HellermannTyton is a global leader in cable management solutions, supplying high-performance products to the aerospace, automotive and electrical sectors. At its Plymouth facility, the company manufactures heat-shrinkable tubing and related components. These products require precise cleaning processes to maintain their integrity, as excessive heat during cleaning could cause premature shrinkage and render the components unusable.
Maintaining strict quality standards while meeting rising production demand prompted HellermannTyton to seek increased cleaning system capacity. However, the cleaning challenge was tough:
- Temperature Sensitivity – Heat-shrinkable tubing must never exceed 38°C during cleaning and drying.
- Contaminant Removal – Silicone residue, notoriously difficult to remove, needed to be consistently eliminated to guarantee product performance and quality.
HellermannTyton had already invested in a MecWash Midi system, which had proven reliable over time. However, increasing production volumes required an additional system capable of meeting both the technical requirements of sensitive heat-shrinkable parts and the operational demand for 24/7 production.
The MWX400 is the second parts washing system built by MecWash for HellermannTyton.
After consulting with MecWash Systems, HellermannTyton installed the MecWash MWX400, a precision aqueous parts-cleaning system specifically designed for complex cleaning applications and sensitive materials.
The MWX400 offered three critical advantages:
- Ultrasonic Cleaning – Dislodges and removes stubborn silicone contamination.
- Specialist Cleaning Chemistry (MecWash AC33) – A formula developed for plastics that ensures excellent cleaning results without damaging delicate components.
- Low-Temperature Drying – Maintains precise control to keep parts below the 38°C threshold.
This bespoke solution was developed in close collaboration between MecWash sales manager Paul Jarratt and the HellermannTyton team to ensure all process requirements were met.
“Maintaining product integrity is critical at HellermannTyton. The MWX400 provides ultrasonic cleaning, designed to target, dislodge and remove stubborn silicone deposits, while its low-temperature drying ensures the heat-shrinkable parts remain within safe thermal limits.”
— Paul Jarratt, Sales Manager, MecWash Systems
The MecWash MWX400 provides a complete removal of silicone residues while protecting the delicate components.
The introduction of the MWX400 delivered significant benefits to HellermannTyton’s operations:
- Increased Production Capability – The system enables continuous, around-the-clock operation (24/7), scaling production without compromising quality.
- Consistent Quality – Ultrasonic cleaning combined with MecWash AC33 ensures complete removal of silicone residues while protecting delicate components.
- Proven Reliability – This is HellermannTyton’s second MecWash system, underlining its confidence in MecWash technology and support.
“The MWX400 allows us to clean and dry heat-shrinkable components at the precise temperature needed to maintain quality, while removing even the most stubborn silicone residues. It has increased our production capacity and runs reliably 24/7.”
— Steve Walker, Continuous Improvement Engineer, HellermannTyton
MecWash has over three decades of experience in advanced aqueous cleaning solutions, serving industries such as automotive, aerospace, hydraulics, and medical. The company’s systems are designed to handle the most stringent manufacturing demands, with robust engineering that ensures longevity.
“Building a second parts washing system for HellermannTyton is another example of the repeat business MecWash enjoys. The combination of the Midi and MWX400 has generated substantial improvements to the efficiency of their cleaning process. With proper maintenance, these systems will continue to deliver reliable performance for years to come.”
— John Pattison, Managing Director, MecWash Systems
By adopting the MecWash MWX400, HellermannTyton has strengthened its production capability, ensuring both quality and scalability in its cable management solutions. The partnership underscores MecWash’s ability to tailor precision cleaning systems for critical applications where consistency, reliability, and product integrity are paramount.
You must be logged in to post a comment.