Clean Break

On October 29th and 30th the lab presented on two topics at the ASM Heat Treat Symposium focused on cleaning. First, the lab talked about how the lab's provides technical service to companies looking to find a safer cleaning process. On the second day, an over view of the lab's database, CleanerSolutions, was presented to the attendees.

About 50 people were there from various heat treating companies and academic groups.

Alternative Cleaning Testing
We have run 50 trials for 11 companies. These include Machine Construction Company; Machining Company; Tool Manufacturer; 4 Chemical Companies; Nano manufacturing (boron); Electronics Mfr.

We were lucky enough to be able to conduct some testing off site at Dawson-MacDonald for laser ablation evaluation. The testing was conducted by Adapt Laser Mid Atlantic. This process was successful cleaning method for the ceramic parts coated with carbon deposits in wafer manufacturing process.
We are nearly half way to our goal of working with 25 companies in FY 09.

Case Studies for 5 companies are in the works. Three of these are currently being reviewed by the companies.

DIY Household Cleaners
We have completed preliminary EHS profile of various components that can be used to make your own cleaning products. We are working on “What Does This Mean” section to help you understand what the material safety data sheet information is trying to tell you about the chemicals. We reworked layout of EHS web pages. Our plans are to conduct more lab performance testing of the formulations.

Outreach
We recently sent out a lab newsletter. Are you interested in signing up to receive this? Let us know

The lab will be at the Cleaning Requirements for Heat Treatment: Developments & Applications sponsored by ASM Heat Treating Society on October 29-30, 2008 at WPI. We will be presenting on the lab's assistance process and the on-line cleaning results database, CleanerSolutions.


Database
We are currently in the process of adding updates and new features to the database as well. Stay tuned.

The new lab training videos on how to use the database search features are now on the CleanerSolutions website. Check them out...