In the behind-the-scenes world of manufacturing, there are many processes that many of us, as consumers, never realize exist. Among those processes are the multi-faceted cleaning and degreasing steps necessary in the finishing stages of many parts, including some electronics and some medical parts.
The smallest of these parts require special metal containers for cleaning and degreasing, to keep them contained and protected. Depending on the level of fragility of the parts, additional protective features may be necessary, especially inside the basket. Companies like Three M Tool, of York, Pennsylvania, offer custom engineering of just such canisters, with no minimum order required, to provide perfectly-suited solutions for any need. In this case, a custom wire basket can be designed with woven mesh tight enough to form 0.015 inch holes.
These custom metal canisters are engineered and manufactured with detail in mind. As is necessary for small parts to be put inside the canisters, the openings are small, the lids fit tightly, and the interiors are extremely smooth. With all the options available, there’s a perfect solution for just about every application. From mesh size to surface finish, the details can be tweaked to create just the right custom metal canister for the small parts you are manufacturing.
One of the most common materials used in these metal canisters is stainless steel, available in multiple grades, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. That material can be used as wire mesh, perforated metal, or expanded metal to create the walls of the basket. The mesh can range in size from 0.015 inch to 1 inch holes, and the surface can be left natural, with discoloration around welds, for example, or be electropolished (only the stainless steel). Once finished, the surface can be covered with several different kinds of coatings, for appearance’s sake or for to perform a specific function.
For canisters whose purpose is cleaning very small parts, either the woven mesh or the perforated steel would probably serve best, since the third option–expanded steel–tends to have a much more rough surface. Here again, the specific project would dictate the preferred option, and the engineers at Three M Tool can help determine the ideal lining for the canister.
The surface finish is another detail to consider. With canisters like these, the welds will be smooth, to protect the parts being cleaned, but your project may need the surface to be electropolished, as well. The natural finish, with the welds much more noticeable, may not be a good option for your canisters.
With over fifty years of experience in the field, Three M Tool is well-suited to help with just about any custom wire basket project, from the design stages through to manufacturing and delivery. Judging from the tone of their website, they seem eager for challenges. They guarantee excellent customer service, as well, that “every shipment will meet your demands.” With careful documentation and constant testing combined with precise processing of orders and control of production, they promise “that your orders will arrive complete and on time as promised.” What more could you ask?
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