It’s a common myth in manufacturing that water-based/aqueous or budget-grade solvents are the most economical choice. Listen along as we do our own “myth-busting” on this episode of The Splashcast. Learn how one company saved 75% on their total cost of ownership over budget-grade fluids with Standard Fluids.
Key Takeaways
- Hidden Costs: Budget-grade solutions often hide the massive costs of disposal, drying time, and regulatory compliance.
- Residue-Free: Standard Fluids’ 3M™ Novec™ replacements provide 100% evaporation without residue.
- Speed: Process times can be slashed from one hour to just seven minutes using precision vapor degreasing.
Beyond the Surface: What is Precision Cleaning?
Many manufacturers believe that water-based aqueous solutions or budget-grade solvents save money. However, technical industries require a level of cleanliness that directly impacts performance and safety.
Precision cleaning describes more than just a surface-level scrub. It identifies a specialized process that removes microscopic contaminants like oils and non-volatile residues. This level of purity ensures that sensitive components function correctly without any risk of failure. Sectors such as medical device manufacturing and aerospace rely on this standard because even trace amounts of contamination can lead to catastrophic system errors.
The Science of HFEs
Hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) represent a significant advancement in engineered fluids. These molecules replaced older ozone-depleting chemicals that industries phased out decades ago. Products like SF 7100™ Engineered Fluid and SF 7200™ Engineered Fluid provide essential benefits for modern technical processes.
These products feature low surface tension, which allows the fluid to enter tiny gaps that water cannot reach. These fluids evaporate completely and leave no trace behind after the process finishes. In addition, they remain chemically stable and do not break down into harmful acids at high temperatures. Unlike many budget-grade chemicals, HFEs provide a safe work environment because they are non-flammable and have low toxicity.
Appropriate Applications for HFEs
Standard Fluids products serve as a premier NovecTM replacement in several critical fields.
Medical Devices: Manufacturers clean complex implants and instruments like knee replacements or pacemakers to ensure biological safety.*
Electronics: Technicians remove oils from printed circuit boards and engine control units without damaging delicate circuits.
Forensics: Crime labs use these fluids to reveal fingerprints on paper and cardboard surfaces through ninhydrin processing.
Book Preservation: Specialists use HFEs to deliver protective agents deep into historical pages to stop yellowing without damaging book binders.
Semiconductors: Contract manufacturers rely on HFEs as heat transfer fluids to maintain precise temperature control of their etching and photolithography equipment.
A Case Study in Financial Efficiency
Evaluating the total cost of ownership reveals that budget-grade solvents often result in higher overall costs than precision fluids. During a project in Puerto Rico, an electrical manufacturer hesitated to move away from water and soap cleaning. They initially focused only on the low price of the soap itself.
The perspective changed after our team partnered with their Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department to perform a comprehensive audit. This consultancy uncovered massive hidden costs like labor for reporting, fees for wastewater permits, and energy for drying parts. The Standard Fluids solution actually cost only one quarter of the total package compared to the budget grade aqueous system. This manufacturer saved 75% by choosing a superior chemical process.
The Total Package
When you work with Standard Fluids, you get a true partnership you can lean on at every stage. We offer technical consultancy to help you optimize your process for both safety and speed. Additionally, we follow strict safety and environmental standards in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency and have the expertise to provide technical support for high-value assets similar to those managed by the Library of Congress.
Reach out to our team today to start your transition: https://standardfluids.com/contact/
*Not recommended for human contact