AQUEOUS CLEANING
WHAT IS AQUEOUS CLEANING?
Aqueous cleaning is a water-based part cleaning method that uses chemistry, temperature, agitation, and rinsing to remove oils, greases, particulates, and residues from metal, plastic, and composite parts. Unlike solvent-based cleaning, it’s more environmentally friendly, safer for operators, and effective on both precision and high-volume parts.
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Environmentally Safer: No harsh solvents or hazardous emissions
Cost-Effective: Scalable for high-volume production
Versatile: Compatible with a wide range of materials and part sizes
Thorough: Removes oils, chips, coolants, and contaminants without damaging parts
Post-Clean Ready: Parts are clean and residue-free for coating, bonding, or further processing
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In industries where part performance depends on surface cleanliness. Whether for bonding, coating, or assembly; Cutting corners on cleaning isn't an option. Aqueous cleaning provides the balance of volume efficiency, regulatory compliance, and dependable results manufacturers expect.
Arrow Finishing uses high-performance aqueous systems engineered for throughput without compromising quality.
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Aqueous Cleaning
Water-based process using heat, detergents, and mechanical agitation
Ideal for large, durable parts or high-volume production
Suitable for removing oils, chips, coolant, and light particulates
Best for: Aerospace, Automotive, General Manufacturing
Materials: Steel, aluminum, plastics, composites
Part size: Medium to large with simple to moderate geometries
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Uses high-frequency sound waves to create cavitation bubbles in liquid
Ideal for delicate, intricate, or complex-shaped parts
Reaches into tight crevices, blind holes, and internal passages
Best for: Medical Devices, Aerospace, Semiconductor
Materials: Stainless steel, titanium, glass, ceramics
Part size: Small to mid-sized, precision-critical components
Degreasing (Solvent or Vapor Degreasing)
Uses solvent-based systems to dissolve and lift oils, waxes, and heavy grease
Often used as a pre-cleaning step or for very oily components
Fast and effective on surfaces not sensitive to solvents
Best for: Automotive, Tooling, Heavy Equipment, Defense
Materials: Metals only (not plastic-safe unless specified)
Part size: Varies, but most effective on simple external surfaces