Container and process for cleaning and inspecting parts

Abstract

The present invention is drawn to a wire container comprising a plurality of spring-like wires having wave patterns forming a part support that minimize contact points between the container and one or more contained parts when the container is subjected to a vibration causing the wires and the parts to move, thereby eliminating any fixed contact points between the part and the supporting part support. Another aspect of the current invention is a process for removing penetrant from parts comprising: placing one or more parts with penetrant applied in a container having spring-like wire with wave patterns forming a part support; oscillating the container during a cleaning process thereby compressing and expanding one or more spring-like wires thus exposing part surfaces and removing the penetrant from the parts.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally an article of manufacture and a process for cleaning and inspecting parts exposed to various chemicals during manufacturing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A variety of newly machined metal and plastic parts must be cleaned during the manufacturing process to remove residues of oil, grease, penetrant and other materials. Typically total immersion systems convey parts through a series of cleaning stations that employ cleaning, agitating and spraying to dislodge chemicals and particles.[0003]Parts to be washed are generally placed into containers and oriented based on the greatest number of parts per container dimensions without regard for other important factors such as penetrant removal. In a typical washing process turbulation moves solution over, under, around and through a part. Manifolds with jets or eductors direct a turbulent liquid flow over a working zone.[0004]One of the functions of industrial parts washing is t...

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