Process media and their use

As a specialist in the development and realization of systems and installations for cleaning and surface treatment, and as a professional service provider for complex outsourced surface processes, KKS has extensive knowledge of using a wide range of process media.

For effective ultrasonic cleaning, the expected cleanliness of the parts and a whole range of process parameters must be taken into account. To begin with, the type of cleaner to be used depends on the material of the parts to be cleaned and the nature of the contamination, but also the stage of production and the cleanliness requirements. The use of ultrasound for cleaning and subsequent rinsing supports the cleaning effect achieved in the process. The optimized cleaning media must be determined or defined in combination with other important factors, such as bath temperature, ultrasonic power, ultrasonic frequency and the rinsing process.

Blasting processes are often economical methods of realizing a wide range of surface treatments. In order to achieve the desired result with a large number of possible applications such as deburring, cleaning, decoating, roughening, texturing, hardening (shot peening), not only the right blasting media but also the blasting parameters are important factors for ensuring the reproducibility of the processes used.

Chemical and electrochemical processes such as pickling, electrolytic polishing and color or dark anodizing are processes with a wide range of applications. Removal of oxide layers, rounding of corners and edges, burnishing, coloring of surfaces, selective build-up of oxide layers or increased fatigue strength are some of the effects that can be achieved using these media and suitable associated processes.

Stainless steel alloys usually undergo a passivation process to improve their corrosion resistance. Foreign metal impurities can be removed and a passivating oxide layer can be selectively built up. It is important that the passivation media and the respective process parameters are precisely matched to the product in order to achieve the desired effect.

Upon the acid etching of dental implants, a strongly roughened surface is created in order to support ingrowth and solid anchoring of the implant in the bone. The media and corresponding process parameters for this demanding application are precisely matched to the material used and the desired surface structure. These media can only be offered in combination with processes and equipment from KKS.

KKS offers professional advice and expertise to its customers to enable them to choose suitable process media and use them correctly. In the company’s own test laboratory, processes can be developed and tested, or customer parts can be sampled and the results analyzed.