatic parts washers are the ideal solution for companies operating with medium to high production volumes but maintaining variability in the types of components to be treated. 

Unlike fully automated systems, semi-automatic machines offer greater management flexibility, allowing operators to intervene in the washing cycle, adjust parameters in real-time, and quickly adapt to production changes.

This approach is particularly advantageous for:

• Small and medium-sized enterprises where investment in fully automated lines is not justified but significant cycle time reductions are required.
• Mechanical workshops handling varied orders with components of different shapes and sizes.
• Companies in complex sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and medical, where cleaning quality is critical and requires constant control.
• Production realities to keep an operational team involved in the process, ensuring quality through direct control.

A semi-automatic parts washers significantly reduces manual labour time compared to pure manual washing while maintaining the ability for human intervention during critical moments of the process. 

The cycle is managed by PLC and intuitive touchscreen interfaces, allowing operators to monitor temperatures, pressures, and cycle durations precisely.

Washing Technologies Integrated in Teknox semi-automatic tanks

Teknox offers various washing technologies within the range of semi-automatic parts washers, each optimised for specific applications and contaminants.

Rotary basket parts washers: P SMALL and P MEDIUM Series

The rotary basket technology is one of the most versatile and widespread in the industrial field. The basket, housed inside the tank, rotates during the washing cycle, ensuring energetic and uniform action on all components. This solution is particularly effective for:

• Removal of metal chips and debris from CNC machining.
• Intensive degreasing of heat-treated components or those coated with full oils.
• Washing of small parts and assemblies requires high cycle frequency.

The P MEDIUM series from Teknox accommodates loads up to 300 kg, with tank sizes that allow for the treatment of medium-large components, while the P SMALL series is ideal for small parts production, with a capacity of 100 kg and compact dimensions. Both versions can be configured as HT hot tank parts washers, with heating up to 80°C to enhance the cleaning action on stubborn contaminants.

Air agitation: BOOSTER series

For more delicate components or those with complex geometries that could be damaged by mechanical rotation, pneumatic agitation technology is a smart alternative. The BOOSTER series from Teknox uses compressed air bubbles immersed in the tank to create a gentle yet effective agitation action. This system is ideal for:

• Lightweight aluminium or technical plastic parts, sensitive to mechanical abrasion.
• Components with blind holes and cavities where air can reach areas a rotary basket would struggle with.
• Washing of complex assemblies where contact between components needs to be minimised.

High-capacity immersion: K-NUT

When the load exceeds 300 kg and the component dimensions require a large tank, the controlled immersion technology of the K-NUT series becomes the best choice. This semi-automatic machine accommodates loads of up to 600 kg and is equipped with programmed immersion cycles, 80°C heating, and continuous detergent bath filtration systems. It is particularly suitable for treating:

• Heavy and bulky components in the automotive and heavy industry sectors.
• Complex batches where mechanical rotation is not possible or not recommended.
• Pre-painting processes where cleaning consistency is essential for coating adhesion.

Ultrasonics for finishing and precision control: K and KS series

Semi-automated parts washing machines equipped with ultrasonic technology are the strategic choice for highly critical sectors such as aerospace, medical, and electronics. Ultrasonic cavitation penetrates the most complex geometries, reaching blind holes and microcavities where no other washing system could. 

The K series is designed for heavy and continuous use, capable of handling up to 300 kg, while the KS series is oriented towards precision small parts, with loads up to 30 kg. 

Rotary basket parts washers: SIMPLEX series operation and modularity

The range includes various dimensional and capacity variants to suit every specific operational need:

• SIMPLEX SMALL: compact and efficient, designed for small mechanical parts.
• SIMPLEX MEDIUM: the ideal intermediate solution for medium-small parts, with increased load capacity up to 300 kg and an ideal washing volume for workshops and CNC departments.
• SIMPLEX BIG: designed for heavy industry, engine reconditioners and mechanical carpentry. It allows for the treatment of large components.
• SIMPLEX BIG 2B (Double Tank): an advanced variant of the BIG version equipped with two separate tanks. This configuration allows for the management of complex and combined treatment cycles, such as degreasing washing followed by a protective rinse, maintaining the two liquids perfectly distinct.

When the encrustations contain solid residues or chips embedded in the grooves, the impact force of the solution becomes crucial. Using a high pressure parts washer ensures that the high-flow water jets delivered by stainless steel pumps mechanically remove contamination without affecting the piece’s dimensional tolerances or damaging surface finishes. 

Operational efficiency and reduction of Total Cost of Ownership

Investing in a Teknox semi-automated parts washing machine means optimising operational costs in the medium and long term. Our systems are designed to:

• Minimise detergent consumption through continuous filtration and bath recirculation systems, extending the washing liquid’s useful life.
• Reduce energy consumption thanks to systems such as hot-air drying, which allows operating at lower temperatures and increasing efficiency by up to 30%, and the patented centrifugal condenser, which reduces generated steam and condensation costs.
• Reduce water consumption through optimized rinse cycles and recovery systems, ensuring a more efficient use of resources.
• Ensure reliability and simple maintenance, with robust, easily accessible and replaceable components, avoiding prolonged production downtime.

The semi-automated parts washing machine thus represents an investment that pays for itself through efficiency, consistent quality, and reduced management costs.

Chemical configuration: detergents and specific treatments for every application

Teknox not only provides equipment but complete cleaning solutions. The range of Teknox detergents includes specific formulations for every contaminant and washing technology:

• Hot immersion degreasers: ideal for hot tank parts washers up to 80°C, enhanced with surfactants for rapid emulsion of oils.
• Descaling agents for oxides and thermal residues: for heat-treated components requiring the removal of corrosive layers.
• High-efficiency ultrasonic formulations: optimised for cavitation, penetrate microcavities ensuring precision cleaning.
• Anti-corrosion protectants: applied in the final phase to protect steel components during storage.
• Additives for pneumatic technologies: formulated to not interfere with air agitation, avoiding uncontrolled foaming.

Every washing process has specific requirements. That’s why our work starts directly at your company: our technicians analyze sample parts and test different chemical formulations and wash configurations to identify the most suitable solution for your process. 

The goal is to design a truly custom-built system capable of meeting your required quality standards right from the very first cycle. 

Contact us for a technical consultation and to receive a personalised quote on our systems.