Supporting the defence industry with ultrasonic cleaning
Let’s start by outlining just what ultrasonic cleaning is before we delve into the ways in which it is beneficial to the defence industry.
“Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency, high-intensity sound waves in a liquid to facilitate or enhance the removal of foreign contaminants from surfaces submerged in an ultrasonically activated tank.” Read more detail on the process.
The liquid used in the process is a key factor. Typically, it will be water mixed with a specific concentrated chemical. Though not just any water – deionised or distilled water is required for critical applications to avoid minerals being left once dry. And the chemical selected and its concentrate is decided based on the material and contaminate being cleaned.
Why is ultrasonic cleaning ideal in defence scenarios?
Once determinations have been made around the liquid being used, ultrasonic solutions are a beneficial cleaning method in the defence industry. This is because it can reach blind holes where other methods won’t reach, essentially, everywhere the water touches there is cleaning action.
And because this cleaning method is a non-contact and non-abrasive process there is no risk of human error or physical damage such as mechanical scratching which is common in manual scrubbing methods.
Benefits of ultrasonic cleaning on critical parts:
- Micro tolerances of parts remain intact
- No micro-scratching
- No foreign debris is introduced
Furthermore, this method supports achieving the micron-level cleanliness determined by clauses Def Stans and DEFCONs by the UK Government and Ministry of Defence.
Supporting MRO
Under maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) of existing parts, companies are faced with a choice to either throw the dirty / contaminated parts away and buy new ones or try to clean them. We support their decision to ‘make’ rather than ‘buy’ as we’re able to make the part usable again via cleaning and refurbishment.
Restoring an existing component to precision levels of cleanliness is vastly superior to ordering replacement parts. As it keeps mission-critical components in rotation, it avoids long supply chain delays and removes the expense of sourcing new components and cuts out the procurement paperwork.
Examples of where our cleaning solutions can support the defence industry:
- Tank engines, gear boxes and oil lines
- Submarine panels
- Aerospace hooks and jigs
We have even cleaned parts that have gone into space, such as O-rings and busbars that have critical roles within satellites. These needed to be cleaned to O2 cleaning standard, which eliminates fire or explosion vulnerability due to flammable contaminants. To achieve this our team worked to precise standards and took precautions to prevent recontamination. The O2 standard was then verified by a third party who conducted particle analysis to ensure the parts conformed.
As a company, we’re geared up to work with and support the defence industry not just through our comprehensive cleaning solutions but also through our JOSCAR (Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register) award and Cyber Essentials accreditation. Both of which are critical business requirements for working within the defence and aerospace sectors.
So, if you’re asking whether to ‘make or buy’ critical components in response to debris and contamination, why not speak to our team about our extensive cleaning solutions and explore the benefits it can have to your time and bottom-line.
Since 2004, we have been pioneering and transforming industrial parts cleaning, and we operate as the UK’s only full-service industrial parts cleaning company.
From our Huddersfield facility, we can deliver a unique and efficient resource for manufacturers and solve many challenges that single-process cleaning companies can’t through our combined specialist facilities. Which includes our complete range of industrial cleaning and processing solutions:
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- Thermal stripping & pyrolysis
- Vapour & shot blasting
- Industrial jet washing
- Chemical cleaning
- Surface preparation
- Specialist refurbishment support
- Superalloy toll processing
What are the cleaning credentials of Sonic Solutions?
Through experience and innovation, our team has the unique specialist expertise and technical understanding required to clean industrial parts to an exceptional standard, optimise cleaning processes and ensure the best possible results. We also hold ISO 9001:2015 which reflects our commitment to reliable, efficient and consistent industrial cleaning processes.
Over the years our team has completed the following types of jobs:
- Precision engineering cleaning
- Superalloy revert processing
- Thermal barrier coating removal development
- Component degreasing and contaminant removal
- Surface preparation and finishing
By handling all industrial parts cleaning processes, our customers’ engineering teams can focus on their own key responsibilities and focus their time on core capabilities.
What are the business benefits of working with Sonic Solutions?
By working with us and our dedicated off-site services, our customers have been able to replace challenging, onerous in-house cleaning operations. This enables them to reduce both CapEx and OpEx as they can reduce training costs, save on staff resource and eliminate the need to invest in specialist cleaning equipment, helping to save both time, money and space.
For instance, as we bring parts back into full use, make them safer, boost their efficiency and extend their lifespans we enable our customers to not only save on the cost of replacements but also demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Which is a key focus for National Manufacturing Day, which is championed by MAKE UK, as the event is focused on promoting the future growth of the industry through attracting talent but also through modern manufacturing which relies on sustainability through extending the life of components and equipment.
As an example, we worked with Berry BPI Group to provide a multi-stage cleaning process to extend the life of filters it was using which also led to a reduction in product replacement and cost savings. Read the full story.
We don’t simply clean components, we provide feedback, guidance and solutions – for many manufacturing customers we’re proud to be their trusted partner. Ready to explore how our services and solutions can save you time and money? Contact our team.
As proud members of a number of key industry networks we’re delighted to be attending various events in the coming months as we move towards the end of the year.
First up, we’ll be attending the now sold out Make UK Defence Member Networking: Be Unstoppable – In time MRO of mission critical systems event at Bosch Rexroth in Normanton on the 30th of September.
Make UK Defence champions and represents the UK Defence SME supply chain, ensuring that SMEs have a voice throughout the MOD and government. And through the running of these regular networking events, it provides the opportunity for meaningful discussions and problem solving.
For us, we’re looking forward to attending the event and showcasing how our specialist industrial parts cleaning capabilities can be integrated into through life support programmes, as part of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services. We also offer valuable additional parts cleaning capacity to MRO contractors, which supports them to deliver programmes more rapidly.
We’ll then be heading to the 53rd Minor Metals Trade Association (MMTA) Anniversary Dinner on the 20th of October. The MMTA is a not-for-profit organisation, which serves to benefit and promote the interests of its international membership. It is the world’s largest association involved minor metals.
Taking place at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, London, the team is looking forward to this black-tie event with fantastic networking opportunities. The dinner takes place during LME week, which brings together representatives from the entire metals community to discuss trends and the future ahead.
In November, MAKE UK Defence will host its flagship Defence Summit at the British Motor Museum in Warwick.
Happening across two days (18-19 November), the event will provide opportunities for more than 500 delegates to meet exhibitors and speakers as well as take part in a Meet the Buyer event, with 50+ buyers ready to connect.
The event is a must for anyone working or looking to work with the defence sector, tickets are still available and you can find out more about the event here.
Wrapping up the year and the event season, we’ll be getting in to the festive spirit at the MMTA Christmas Lunch.
📅 Thursday, 10 December at 12-4pm
📍 Ironmongers’ Hall, London
We look forward to sitting down for a festive lunch with drinks and carols with fellow members and attendees. If you’d like to join us tickets are available here.
As the UK’s only full-service industrial parts cleaning company, active networking through the attendance of these events and more that we attend each year, is a great way for us to demonstrate and position our capabilities within core supply chains.
For instance, we enable engineering companies within the supply chain to operate more efficiently as the level of cleanliness we can achieve on parts and material produces the quality required for assembly, welding, bonding and coating, and minimises the risk of defects.
Not only that, but precision engineering companies trust in our expertise, facilities and parts cleaning methods because we don’t simply clean components, we provide feedback, guidance and solutions.
Read to read more about our services?
Have a project to discuss? Contact our team.
We are delighted to have been awarded JOSCAR (Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register) and Cyber Essentials accreditations.
JOSCAR is a recognised accreditation system used by prime contractors in aerospace and defence including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and the Ministry of Defence. It quickly verifies that suppliers meet stringent requirements in areas such as compliance and regulation, supply chain security, IT security and operational capability.
Cyber Essentials is a UK government backed scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. The certification demonstrates Sonic Solutions has met rigorous security requirements to safeguard its IT systems, data and customer information from cyber-attacks.
At a time when compliance and cyber security is critical in aerospace and defence, being awarded the JOSCAR and Cyber Essentials accreditations is a testament to our ongoing commitment to quality, reliability and excellence.
Working with organisations in the aerospace and defence industries
Sonic Solutions offers a comprehensive range of cleaning and refurbishment services for aerospace and defence, including ultrasonic cleaning, industrial jet washing, vapour blasting, thermal cleaning, chemical cleaning and surface preparation.
We work with customers on a breadth of projects, including:
- Maintaining the operational capability of the Armed Forces by ensuring mission-critical components are fit for use and equipment is safe and functional.
- Supporting Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities through providing a range of cleaning services including ultrasonic cleaning, vapour blasting and precision degreasing to remove oils, hydraulic fluids and carbon deposits.
- Supporting precision engineering through our ultrasonic cleaning capabilities to eliminate contaminants in intricate critical components, to ensure they will be fit for purpose.
- Helping engineering companies within the supply chain operate more efficiently: the level of cleanliness we can achieve on parts and materials produces the quality required for assembly, welding, bonding and coating, and minimises the risk of defects.
Andrew Taylor, Managing Director commented: “This significant milestone underpins our dedication to exceed industry standards and position Sonic Solutions as a trusted supplier to aerospace and defence organisations. We look forward to strengthening partnerships and exploring new opportunities within these industries.”
Find out more about how we support the aerospace and defence industries.
Bolstering our offer under one new roof
We are delighted to share that we have been able to unify our team from three disparate units into one facility that has been custom refurbished to meet our requirements.
The pioneering industrial parts cleaner
As the UK’s only full-service industrial parts cleaning company, our new facility has enabled us to combine specialist facilities in ultrasonic cleaning, pyrolysis and thermal stripping, media blasting and jet washing with extensive technical expertise on to one unified site.
In doing so we can offer a unique resource to our customers in traditional markets of manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, industrial contractors and recycling specialists as well as target new markets in defence, rail and metals recovery.
Utilising space to strengthen growth prospects
For more than 20 years, we have led the use of ultrasonic cleaning in industry, harnessing the potential of technology to rejuvenate, restore and upgrade materials. This move will further secure our future ambitions by increasing our floor space from a combined 3750 sq ft across three units, to 9000 sq ft of dedicated floor space and an additional 6000 sq ft of entirely private yard space. Which means we’re now able to operate all of our existing plant and machinery more efficiently and gives us the opportunity to deliver more extensive cleaning services with the potential for further expansion and major infrastructure improvements.
The refurbished facility has had gas and electric upgrades across the site as well as building and ground works, and to support our ESG plans we’re looking to install solar power and water harvesting. As this will not only provide economic benefits around reducing utility bills but will support our ambitions to create a more sustainable business.
Andrew Taylor, Managing Director at Sonic Solutions, commented: “The team is delighted to be together under one roof, not only does it mean we can operate more effectively but we’ve been able to position our machinery so that we can optimise production efficiency.
“This is enabling us to provide faster and more cost-effective solutions to our customers, whilst ensuring we can also take on larger jobs, that we were previously prohibited from owing to space constraints. Which is especially exciting as we grow into new markets, such as rail and defence, which require large production capacity and storage space.
“Going forward, if we continue to expand as planned then we will also be taking on more employees from the local area. It is therefore not unrealistic to see our current 10 staff grow to 15 or more in the next 18 months.”
Through our expertise and quality standards, major companies trust Sonic Solutions to bring parts back into full use, make them safer, boost their efficiency and extend their lifespans. In doing so, we regularly save customers the cost of replacements and support them in meeting their sustainable commitments.
Read to see how we can support you? Get in touch.
Turns out, when you buy the old ATS building and don’t put your name on it… people assume you’re still fitting tyres
When we opened the doors at our new unit in the former ATS building, we didn’t expect just how familiar the site still felt to the local area. For the first three weeks, we had a steady stream of visitors coming in asking for tyres, puncture repairs, and general car fixes, so many, in fact, that we briefly joked about buying tyre-filling equipment just to keep everyone happy.
The reason quickly became clear: there was nothing to say we weren’t ATS anymore.
That’s now firmly changed. The new signage is up , including the totem , and it makes it clear who we are and what we do. This isn’t just a sign; it’s a statement. Built to last long beyond us, it marks the start of a new chapter for the building and for our business.
Getting it installed was no small task. It took multiple forklifts, careful coordination, and more than a little faith to get it into place. Not exactly a plug-and-play job, but absolutely worth it.
With the signs now standing tall, there’s no more confusion , just a clear signal that we’re here, we’re open, and we’re building something solid for the long term. No tyres… but plenty of ambition.
