Manufacturers can invest in the most advanced machines and automation, but if production stops, profitability suffers. Unplanned equipment downtime eats into margins and directly impacts a company’s bottom line. Two often-overlooked stages where downtime can bring operations to a halt are industrial parts deburring and washing. This is because many shops focus heavily on part design and machining, and end up treating finishing and cleaning as afterthoughts. Cutting corners on these systems in terms of quality often leads to major (and often unnecessary) bottlenecks.
Downstream processes depend on deburring and washing operations
Deburring and washing add as much value to part production as machining itself by eliminating the need for manual finishing. These processes prepare parts for critical downstream operations like powder coating, anodizing, painting, leak testing, and laser marking, among others. In some cases, cleaned and finished parts move straight from washing into packaging and shipping, and just as importantly, deburring removes sharp burrs that can injure operators.
Workflows vary widely depending on shop size and production levels. Smaller shops may manually move parts between deburring and washing, while high-volume operations often integrate conveyors or automated transfer systems. These lines feature infeed and outfeed conveyors to keep production moving without manual intervention.
Regardless of the approach, if industrial parts deburring or washing equipment fails, production stalls. Shops either scramble to finish parts manually or outsource the entire process, both of which are costly and time-consuming options. For around-the-clock manufacturers, even short interruptions jeopardize delivery schedules. Larger facilities will often mitigate this risk by installing multiple lines and using them as backups.
The right equipment ensures maximum uptime
At ALMCO, we help manufacturers maximize uptime with rugged, reliable industrial parts deburring and washing systems designed for long intervals between scheduled maintenance. We also supply preventive maintenance guides and service manuals that allow shops to plan for and schedule preventive maintenance downtime instead of reacting to unexpected downtime.
To further minimize disruptions, we often recommend customers keep key spare parts like heaters, pumps, and motors on hand for quick replacement. Our machine designs make most repairs simple do-it-yourself jobs, but we also back customers with direct phone support or on-site technicians when needed.
Every ALMCO system undergoes extensive testing and runoff before shipment so we can identify and resolve potential issues. Customers can also opt for an mGuard installation in electrical cabinets, which allows our technicians to remotely troubleshoot any programmable logic controller (PLC) or Human-Machine Interface (HMI) faults and help customers correct them.
Supporting legacy equipment
ALMCO equipment has a reputation for longevity, with many systems still operating after decades in the field. While we continue to stock many spare parts and service these machines, we recommend that shops evaluate implementing newer ALMCO technology into their production over time. Replacement of older equipment ensures access to the latest performance features and reduces reliance on dwindling legacy parts supplies. Regardless of whether our equipment is considered brand-new or a few decades old, we remain committed to supporting our installed base for as long as possible.
Uptime equals healthy bottom lines
Shops can’t afford to treat industrial parts deburring and washing as afterthoughts. These processes are just as critical as machining and must run with the same reliability. ALMCO delivers systems designed to maximize uptime, simplify maintenance, and provide peace of mind. Because when your equipment keeps running efficiently, you keep making money.