Addressing your CNC shop's oil mist problem is crucial. Signs like cautioning guests about slippery floors or the maintenance team playing 'filter whack-a-mole' signal the need for change. 3Nine's oil elimination units offer tailored solutions, efficient technology, and reliable air quality. With low maintenance and a focus on health and safety, 3Nine ensures a cleaner, safer workspace. Contact Founders ECES today to learn how 3Nine can transform your CNC shop.

As we navigate the shifts in our industry, it's crucial to address where we might be falling short for our customers. A recent perusal through Product Finishing Magazine and LinkedIn unveiled a barrage of advertisements pushing various drop-in replacements for 3M's Novec solvents, all emphasizing 3M's exit from Novec in 2025 and the urgency for customers to seek alternatives. It appears everyone's racing to fill the void left by 3M's departure.

For full disclosure, I'm a former 3Mer. I cherished my time at 3M and the exceptional team and product we had. However, it's important to note that before 3M's PFAS exit announcement, there was a significant product shortage issue in 2021, prompting many Novec cleaning customers to seek alternative solutions. Surprisingly, these options proved not only cheaper but equally effective, and these customers never looked back. The reality is, the market demand to replace 3M isn't as substantial as advertised.

But where is our industry truly missing the mark? Instead of fixating on replacing 3M, perhaps we should be pondering the future of these solvents. Why would a corporate giant like 3M abandon a lucrative product like Novec? Speculatively, when examining the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS chemicals and pending EPA reviews of T-DCE-based solvents, a bleak picture emerges for this category of solvents. Although the impacts might not be immediate, the pressure on these solvents is far from over.

While PFAS-based chemistry might not vanish, its usage will likely become heavily regulated, with production increasingly reliant on foreign sources, driving costs skyward. Maybe it's time to explore innovative cleaning approaches prioritizing safety, sustainability, and reliability.

Let's explore some alternative options:

Conventional Approaches: Vacuum degreasing using modified alcohol or hydrocarbon-based solvents, such as those offered by companies like Firbimatic and Kyzen, provides a tried and tested method ensuring safety and efficiency.

Water-based Cleaning: Leveraging quality ultrasonics and vacuum-assisted processing, as exemplified by Jayco Cleaning Technology, enhances the effectiveness of water-based cleaning, offering a safe and reliable alternative.

Newer Options: Vapor blasting, a method combining degreasing and surface finishing, offers an effective, eco-friendly solution. Automated systems like those from Vixen Vapor Blasting introduce innovative possibilities.

For companies once reliant on 3M or similar solvents, it's time to rethink strategies. There's a plethora of alternative options available, fostering discussions around long-term solutions rather than simply replicating past practices.

Tube Cleaning Perfected: Firbimatic's Vacuum Degreasing Revolution

In today's industrial landscape, the efficiency and cleanliness of tube systems are paramount for optimal performance and regulatory compliance. Firbimatic, a leader in industrial cleaning solutions, presents a game-changing innovation: the Vacuum Degreasing Revolution. Leveraging state-of-the-art vacuum degreasing technology, Firbimatic's solutions ensure unparalleled cleanliness and efficiency for tube systems across various industries.

With customizable cleaning solutions tailored to specific tube dimensions, materials, and contaminants, Firbimatic sets the standard for precision and reliability. Automated cleaning processes, including pre-washing, vapor phase degreasing, and vacuum drying, streamline operations and guarantee consistent results.

Firbimatic's commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its eco-friendly features, such as closed-loop solvent recovery systems and active charcoal filtration. This not only minimizes emissions but also ensures compliance with stringent environmental regulations.

From oil and gas pipelines to aerospace components and medical devices, Firbimatic's vacuum degreasing technology finds applications across diverse industries. Say goodbye to compromised efficiency and hello to pristine tube systems with Firbimatic's Vacuum Degreasing Revolution.

In the dynamic world of additive manufacturing, where innovation and precision intertwine, achieving excellence goes beyond just the design and printing phases. The final product's appearance and cleanliness are equally crucial, if not more so. This is where Founders ECS steps in as the trusted partner for engineers and industrial users in the additive manufacturing space. Our commitment to perfection encompasses every facet of the process, from meticulous parts cleaning and debinding to precision polishing and superior surface finishing. Join us on a journey to discover how these often-overlooked steps play a pivotal role in making additive manufacturing truly remarkable.

Choosing the right cleaning solvent for industrial parts degreasing is crucial for achieving effective and contaminant-free results. Hydrocarbon solvents, derived from petroleum, have a long history of use due to their excellent solvency power and low residue formation. Modified alcohol solvents, on the other hand, offer enhanced degreasing capabilities with higher flashpoints and lower toxicity. Solvent blends, which combine different solvents, have been commonly used to balance solvency power and safety. However, the future of solvent blends is uncertain due to increasing regulatory pressure surrounding PFAS chemicals. It is important to stay informed about evolving regulations and consider alternative solutions that prioritize environmental and health considerations. Proper solvent selection and application techniques are essential for efficient and thorough industrial parts degreasing while ensuring component cleanliness and functionality.

In the world of metal parts passivation, two popular methods stand out: citric acid and nitric acid. Both methods offer unique advantages and considerations when it comes to achieving optimal corrosion resistance and surface quality for metal parts. In this article, we delve into the details of comparing these two passivation methods, exploring their effectiveness, safety, environmental impact, and applicability to different materials. Whether you're looking to enhance the corrosion resistance of stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals, understanding the differences between citric acid and nitric acid passivation can help you make an informed decision for your specific metal parts.

In this insightful article, discover the surprising connection between the author's golf game and the challenges encountered in optimizing parts cleaning processes. Drawing parallels between the tendency to overthink and make constant adjustments, readers are taken on a journey that explores the shared problem of seeking perfection. Through personal anecdotes and relatable examples, the article highlights the dangers of information overload, the allure of constant tinkering, and the importance of sticking to fundamentals. Ultimately, readers are encouraged to embrace simplicity, seek expert guidance, and strike a balance between innovation and adherence to core principles to achieve success in both their golf game and parts cleaning endeavors.