THIS IS HOW WE OPERATE
THIS IS HOW WE OPERATE
PWIS-free
cleaning
In order to be able to remove PWIS sources in a targeted and economical manner, cleaning processes must be adapted as well as possible to the existing requirements for PWIS-free or PWIS-compliant components. We therefore appraise the condition, geometry and degree of contamination of all components prior to cleaning.
APO’s PWIS cleaning process, a combination of wet-chemical cleaning with low-pressure plasma technology, allows for optimal adaptation to the individual components and their contamination and thus offers the ideal prerequisite for fulfilling PWIS conformity requirements and passing subsequent coating compatibility tests.
WET-CHEMICAL CLEANING
WET-CHEMICAL CLEANING
All component surfaces are cleaned of contamination using wet-chemical processes, provided their materials and properties permit this.Based on experience, the cleaning time and intensity, as well as the temperature and cleaning additives, are optimised to suit the component and the requirements. Wet-chemical cleaning serves as the basis for downstream, intensive low-pressure plasma cleaning.
PLASMA CLEANING
PLASMA CLEANING
The intensive cleaning of components with low-pressure plasma enables the fulfilment of high PWIS cleanliness requirements. Depending on the material, it also penetrates deep into the component and thus offers a long-lasting cleaning effect, especially for elastomer components, without damaging the materials.By using the most modern, patented low-pressure plasma technology, we are able to reduce cleaning times and therefore costs to a minimum without stressing the components or having to tolerate losses in cleaning effectiveness.
The definition of PWIS conformity for a specific application pays off thanks to the correspondingly cost-effective cleaning processes.
THE RESULT – THE TEST
THE RESULT – THE TEST
Depending on the requirements, different, previously defined coating compatibility tests are carried out.Provided the tests for paint wetting impairment substances are tailored to small parts, as described in PV 3.10.7 or VDMA 24364, for example, they can usually be carried out directly after cleaning at our premises.
OR PWIS COMPLIANCE?
The VDMA standard sheet 24364 for testing products for paint wetting impairment substances, in contrast, takes into account where and how a product is used in coating operations. The test classes listed and thus the sample collection are adapted to the intended use of a product. Tests that are too rigorous, too weak or unsuitable are therefore excluded. By combining the test classes, it is also possible to test products that are used in a variety of ways.
Costs can be saved, particularly when cleaning small elastomer parts (e.g. seals), if the required cleanliness level of the products is defined as precisely as possible in advance using the zones, product groups and test classes of VDMA 24364. Unnecessary cleaning expenditure can thus be avoided and cleaning can be carried out sensibly, economically and ecologically.
HOW CAN A PRODUCT BE TESTED FOR PWIS FREE
![Apo_LABS_prozess_01 APO LABS Prozess](https://apo.ac/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apo_LABS_prozess_01.webp)
There are various test methods for verifying the suitability of a product for use in coating operations. Among others, the VW test specification PV 3.10.7 and the VDMA standard sheet 24364 are well known.
The VDMA standard sheet 24364 is available here.
![Apo_LABS_prozess_02 APO LABS Prozess](https://apo.ac/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apo_LABS_prozess_02.webp)
Generally, the potential paint wetting impairment substances (PWIS) are obtained using a suitable process sample in a PWIS test, applied to a coatable substrate and then selectively coated.
![Apo_LABS_prozess_03 APO LABS Prozess](https://apo.ac/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apo_LABS_prozess_03.webp)
The coating appearance is then evaluated. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the wetting impairment properties of the samples obtained.
![Apo_LABS_prozess_04 APO LABS Prozess](https://apo.ac/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Apo_LABS_prozess_04.webp)
Many manufacturer-specific test specifications use the same test and test rigour regardless of the product and its conditions of use. In the case of elastomers in particular, this can lead to suitable products being excluded (unacceptable result) or even unsuitable products being authorised.