MecWash turns to HepcoMotion for accurate positioning

Engineers at Tewkesbury-based MecWash Systems had to work to very tight tolerances, as the application required a cleaning lance to be automatically driven deep into the head and where clearance of just 1 mm existed. To ensure the lance was not damaged in the process, a rigid drive system needed to be employed and MecWash specified a BSP, precision ballscrew Rolled C7 Class, guided by an SL2 stainless steel linear system, both from HepcoMotion, which has its main manufacturing site in Tiverton, Devon. "Weighing around 80 kg, there was no danger of the engine head being damaged if the cleaning lance wasn't correctly positioned" explained system designer Francois Chatron-Michaud. "The problem was the other way round, and with just 1 mm to spare, we had to make sure the driving system would remain sufficiently rigid to prevent the lance colliding with the walls of the oil gallery." Once in the engine head, the lance jets water and detergent into the cavity at a pressure of 40 bar to remove swarf and any other production debris. HepcoMotion is unique in offering stainless steel and corrosion resistant linear motion systems within its standard range and for MecWash this is an important benefit. "The product is available quickly and doesn't carry a price premium," system designer Francois Chatron-Michaud explains. And the same SL2 components are used on the MecWash standard range of washing systems, too, as ex-stock supply is valued by the company. Mr Chatron-Michaud continues: "MecWash has worked with HepcoMotion for many years and we have an excellent relationship with its sales engineers. They provide us with sound technical support and this project is a good example of our collaboration."