FAQ

We have set our focus on the development, planning and production of cleaning systems. In the process, we take a close look at each of our customers’ tasks in order to find a suitable solution. Solubility of dirt, part geometry, cleanliness requirements, output rate are exactly matched to the customer application. In addition to plant engineering and construction, we offer the appropriate cleaning chemicals and contract cleaning.

We currently employ 46 people.

We are active in the field of industrial parts cleaning.
Since our foundation in 1995, we have been intensively involved in the cleaning of parts with various geometries made of almost any material. The size of the components is not decisive. Whether it’s the ultra-fine cleaning of precision parts or degreasing in a mesh box, we will find the ideal process.

Already in 2009 we started to give young people the opportunity to do an apprenticeship at vapic. At that time we only trained mechatronics engineers, in the meantime the professions technical product designer and construction mechanic have been added. Currently we employ 6 trainees.

For solvents, whether hydrocarbon, modified alcohol or perchloroethylene, we offer all techniques. Conceivable are both spray cleaning and immersion cleaning systems. Furthermore, we have often implemented combined systems with a full aqueous cleaning.
We have developed different process steps to meet particularly high cleanliness requirements with a low energy input.
In addition to solvents, we also offer you the other substances required, such as stabilisers to maintain the pH value.

Vapic has a location in 75387 Neubulach in the Black Forest.
Our construction department, the administration, the plant construction, the parts cleaning centre is located here,
the development and production of the cleaning agents and our laboratory.
We also have a subsidiary, vapic Hungary Kft., which is located in 6116 Fülöpjakab in Hungary. This company produces components of the highest quality for our main factory.
In the future a cleaning service for our customers in Hungary will be established.

We are pleased to receive your unsolicited applications and check your possibilities at vapic. Please send your complete application documents (cover letter, CV, certificates etc.) in pdf-format directly to Mr. Christian Bischoff,
E-mail: c.bischoff@vapic.de

Besides our homepage you can also find us at Instagram and LinkedIn under the profile vapicgmbh. Here you will find news about our company and insights into exciting projects.

On our homepage you can download our brochure at any time in the download area. Here you can find our range of services and get an idea of our company. You can obtain more specific flyers from your contact person. We would also be pleased to inform and advise you by e-mail or telephone.

Our office hours are from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00.
There is a lunch break from 12:00 o’clock to 13:00 o’clock.
You can also try to reach us outside office hours by calling +49 7053 968130. Mrs. Müller and Mrs. Baumeister will be pleased to help you or connect you to the appropriate contact person.

We are pleased to offer internships for the jobs of mechatronics engineer, technical product designer and construction mechanic. If you are interested, please contact our head office.

Depending on whether you are interested in a cleaning system, a contract cleaning service or chemicals, our specialists will be happy to assist you. You will find the appropriate contacts under INFO CENTER -> Contact persons. Of course you can also contact our head office, which will connect you to the appropriate contact person.

We use different suppliers for the transport of our goods and products and do not have our own transport fleet.

Our company is certified according to the international standard DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 for quality management systems. The aim of our quality management is to increase customer satisfaction and to continuously improve our products.
Our claim is to offer the best cleaning systems on the entire market for the tasks of our customers. In our download area you can always download our current certificate.

vapic GmbH has three managing directors. Reiner Wolf founded the company and is also the sole shareholder. Jonas Keppler is responsible for the technical area. Christian Bischoff is the commercial managing director at vapic GmbH.
The subsidiary of vapic GmbH, vapic Hungary Kft, is managed by Mr Imre Rigo. Mr Rigo was previously employed by vapic GmbH in Germany for a long time.

vapic GmbH is not currently certified according to ISO 14001. However, we attach great environmental protection. Our systems are free of waste water and very energy-saving.
Our building is mainly heated by the recovery of production energy. The photovoltaic systems on our roofs generate the electricity.

We are certified by TÜV SÜD as a specialist company in accordance with WHG §62 AwSV. Our certificate applies to all possible activities (construction, maintenance, cleaning from the inside, decommissioning). We carry out work on systems with water-hazardous liquids in a legally compliant manner. We are familiar with the water regulations on handling substances hazardous to water.

Our parts cleaning centre includes contract cleaning with many, very well equipped cleaning systems. For almost every part, we can offer you the ideal process to meet the cleanliness requirements. We are also pleased to support you with quality assurance and packaging.

In 2003, we received a European patent for our process technology. In 2015, we also won the tender “Spitze auf dem Land – Technologieführer für Baden-Württemberg”. Here, companies were selected that have the chance to become technology leaders in their industry. As a result, we received a grant and subsidised financing. Furthermore, we were able to successfully complete two research projects.

You can find an overview of some of our customers under the following link: https://www.vapic.de/info-center/referenzen/
Numerous well-known customers trust in our cleaning systems and are convinced by energy savings, accessibility as well as our service. These include: Hirschvogel Automotive, Rosenberger, Endress + Hauser, Miele, PFW, Arburg, Stihl, hansgrohe.
In each area, we supply the cleaning system that ensures ideal cleaning results.

We specialise in systems for parts cleaning using the liquid-chemical process. As a special plant manufacturer, we always produce machines adapted to the tasks of our customers. These can be either water-based or solvent-based systems. Depending on the component geometry, we use the mechanical influences of spray cleaning or cleaning by immersion with ultrasonic or our alternating pressure process. We are also very flexible in terms of the type of machine and its equipment.

Our main business is the development, planning and production of cleaning systems. We manufacture customised systems for our customers’ cleaning tasks.In our plant construction, we have already implemented more than 200 special projects in the last 25 years, so we can draw on a lot of experience. Our washing systems are characterised by intuitive operation, effective cleaning processes and very low energy consumption. If you are looking for a chamber system, a continuous flow system or any other system, please feel free to contact us.

In addition to the construction of new plants, we are also able to modernize and convert your existing plants. Of course, we are also the right partner if a plant is to change location or an automated link to upstream or downstream processes is required.

Yes, even two laboratories: vapic operates its own cleanliness analysis laboratory.
Our laboratory performs cleanliness analyses according to VDA Volume 19 (ISO 16232). The following
measurements are possible: gravimetric analysis, particle size distribution from 5 microns, decay
measurement, surface tension and residual magnetism.
In our chemistry laboratory we perform various preliminary tests for our customers.
For example, we use solubility tests and process simulation methods to determine which cleaning
medium best dissolves the contaminants such as oils and cooling lubricants. We also carry out bath
analyses for the cleaning systems in our contract cleaning and as a service for customers.

The range of parts available to our customers is huge. The range is almost limitless.
A special plant for the cleaning process for machine and tool parts is therefore clearly possible.
Please send us your detailed enquiry documents for further advice.

The difference between the two methods is that in spray cleaning, the cleaning medium is sprayed with pressure from different nozzles. In immersion cleaning, on the other hand, the component is completely covered in a so-called working chamber. Depending on the project and, for example, geometry and cleanliness requirements, the appropriate process is determined.

For solvents, whether hydrocarbon, modified alcohol or perchloroethylene, we offer all techniques. Conceivable are both spray cleaning and immersion cleaning systems. Furthermore, we have often implemented combined systems with a full aqueous cleaning.
We have developed different process steps to meet particularly high cleanliness requirements with a low energy input.
In addition to solvents, we also offer you the other substances required, such as stabilisers to maintain the pH value.

If you decide in favour of us as your plant and chemical supplier, we offer you the so-called process guarantee. We ensure that your components achieve the desired cleanliness and support you in bath care and plant maintenance. Your great advantage is that you have only one contact person and in case of problems the other party is not blamed.
We see ourselves as “caretakers” and support you as quickly as possible to ensure that your process runs smoothly.
Due to our understanding in both areas we can help you effectively.

Pre-Wash means pre-cleaning. Under our “Pre-Wash” option, we pre-clean a large amount of dirt without contaminating the tank. Due to a separate circuit with filter, pump and piping, there is less mixing in the cleaning tanks. A permanently higher quality of the cleaning tanks ensures effective cleaning.

The word CNp was introduced by one of our market companions in the field of aqueous chamber cleaning systems. This is a cleaning process in the flooded state of a chamber system in a vacuum. The principle works on basic physical properties by shifting the boiling point. By creating a deep vacuum, the boiling point of the cleaning medium is lowered. Steam bubbles are formed in narrow undercuts, bores and blind holes Ø > 6mm.
By increasing the pressure again, the boiling point shifts to a higher temperature and the steam bubbles implode. This results in an exchange of medium in places that would otherwise not be reached by capillary action. We have been using this process technology of the process step since 2003 to clean components with complex geometries efficiently and reliably. You will find this with us under the term “alternating pressure”. In doing so, we realize the implementation in an energy-saving and economical way. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about this and the differences in implementation.

Alternating pressure in the working chamber shifts the boiling point to make the cleaning agent oscillate between boiling and condensation. This method is proven to amplify the rinsing effect, in particular in small blind holes(Ø < 6 mm) since the fluid forms vapour bubbles at low pressure that implode in turn as pressure increases. This ensures a powerful cleaning agent exchange even in more complicated component geometries. Alternating pressure can be used with solvents and with rinsing baths for aqueous cleaners alike. In the case of vapic, the heat of condensation is recovered.

The right cleaning method is largely responsible for the quality of the cleaning process. An optimal result can only be achieved with the right process steps and adapted parameters in terms of fabric movement, temperature, cleaning chemicals and time. To achieve this, we consider the entire production process of our customers, including the preceding and following process steps.

In the field of aqueous parts cleaning, too, we offer you a wide range of different cleaning processes. Particularly in the area of anorganic film contamination such as emulsions and salts as well as particulate contamination, i.e. particles, abrasion and dissolved burrs, cleaning on an aqueous basis is usually the better solution. Depending on the task, spray cleaning or washing in an immersed state is the best solution. A wide variety of bath treatment technologies can be used to remove contamination continuously so that an undesirable “sawtooth effect” does not occur.

We have already manufactured many systems for cleaning stamped parts and are also able to clean them in our parts cleaning centre on a contract basis. Depending on the requirements, both degreasing and ultra-fine cleaning are possible for parts with particle requirements. To determine the most suitable process, we offer tests in our laboratory. Here we determine which cleaner best dissolves the oils or cooling lubricant emulsions used. It is also important that the pre-machining of the parts is of good quality; burrs mechanically attached to the part can usually not be dissolved.

We have a wealth of experience in the cleaning of turned parts and precision turned parts. In addition to selecting the ideal cleaning agent, we also offer you various options for processing the cleaning tanks to remove chips, oils and other dirt. Our machines pump out the waste oil fully automatically and have distillation units to keep the solvent content in the oil as low as possible. Through our cleaning processes and intelligent energy control, we offer you the best cleanliness results with a very low energy input.

In spray cleaning, your components are sprayed with the cleaning medium, but not immersed in it. For
this purpose, continuous cleaning systems with spray nozzles are often used. But spray cleaning is also
available in a chamber cleaning system or a small cleaning machine. There are also many parameters
that must be taken into account for spray cleaning. For example, the nozzle types and the spray
pressure. We will be pleased to assist you in designing a suitable system.

In immersion cleaning, the soiled parts are immersed in the cleaning liquid. Various cleaning steps are
possible, such as pressure flooding, spray cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning or the alternating pressure
technique. In our washing systems, you can select or deselect each cleaning step individually and also
preset each treatment time. For components with complex geometries, a movement of the cleaning
basket accurate to the degree is possible.

In pressure flooding, the cleaning medium is circulated by a pump in a filled working chamber. The
resulting movement has been proven to improve the cleaning quality. The “mechanics” field during
cleaning according to the Sinner’s circle is thus strengthened

Ultrasonic cleaning is only possible with immersion cleaning, vapic uses ultrasonic from Walter
Ultraschall. By using immersible or rod transducers, cavitation bubbles are created by the frequencies
which implode on the part. This dissolves contaminants such as metal abrasion or residues of
polishing pastes particularly effectively. Often, an improvement in the solubility of cooling lubricant
emulsions or oils can also be achieved.

This is a very cost-intensive process in which parts are blown off with compressed air. In this way,
loose dirt and particles can be blown off without the product getting wet. Due to the very high
operating costs of compressed air, we do not recommend this method and would rather suggest
methods with lower running costs

Loose particle dirt is to be “shaken down” here by means of vibration.
The vibration process is currently still in the test phase at vapic.
If you have a suitable project, we will be glad to carry out tests on our prototype VABRICON for you.

Existing dirt is burned off by means of a precise laser. The surface should not be attacked or damaged
in the process. Cleaning by means of laser cleaning is not part of vapic’s program. Here you can fall
back on well-known manufacturers

Cleaning is used to remove organic soiling and is also offered by vapic. Here we have already done
research projects and have a good business relationship with a partner in this field

Probably the biggest advantage of our Modular in-line plant is that a very short cycle time
is possible for parts with a high level of technical cleanliness. Due to the modular design, the machine can be easily extended at any time, so that if the task is changed
in future, it will not be necessary to make a completely new investment for a car wash.
Numerous customers are already using this type of system and the response is very good.

We offer all processes in the field of liquid chemical cleaning.
From simple ultrasonic baths, spraying systems to vacuum systems with fully automatic loading by means of shuttle vehicles, we offer you the appropriate solution. We are also experienced in the chemical industry with solvents such as PER, hydrocarbon or modified alcohols as well as aqueous cleaners.
Due to our unique cleaning processes and our energy-saving technology, we offer you process-safe cleaning at the best possible price.

Chamber systems are one of many types of cleaning machines used in industrial parts cleaning. The name has established itself in the industry as the entire cleaning process as well as the drying process takes place in one chamber.

Some benefits of our chamber cleaning machines are:
Vacuum drying, energy-saving process engineering, good material movement, special cleaning processes.

We also customize our chamber systems for cleaning your components and design them in the required size and equipment.

The vapic process is characterized by an enormous energy saving compared to the techniques of our competitors. By using dry-running vacuum pumps, we use the compression and condensation energy so that it is not being lost. We usually save more than 50% energy compared to other cleaning systems. In addition to the low operating costs, you also benefit from the possibility of claiming subsidies when you invest in one of our machines.

In order to carry out preliminary tests in our company, we have various ultrasonic basins, spraying systems and baths. Also we can use our machinery for contract cleaning. You can find our machines here: https://www.vapic.de/en/parts-cleaning-centre/machinery/
We also have possibilities for preliminary tests in the field of dry cleaning.

We can offer almost any machine, as we are a special machine manufacturer.
From ultrasonic baths, spray and immersion cleaning equipment to machines for paint and resin removal. We also offer the right solution for the drying of various components. Here we offer vacuum drying, vacuum infrared drying, hot air drying, heat pump drying and induction drying.

Occasionally we also have used washing machines from market companions for sale. But also here we only offer you the machine if our advice is that it is suitable for your task. Our aim is not necessarily to sell a machine, but to offer you the best solution.

Due to our systems at customers’ sites as well as the cleaning of customer parts on a subcontract basis, we have acquired a great deal of know-how in the cleaning of components from various manufacturing processes. From precision parts such as turned parts, milled parts, punched parts, formed parts to chrome-plated parts, we have already mapped almost all processes. The components are used in a wide range of industries such as the automotive sector, electronics, household appliances, air technology and machinery. From safety technology in cars to fittings and razor blades in bathrooms. Parts that have been washed by us can be found in many areas.

Continuous cleaning systems are machines for cleaning different components made of metal, plastic or other materials. The components pass through various cleaning, rinsing, neutral and drying zones. Due to the design a high throughput is possible. If required, we can usually offer a goods movement system so that all sections of the parts become clean. In most cases, continuous washing systems are linked to other machines in production lines. Condensation dryers are an option with us. In this way we reduce your operating costs and protect the environment. The parts temperature during unloading is also much colder than with hot air drying.

Service and customer satisfaction is our top priority. Of course, we also support you after the sale of the appropriate cleaning system in every respect. We offer you all spare parts for the cleaning system at fair prices and invoice our service calls on a time and material basis. In order to be able to react as quickly as possible, our systems also have a very good remote maintenance system. Here too, we are glad to help you with any problems. In the field of bath care we offer to examine your samples regularly in our laboratory.
You will then receive a detailed report with suggestions for measures to be taken.

The aim of processing solvents such as hydrocarbons, modified alcohols and chlorinated hydrocarbons is to keep them as pure as possible.
The treatment removes impurities from the solvent.
It is also important that the treatment process is ideally suited to the respective substances. At vapic we have the appropriate treatment processes for all common solvents and are pleased to offer them to you.

Due to our unique vacuum distillers in the solvent range, no complete exchange of the solvent is necessary. An integrated plant distillation system ensures that the solvent is permanently prepared and the tanks of the cleaning plant are kept clean. If a particularly large amount of oil is introduced into the washing system, it is also advisable to integrate an additional vacuum distiller in the bypass. Due to the special process technology, we save at least 50% of the energy required to prepare the solvent for cleaning parts.

Continuous flow washing systems offer the advantage that a very large throughput of components can be cleaned. Due to the design with a continuous conveyor system, handling is also very easy to realise. Often a lot of energy is needed in these plants, but we have found ways to optimise the plants. By saving energy, our continuous cleaning systems can also be subsidised by the state. So you save twice, in investment and in operating costs.

The design of the Modular in-line system developed by us is highly variable. Since we are active as a special plant manufacturer, we can optimally adapt the machines to your requirements. The nice thing about our Modular cleaning system is that it can be expanded quickly and cost-effectively. The machine can be ideally adapted to your precision components by means of various modules such as tub modules with ultrasonic or chamber modules with several tanks or vacuum. A further advantage compared to conventional systems is that carry-over is minimised. We only transport the goods carrier between the individual modules. Even a connection in the clean room is no problem. Each module is an almost independent machine with control, handling and filtration. This keeps the complex machines manageable.

To keep aqueous parts cleaning systems clean, we use various treatment processes. Depending on the properties of the lubricants these are: Centrifugal tanks, centrifuges, filters of all types, oil separators, sediment separators, creeping bath renewal, evaporators with vapour technology and ultrafiltration systems.
In order to define which technology is suitable, we would be pleased to examine your lubricants in our laboratory.

You can find an excerpt of our references on our website under the References tab. Here you can go directly to the page. Thanks to our many years of experience in the industry, we have already been able to place cleaning systems in various industries with the most diverse requirements. Our reference list is constantly expanding with new special projects.

If you are interested, please contact us directly by phone or e-mail. Our standardised procedure enables us to determine as quickly as possible how you can clean your components most economically and reliably. In addition to the appropriate cleaning process, we are also pleased to objectively compare the cleaning media and support you in the selection of cleaners.

Of course, you can also have a personal consultation with us about your project. We will show you different possibilities and will also be glad to carry out tests together with you in our parts cleaning centre. With the help of our residual dirt analysis laboratory, we can directly determine the result for components with particle requirements.

First of all, you should check which cleaning medium is ideally suited to dissolve the contamination you are using. Then, based on the cleanliness requirements, the throughput, the materials of the components and other factors, the appropriate machine must be designed. In addition to the investment costs, you should also always consider the costs incurred for operation and service.
At vapic GmbH, we have many wet-chemical cleaning processes with a wide variety of cleaning media at our disposal. We will be pleased to advise you individually with regard to your task.

Of course, you can also purchase only the cleaning system suitable for your task from us without the
cleaning chemicals. The advantage of choosing us as your system supplier is that we give you a process guarantee and you have a contact person in the the case of a problem.

In our continuous cleaning systems, we use a wide range of methods to reduce energy consumption. These include customised material frames for your components, the use of condensation dryers and the return of condensation energy into the cleaning circuit. The machines are also completely insulated and operated with highly efficient motors.

Even after the sale of a cleaning machine, we are actively at your side in every way. For example, we can help you to reduce the consumption of operating materials and cycle times in order to increase the efficiency of the machines. We can also assist you in the analysis of your bath samples with our laboratory. Due to the many sensors installed in our systems, we can rectify most faults directly via our modern remote maintenance.

The most important spare parts are directly on site at our customers. But if a rotatory or vacuum pump should fail, we react quickly. We have a wide range of components in our stock in Neubulach.

The company vapic is a specialist for industrial component cleaning. You not only buy a used plant, but you get an honest advice about your project. Our plants are previously checked by our experts and the history of the machine is usually known to us.

Through our proven system technology, we offer the most energy-efficient cleaning systems on the market. In many cases, our systems for cleaning parts require less than half the energy of comparable machines from the competition. This offers numerous advantages for our customers: Investment subsidies, savings in operating costs and environmental management measures taken. The energy savings do not lead to any disadvantage in terms of the achieved cleanliness levels. With our machines, you clean your components at a cost-effective price per piece.

Of course, it is also possible to clean plastic parts with cleanliness requirements on vapic plants. Depending on the physical properties of the plastics, special attention must be paid to resistance to chemicals, temperatures and the cleaning processes used. As a special plant manufacturer, we produce each plant according to the requirements of our customers.
For the cleaning of tools, moulds or machine parts in the composites industry, we also have non-labelled, very effective cleaners with the appropriate system technology in our portfolio.

Depending on the manufacturer, type and condition of the old cleaning system, we offer a trade-in of old systems. We would be pleased to inform you about this in a personal conversation. We completely refurbish the old systems and offer them to customers whose requirements are met by the systems.

Due to our unique, energy-saving process technology, it is possible that you will receive subsidies when purchasing a vapic cleaning system. The decisive factor here is the energy comparison between your existing system or the offer of a competitor on the market. The maximum subsidy amount for SMB* companies is limited to 40% of the investment sum / additional investment costs. For non-SMB companies, 10% is deducted, so that a maximum of 30% of the investment sum / additional investment costs is subsidised. The real subsidy amount (grant) is limited by the calculated energy savings and the resulting reduction in CO2 emissions and the resulting reduction in CO2 emissions through the efficiency measure.

Depending on the customer’s wishes, we also offer you the option of renting, leasing or paying for a system after use. Here we can provide you with individual offers.
If you are interested, please contact our sales department.

You are also welcome to send us your enquiry about vacuum evaporators. We have years of experience in the production of vacuum evaporators and can manufacture them with our technology in a way that consumes minimal energy during operation. With the exception of the vacuum pumps, our products are made entirely of stainless steel and are of high quality. The treatment of waste water, for example, can significantly reduce disposal costs by using an evaporator. As a special plant manufacturer, we meet your requirements and supply the appropriate treatment technology.

We also offer you combined processes for cleaning and preserving your manufactured parts with our cleaning system type “modular in-line system”. By combining an aqueous system and solvent cleaning, very many contaminants can be effectively removed.

To simulate a washing process, for example, we first enter the laboratory at vapic. There, the washing process is simulated with simple instruments. The second step usually consists of tests in our parts cleaning center, which is also our pilot plant

Of course, our systems are equipped with numerous sensors so that we can detect failures via remote maintenance. There are also many ways in which you can monitor your cleaning quality using the appropriate measurement technology.

We will be pleased to provide you with an individual offer if you have new requirements for your existing vapic system.

ESD area is defined as an area in which different electrostatic charges must be avoided. This is necessary, for example, in the production of electronic assemblies, otherwise components can be damaged.

On the one hand, the washing system is clocked, i.e. the items to be washed, which may be in baskets
or in some other form of baskets or in any other form of goods holder, is moved forward by one
station in a certain cycle (e.g. every 30 seconds) (e.g. from the rinsing area to the cleaning area). In the
case of the rotary transfer system, the goods are also conveyed in a circle so that goods can be picked
up and returned at the same place.

Yes, we would be pleased to prepare an individual offer for your personal special rotary cleaning
system. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yes, usually the dryers are directly connected to the cleaning system.
But Vapic is also pleased to supply vacuum drying systems, without cleaning system.
At vapic you can get the following drying systems: vacuum drying, hot air drying, infrared drying (often
as a support during vacuum drying) and heat pump dryers.

We have been carrying out residual dirt analyses in clean rooms for over 10 years. Already in 2011, our head of cleanliness analyses Daniela Wolf completed her examination to become “Examiner for Technical Cleanliness” at the Fraunhofer Institute in Stuttgart. She gained knowledge about the basics of the extration and analysis methods, cleanliness-compatible behaviour and much more. She carries out cleanliness analyses in accordance with VDA Volume 19 both as a service and in the parts cleaning centre. We offer you particle analyses at fair prices with detailed documentation including photos. Due to our many years of experience, we can support you if you do not have any specifications for carrying out the analysis.

Of course, various control procedures are possible after the cleaning of customer components in our contract cleaning. If the customer has particle requirements, we can carry out in-process residual dirt analyses according to VDA Volume 19 and customer standards. In case of surface cleanliness requirements, we offer to determine the surface tension by means of test inks. We also have components in our contract cleaning department where we carry out a 100% visual inspection. How your components will be checked, we determine together before the order.

The parts washed by us on a contract basis are always packed according to the customer’s requirements. Depending on the requirements, they are packed in bags, sealed bags, VCI bags, etc. Smallest parts can be packed exactly to the piece by exact weighing. Parts with high technical cleanliness requirements are packed in a clean room.

Of course we can also carry out ultra-fine cleaning. We would be pleased to offer you contract cleaning or a suitable machine for your products. Due to the latest process engineering and innovative cleaning processes we are sure that our machines will convince you.

For quality control in industrial component cleaning, we also use residual dirt analyses for particulate contamination. Depending on the requirements, we comply with VDA Band 19 (ISO 16232) and customer standards. In addition to process-accompanying cleanliness analyses of components that we have washed in our contract cleaning, we also carry out analyses of customer parts as a service. Thanks to our many years of experience with a wide variety of metal and plastic parts, we are also happy to be able to assist you in determining the individual parameters such as the volume flow and the flushing quantity of the extrusion fluid.

For the degreasing of various production parts vapic has several cleaning machines at its disposal. Depending on technical cleanliness requirements and the properties of the processing oil, we offer cleaning with hydrocarbon, modified alcohol and perchloroethylene (PER). The choice of machine also depends on the quantity, size and material of the components to be cleaned. We would be pleased to check for you which machine is best suited for your specific parts.

Many different factors have to be taken into account for fine cleaning. First, the cleaner must match the contamination in order to dissolve the corresponding lubricant, such as a forming oil or a cooling lubricant. The cleaning process must also be adapted by treatment times, temperatures, cleaning methods and other options. Depending on the component geometry, a certain position in the product carrier must also be considered. During operation, it is also important to ensure that the bath preparation is functioning properly, otherwise quality problems can occur during component cleaning.

There is no clear definition in the parts cleaning industry between fine cleaning and ultra-fine cleaning. At vapic we define the difference by the component geometry, the cleaning and packaging process and the required cleanliness of the parts. As a result of our new clean room, built in 2020, with an area of over 100 m², we are also equipped for parts with high demands on technical cleanliness. Especially with very high requirements it is absolutely necessary to have a lot of knowledge in this area. That is why many of our customers also use our contract cleaning service for very difficult components, for example. By means of process-accompanying inspections with test inks, residual dirt analyses and optical controls, we determine the required cleanliness after the cleaning system.

In our cleanliness analysis laboratory we carry out residual dirt analyses in the field of parts cleaning according to VDA Volume 19, ISO 16232 or according to customer standards. We are also glad to help with our know-how on various components and component geometries. In the past, we have often specified analysis values for customers in order to determine the cleanliness after a cleaning test. We are also happy to offer you the best residual dirt analyses including a meaningful report as a service.

Of course we also offer visual inspections in our parts cleaning centre after the contract cleaning of your components. In doing so, we conscientiously and carefully check the cleanliness and possible deformations of very sensitive components. In order to be able to make the best possible assessment, we need a catalogue of defects from you, which is tailored to your components.

You are welcome to send us an enquiry for the degreasing of your oily components. Thanks to our state-of-the-art equipment and our know-how, we offer the best results at reasonable prices. We clean and dry your components quickly and cost-effectively with the highest quality.

There are many reasons why you should choose us when selecting a contract cleaning supplier. We support you in selecting the right cleaner and choose the right machine. Thanks to positioning in the material carrier that is gentle on the parts as well as adapted goods movements, we can clean your components without damaging them. The cleaning programme is also adapted to your parts and soiling. For packaging and quality control, we coordinate suitable options such as a 100% visual inspection, residual dirt analyses or surface energy checks. As a rule, we start cleaning immediately after receiving your parts and offer you short turnaround times. However, a minimum quantity is required for cleaning orders.

In our parts cleaning centre we offer various possibilities for contract cleaning and quality control. We currently have 7 modern machines for degreasing, fine cleaning and ultra-fine cleaning of your components. Due to the variety of available cleaners and cleaning processes, we can meet almost any request for cleaning your manufactured parts.
In order to avoid re-contamination after parts cleaning, we pack your components professionally, if necessary also in our class 8 clean room. In addition to parts cleaning, we also offer the appropriate quality control. From residual dirt analyses according to VDA Volume 19 to 100% visual inspections, we can meet any inspection requirement.

By “visual inspection” we mean the visual inspection of parts after cleaning in our parts cleaning centre. Here we can, for example, check the parts according to fault catalogues after consultation with our customers. By using various product carrier systems as well as parts-specific cleaning programmes, we protect your components from damage. On request, we can also manufacture product carriers that are precisely adapted to your parts.

Depending on the requirements of the parts to be cleaned, our customers provide us with a catalogue of faults. Critical or sensitive areas of the part are described in this catalogue. By means of a 100% inspection, we check on request whether the parts were damaged in the manufacturing process or during cleaning.

In our contract cleaning, we clean a large number of parts – with a wide range of cleanliness requirements. We can also degrease large parts in our MEGAVAC; here the internal batch dimensions are 1,200 x 800 x 800 mm (LxWxH). Cleaning is carried out in commercially available or washing grid boxes. In our PER cleaning system 1717 we can also clean very long parts, here the maximum dimensions are 1300 x 450 x 260 mm. Before cleaning in our parts cleaning centre, we are pleased to offer you free laboratory tests to verify which cleaning agent best dissolves your contamination.

Solid formed parts are cleaned in our parts cleaning centre as well as at our customers’ plants. In cold forming, the parts must be very well pre-greased. Temperatures of over 200°C are generated during forming. The amount of dirt entering the washing system is enormous. Interlinked plants of the competition cause expensive downtimes of the presses due to necessary cleaning work. Due to the vapic special equipment, an annual maintenance – together with the annual maintenance of the press – is sufficient.

Contract cleaning means that parts from a wide variety of industries and with a wide variety of preand post-processes are cleaned by a contract cleaner off-site. The parts cleaning center of vapic offers exactly this service. For this purpose, various methods of wet chemical cleaning are available. In addition to cleaning, there are options for quality control and packaging of your parts.

The technical cleanliness of parts is getting steadily more important.
This has the background that a clean surface or parts without particles are relevant for many systems. Often the subsequent processes such as assembly, heat treatment or joining processes require clean surfaces. Without the required cleanliness, a quality assured function cannot be guaranteed. Even the smallest particles can cause great damage in the field of safety engineering.

Aqueous cleaners are well suited to dissolve oils, fats and emulsions as well as salts, particles and other soiling. Due to our 2-component system, builders and surfactants can be dosed separately as required. As water is not flammable, there is no fire load.
We are pleased to evaluate which cleaner is best suited for your soiling in our standardized solubility test.

It is called degreasing when lubricants are to be removed from the surface. The technical drawings refer to the requirement “grease-free”. As grease-free is not clearly defined, we recommend that the requirements are always specified with a surface tension. However, these are not components in which particles play a decisive role. In our parts cleaning centre we have the possibility to degrease our customers’ parts in lattice boxes fully automatically at very good prices.

Cleaning with solvents is recommended if your components have oily soiling. The solvent is itself like a thin oil, in which the machining oils dissolve optimally and thus a very good degreasing
result is achieved. Through an integrated distillative treatment we obtain a constantly clean tank.

The superfine cleaning is required if your components to be cleaned have high technical cleanliness requirements. By using different cleaning processes and machines on which only pre-cleaned parts are washed, we achieve very good results.

In most cases, parts that are manufactured with an emulsion are cleaned in an aqueous system. However, if the remaining residues are oils that can be dissolved with solvents, cleaning in e.g. hydrocarbons is also possible. We will be glad to determine the suitable cleaning solution for you in our laboratory – since every lubricant is different, no general answer is possible here.

The advantage of immersion cleaning is that the entire component or components are in contact with the cleaner. This allows oils, greases and dirt particles to be dissolved very well. Immersion cleaning is also suitable for complex component geometries where spray cleaning would not reach all areas. Likewise, no damage from the spray pressure is to be expected for particularly difficult, sensitive parts.

A detailed consideration of the production process as well as the oils, cooling lubricant emulsions etc. used is also essential here. In addition to the good cleaning properties, you benefit from the fact that your cleaning medium is not flammable when cleaning your turned, stamped and deep-drawn parts, etc. By means of various treatment processes we ensure a constant washing quality and long service life. We also minimise the maintenance effort. We would be pleased to advise you personally on a project-related basis.
In most cases you cannot work with water alone, a suitable cleaning agent is necessary. If there are many requirements, several rinsing processes are necessary.

The advantages of a combined cleaning from aqueous cleaner and solvent is the wide range of dirt solubility. Both organic soiling such as oils and inorganic contamination such as salts from fingerprints can be removed. Through our process engineering, we also equip these washing systems in such a way that the input power is kept as low as possible.

Immersion cleaning is essential when washing components with complex geometries. Only in this way can it be guaranteed that the parts are completely clean. By using different cleaning methods, even blind holes, narrow gaps and small bores can be cleaned reliably.

Spray cleaning is particularly suitable for components with simple geometries where a high degree of mechanical action is required. Spray cleaning systems are often used to remove particulate contamination from parts.

Distillation is a process for treating solvents. In conventional, simple distillation, the sump with the solvent-oil mixture is heated with a suitable heat source. The solvent then passes from the liquid phase to the vapour phase due to its lower boiling point. The solvent is then condensed again by a cooler. At vapic we work with vapour compression in a vacuum, i.e. we work with several pressure ranges so that we keep the energy in the process. In this way we achieve a high energy saving.

In vacuum drying, the boiling point of the liquid to be evaporated is lowered by building up a vacuum. Due to the treatment of the part, it has an inherent heat. If the mass of the component is not sufficient, it will not dry out, which is why we integrate infrared radiators into our machines. By using infrared pulses, additional heat is introduced. This means that even parts with low mass and large surface area become dry.

In order to obtain consistent, stable results when washing finished parts, a good bath quality is necessary. Particles, fibres, emulsions, oils are separated from the bath by the bath preparation. This results in good and above all constant degrees of purity.

In order to maintain a constantly clean bath or tank, various treatment processes are used. Depending on the type of contamination introduced, our systems are equipped with filters, centrifuges, evaporators, gravity separators, ultrafiltration systems, stepwise bath renewal and much more. This makes it possible to permanently maintain quality requirements for particulate or film contamination with the lowest maintenance effort.

The terms refer to the pH value of the respective aqueous cleaners for parts cleaning. We speak of an acidic cleaner if the pH value of the cleaning solution is in the range of 0 – 5. At a pH value of 5 – 9 we speak of a neutral cleaner. Above pH 9 up to pH 11.5 the cleaning solution is alkaline. Often even highly alkaline cleaners are used to saponify oils from machining processes from the components. Here one is in a pH-value range of 11.5 – 14. Depending on the manufacturer of the cleaning chemicals the differentiation differs to a small extent. It is also important to remember that the pH value is a logarithmic value. It is defined by the -1 multiplied decadic logarithm (decimal logarithm) of the oxonium ion concentration (or oxonium ion activity). As a manufacturer of cleaning systems in the field of industrial component cleaning, we take great care to know the entire process and are therefore happy to offer this to our customers.

Under the term “Smart Heating” one of our market companions has registered a utility model and a patent. The machine is brought up to operating temperature at a defined point in time by means of a heating control of the washing system. As our systems have been equipped with a time switch for decades, we have not identified any need in this area. By means of empirical values and a mathematical calculation, we are able to set it in such a way that the machine does not require high energy consumption. By the way: Due to our innovative process technology, we are the only manufacturer of industrial parts cleaning systems to offer you the possibility of receiving subsidies for an investment. We would be pleased to advise you individually.

The surface energy of the part is checked as follows:
The corresponding parts are cleaned on a laboratory scale or in a part-washing plant. After cooling the parts to room temperature, the surface tension is determined in the unit mN/m by so-called test inks. Based on the determined value, statements can be made as to whether the manufactured parts are suitable for the subsequent process such as bonding, welding, hardening or a coating process. In addition to testing with test inks, many users also use contact angle measurements or fluorescence measurements.

In general, it must always be checked first whether the lubricants and contaminants on the manufactured parts can be dissolved in water. If this is the case and a solvent system is out of the question, aqueous cleaning is used. This means that the machine first cleans the parts with an aqueous cleaner. Here concentrates are used and then the rest is filled up with water. Afterwards the cleaner residues must be rinsed off by rinsing with city water or demineralised water. Advantages in this case are the solubility as well as often the low risk of fire load and ideally mild cleaning chemicals. Also the dispersion ability, i.e. the ability to dissolve fine solids better and to prevent them from being deposited on the component again, of the cleaning media is higher than with solvents. “Open systems” such as continuous flow systems and tubs are usually designed as aqueous systems.

The tasks of a cleaning system are to clean and dry parts that are contaminated with different types of dirt. Depending on the component and the application, the requirements are very different. In general, a distinction is made between solids as contamination, i.e. particulate and film contamination. Filmic contamination includes oils, greases, residues of cooling lubricant emulsions and other manufacturing aids. Whether the required technical cleanliness is achieved can be determined by various means such as test inks, residual dirt analyses, optical and also measuring technology.

In order to guarantee a constant cleanliness of the goods to be cleaned, it is very important to keep the baths or tanks of the cleaning system clean. The bath quality directly influences the degree of cleanliness of the parts. In order to prevent a saw-tooth effect in the degree of contamination, we use suitable treatment processes such as distillation / evaporation, filtration, ultrafiltration, gravity separators and many other processes in our cleaning systems for industrial component cleaning.

Oil and sediment separators are used in parts cleaning in the field of aqueous cleaning. They are used to separate oils / lubricants from the cleaning medium. In many cases, gravity can be used for this purpose, as several phases are formed due to the different physical properties such as density. Oil separators are particularly necessary in washing plants where a lot of oil is introduced by the components to be washed.

The term “industrial component cleaning” is used to describe the process of removing a wide variety of particulate and coating contaminants in industry. Essentially, this refers to several areas, including plant construction for cleaning plants, contract cleaning as a service, the manufacture and distribution of cleaning chemicals as well as laboratory activities. Only a consideration of the complete process, including the upstream and downstream processes, leads to the ideal result.

To be able to successfully process components or products, different requirements must be met. For each of the many different downstream processes such as assembly, coating, heat treatment, etc. there are usually customer specifications behind them. Only by achieving the cleanliness requirements the quality is right after the subsequent processes.

Cleanrooms are divided into different cleanroom classes according to the international standard DIN EN ISO 16444-1. The degree of cleanliness is checked by measuring the maximum permissible particle concentrations per m³ of air. Our material and personnel airlocks meet the requirements of cleanroom class 8, while the packaging area and the cleanliness analysis laboratory also meet the higher requirements of cleanroom class 7. Only trained personnel enter our cleanrooms, so that we can exclude the possibility of back contamination of cleaned parts in the cleanroom.

In chemistry, polarity refers to the formation of separate centres of charge due to a shift in charge, which means that an atomic group is no longer electrically neutral. A distinction is made here between polar and non-polar substances. Polar substances are characterised by a dipole, i.e. with at least one negative and positively charged part. Non-polar substances, on the other hand, have no electrical charge. According to the principle ” similarity solves similarities”, a cleaning medium should be selected that suits the soiling.

Most of the time, maintenance requires low-cost cleaning machines in the investment. With our parts cleaning devices, we offer simple but effective solutions here. For manual cleaning, we offer you wash tables. In these, we often use cleaners with microorganisms, which metabolise the lubricants and thus ensure very long bath service lives. If a higher degree of automation is desired, we can offer a wide variety of spray and immersion cleaning systems. Here, too, we equip the washing systems according to your requirements.

When cleaning parts using ultrasonics, vibrating elements such as rod, plate and immersion transducers are installed in or on the tank. With the help of an ultrasonic generator, these create so-called cavitation bubbles through alternating overpressure and underpressure frequencies. The cavitation bubbles contain a hollow space that is filled with steam.
When these bubbles implode on a component, they generate a pressure surge that causes a mechanical cleaning effect. By selecting the appropriate frequency, the size of the cavitation bubbles and the associated cleaning effect can be determined.
Ultrasonic is suitable in many cases for cleaning off stubborn contamination such as polishing waxes, oils, cooling lubricant emulsions and coatings. Sensitive parts from the electronics and jewellery industries can also be cleaned.

When one uses the word visual or optical inspection for quality control after washing, one is referring to a visual check. Here it is checked whether there are residues or deformations on the components. Often, aids such as magnifying glasses, microscopes or black light are used for this purpose.

Filmic contaminants are oils or other film-forming substances. The degree of cleanliness can be determined by measuring the surface energy using test inks, measuring the contact angle and measuring the fluorescence intensity.

Particle requirements describe the maximum permissible number of non-reflecting and reflecting particles and fibres on a component. This real number is determined by means of residual dirt analyses according to VDA Volume 19.1. We have been carrying out these since 2009 and have a lot of experience. In our cleaning systems, we use modern filter equipment and a lot of mechanics in the cleaning process to minimise particulate contamination. We are pleased to support you in selecting the right parameters for the extrusion process. Here, the nozzle, the extrusion fluid, the volume flow as well as the rinsing and post-rinsing quantity plays an important role.

In the industry, the term recontamination refers to the return of contamination to parts. When parts are cleaned and, if necessary, even preserved, they must be protected against recontamination, depending on the cleanliness requirements. Preserved components in particular attract contaminants from the atmosphere very highly. Often, work is then carried out in a clean packaging area or a clean room. This ensures that the desired technical cleanliness can be maintained. Parts are also frequently recontaminated by insufficiently cleaned reusable packaging.

There are various reasons for this. For example, a certain surface quality is required for many following processes, such as welding, bonding, coating or assembling. In addition, there are regular cleanliness requirements in numerous industries that must be met before a product can be delivered.

Always when the cleanliness is no longer sufficient to be able to carry out the subsequent process with quality assurance or there are cleanliness requirements on the part of the end customer.

Of course, it is also possible to use our customized cleaning systems in an ESD area or clean room. In
an ESD area, grounding connections are necessary to ensure electrostatic discharge. We are glad to
offer you the construction of clean rooms in addition to the appropriate cleaning technology.
Often we have implemented a direct connection from washing plant to clean room.

This refers to the spray jet during spray cleaning. The jet hits the component surface and thus removes
the existing contamination. Particles in particular can be effectively washed off the surface in this way.

All cleaning processes in which a liquid is used are referred to as chemical wet cleaning. This includes
water-based cleaning, where a chemical cleaner is added in the cleaning bath/tank, and cleaning with
solvents. It is especially important for high technical cleanliness that the cleaning agent is matched to
the soiling. We offer a wide range of aqueous cleaners as well as hydrocarbons, modified alcohols and
solvent mixtures. In plant engineering, we manufacture cleaning systems for the immersion as well as
the spraying process. A combination of the two cleaning methods is also possible.

A cleanroom is a clean environment in which the concentration of atmospheric particles is kept very
low. A cleanroom is necessary, for example, for the packaging of highly sensitive and very clean
components and for carrying out cleanliness analyses. In addition, clean rooms are mandatory for
special manufacturing processes

By using infrared in the field of vacuum drying, even thin-walled and lightweight components can be
dried reliably. In addition, a thermal post-cleaning effect often results from the use of infrared at low
pressure.

Hot air drying is suitable for difficult component geometries that cannot be completely dried even by
vacuum infrared drying.

We usually connect the heat pump dryers to a continuous cleaning system.
The parts drive through the drying zone. By using the heat pump, the drying energy can be recovered
and, in addition, the energy from the compressor can be used to heat the baths and the parts leave
the plant cooler.

We offer a wide range of aqueous cleaners in the acid, neutral and alkaline range. We also supply various solvents such as hydrocarbons and modified alcohols. We complete our service with various additives such as our defoamer. Through standardised preliminary tests we can also determine for you in the laboratory which cleaning agent is best suited for your application. If we do not have a suitable cleaner in our portfolio, we will develop an adapted cleaning solution for you.

In our compatibility tests and process simulation procedures we check which reactions can be expected in a later cleaning system. They are part of our development of the appropriate parts cleaning system for you. If, for example, a distillery is to be integrated into this system for processing the solvents, we check whether acids or solids are formed. In a defined way we prevent various problems with our auxiliary materials. Thus the process for parts cleaning starts reliably.

In our preliminary tests we determine which cleaner is best suited to each of your lubricants. By means of standardised tests in our so-called “solubility test”, we check various parameters such as phase separation, foam formation and performance, i.e. the cleaning performance of the cleaning medium used. We also carefully check the safety data sheets to determine possible long-term effects. This workflow has already enabled us to offer our customers numerous successful solutions.

We offer a very wide range of different solvents and solvent mixtures. By selecting according to their properties, such as polarity and flash point, we have the ideal solvent for most soiling, which we can check with laboratory tests and, if necessary, optimise by adapting the formulation to your application. We only use raw materials of the highest quality and due to our many years of experience, the performance, i.e. the cleaning efficiency, is very good. A further advantage is that our solvents can be reprocessed by distillation. No matter whether you need a hydrocarbon, a modified alcohol or any other solvent – you have come to the right place.
4.)

Depending on the application, various auxiliary materials are required to ensure stable, process-reliable cleaning. A special vacuum pump oil is required for the operation of our standard dry-running vacuum pumps.
If too much foam is produced in the chamber of an aqueous cleaning system, a defoamer must be added, otherwise problems with the level sensors or cleanliness may occur. If acids are formed, the cleaning contents of the machine must be brought back into the correct pH range with alkaline stabilizers. There are various applications where an additive is absolutely necessary and very helpful.

As cleaning agents we call all cleaning components which are used in the cleaning technology. This includes solvents such as: hydrocarbon, modified alcohol and PER (perchloroethylene) but also aqueous cleaners in the acid, neutral, alkaline and highly alkaline range.

We have a lot of different aqueous cleaners. Our portfolio ranges from acidic to very alkaline concentrates. We always make sure that our products offer good performance at low risk. The concentrations of all products can also be measured using simple test methods. We would also be happy to examine your baths for you in our laboratory.

In our more than 200 projects implemented so far, all machines have achieved the required purpose. Our holistic understanding, from the machine construction to the cleaning process to the selection of the appropriate cleaning medium and the decades of experience in the field of activity, ensure that we meet the required quality standards. We look at every enquiry in detail and deal with it intensively so that we are aware of the task and expectation of the customer. Our goal is to offer you the best possible solution.

Of course, you can also have the quality and condition of your cleaning baths analyzed in our qualified laboratory. In this case, you will receive a detailed laboratory report including a recommendation for action. Alternatively, we can also provide you with the necessary equipment and training at your premises. In this way, the samples can be examined directly on site and you can react more quickly.

Also in the field of paint stripping we have many products to remove residues of cathodic dip coatings, functional coatings / primers / fillers, top coats and other coatings. Here we have a wide variety of systems in our portfolio. We can rely on products with a purely aqueous, semi-aqueous and solvent base. Advice on the right cleaner is of course included in our service. Our systems offer an efficient effect at lowest risk.

Of course, it is also possible to clean plastic parts with cleanliness requirements on vapic plants. Depending on the physical properties of the plastics, special attention must be paid to resistance to chemicals, temperatures and the cleaning processes used. As a special plant manufacturer, we produce each plant according to the requirements of our customers.
For the cleaning of tools, moulds or machine parts in the composites industry, we also have non-labelled, very effective cleaners with the appropriate system technology in our portfolio.

The term “industrial component cleaning” is used to describe the process of removing a wide variety of particulate and coating contaminants in industry. Essentially, this refers to several areas, including plant construction for cleaning plants, contract cleaning as a service, the manufacture and distribution of cleaning chemicals as well as laboratory activities. Only a consideration of the complete process, including the upstream and downstream processes, leads to the ideal result.

The delivery times for our cleaning products depend on the products ordered and the quantity. We can usually deliver the products to you within a few working days. Our aim is to provide you with the articles as quickly as possible.

The safety data sheets and product information of our aqueous cleaners “vapic FW” and our solvents “vapic FL” are available directly from us. You are very welcome to request them via our head office, e-mail: info@vapic.de . Our safety data sheets comply with the legal requirements according to 453/2010/EC. In our product information you will find detailed information on application, safety recommendations, disposal, technical data and material compatibility. We will also be pleased to advise you on the different purposes of use.

The creep property describes the extent to which cleaning agents penetrate into gaps or smaller holes. This is essentially related to the physical, material-specific data of the products. The creep property is particularly important for difficult parts or for cleaning goods that lie closely together.

The company Grund Oberflächentechnik works hand in hand with vapic GmbH and has already
developed numerous cleaners under the vapic brand.