3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids For the Aerospace Industry

Advanced Ultrasonic Cleaning for the Aerospace Industry

Precision Cleaning Into The Future.

Cleaning is an essential process in aircraft production, maintenance and repair to ensure safe operation. Effective cleaning agents must remove a diverse range of contaminants, yet be compatible with a wide range of metals, plastics and elastomers.

Compatibility and cleaning effectiveness are a function of the solvent used. CFC-113, HCFC-141b, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane were commonly used in the many cleaning applications where a non-corrosive, non-flammable solvent with low toxicity was required. However, because of the ozone depletion potential of these compounds, their production and/or use was banned, requiring users to find a new alternative. Other solvents, such as perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and methylene chloride, have barriers to use due to environmental or worker safety reasons.

Advantages of 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids

Novec fluids have proven to be highly-effective and versatile cleaning solvents for the aerospace industry.

Outstanding penetration of tight clearances in complex parts
Fast drying
Low in acute and chronic toxicity*
Non-flammable throughout the cleaning and drying process*

Effective on a wide range of soils. Excellent materials compatibility
Can be successfully and economically used in vapour degreasing, tube flushing, spray cleaning and hand wipe operations
Excellent for the removal of particulate contamination

Applications

Precision cleaning

3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids offer a number of advantages for companies involved in aircraft production, maintenance and repair. They have demonstrated excellent compatibility with sensitive materials such as acrylic and polycarbonate, as well as a wide range of other plastics, elastomers and metals. Their low surface tension, low viscosity and high liquid densities make Novec fluids ideal for use in vapour degreasing equipment. They are fast-drying, and typically offer lower drag-out losses than conventional degreasing solvents.

What’s more, Novec fluids easily penetrate tight spaces on complex parts, then drain off easily so they don’t become trapped in small spaces. Unlike aqueous solutions, Novec fluids do not support biological growth, and are less equipment and energy-intensive. In addition, parts cleaned in Novec fluids dry quickly and spot-free, with less chance for corrosion.

Download White Paper – Solvent Cleaning & Vapour Degreasing for Aerospace Industry

Precision Cleaning Equipment

Crest Ultrasonics – The Sound Choice

Crest Ultrasonics has been a leader for over 50 years in the ultrasonic cleaning industry. Crest has been creating the standard for advanced precision cleaning equipment with a breadth of line known for its quality, long-lasting performance, and precision cleaning results. Our commitment to excellence continues with our new, highly advanced Solvac™ Vapour Degreaser systems.

Download Aerospace Brochure

SOLVENT CLEANING VS. AQUEOUS CLEANING

Advantages of solvent cleaning with 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids vs. aqueous systems:

Easier to use with cellular manufacturing
Can be used for silicone deposition
Better solvency for organic soils
No need for waste water treatment

Reduced power consumption
No anti-corrosion additives required
Does not promote growth of bioburden

Smaller equipment “footprint”
No water spotting
No drying equipment needed

Contact us to get started

Not sure which solution is right for your application?
Brennan & Company can help!

Contact Brennan & Company for answers to any questions you may have, including guidance on choosing the correct product from the range of 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids. We also offer general application advice, product data, information on purchasing test samples and more.