What is degreasing?
Degreasing is a key cleaning process for removing oils, greases or release agents. It is particularly important before Vulcanisation, The product can be coated, painted, glued or laminated to ensure permanent adhesion and consistent product quality.
Why is degreasing important?
Even fine oil films or release agent residues can impair the Adhesion between component and Adhesion promoter, rubber or adhesive. Degreasing creates a clean, reactive surface to which materials can adhere. This is particularly relevant in elastomer production:
- Metal inserts for Rubber-Metal Composite Parts
- Metal or plastic carriers for multi-component injection moulding
- Housing parts, sealing surfaces, functional surfaces
Without thorough degreasing, there is a risk of adhesion problems, rejects or premature loss of function during subsequent use.
Degreasing process
Insufficient degreasing can lead to massive quality problems, for example with the Vulcanisation of rubber parts with metal inserts or the painting of LABS-critical components.
Different processes are used depending on the material, component geometry and purity requirements:
- Solvent-based degreasing (classic, effective for heavily soiled parts)
- Aqueous cleaning with alkaline or neutral cleaners
- Ultrasonic degreasing for delicate geometries
- Plasma cleaning or CO₂ snow blasting (dry, residue-free)
- Manual wiping with isopropanol or acetone for small batches