Kategori: Parts Cleaning

Less energy used. Cleaner parts achieved

Written by Magne Bossen on 23 October 2025.

Remanufacturing

Less energy used.
Cleaner parts achieved.

New technologies made possible thanks to DST know-how

Sumitomo Drive Technologies is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality drive solutions – with over 130 years of experience and a clear focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability.

The company follows a group-wide ESG strategy and actively invests in energy-efficient processes, climateneutral energy sources, and long-term CO2 reduction. At the German site in Markt Indersdorf, these ambitions are being turned into action. Production is being modernised with a focus on sustainability – combining environmental responsibility with technical excellence. That includes looking at every step of the process. Also cleaning.

Cleaning with a sustainable focus

The aim of the collaboration was to increase energy efficiency in the remanufacturing process without compromising component cleanliness. The existing cleaning solution operated at 80 degrees, which resulted in high operating costs – especially during continuous use in two-shift operation. At the same time, heavily contaminated components such as greasy ball bearings and parts with complex geometries had to be cleaned reliably, which was often not the case. The existing setup wasn’t up to the task and required time-consuming manual re-work.

Based on an on-site process analysis and a Product Selector Report, we recommended Ali Özkan, Service Manager at Sumitomo Drive Technologies, to use the water-based cleaner DST-DEGREEZ/9EP. The product was recommended due to its high performance at significantly lower temperatures.

The result? A reduction in cleaning temperature from 80°C to 55°C – with improved cleaning performance at the same time. And despite high contamination levels, a bath lifetime of six months was achieved.

The right solution, powered by DST know-how

A key factor for the optimal solution was the integration of a low-pressure cleaning unit from ph-cleantec, operating in a closed loop with the existing PERO ROBOMAT system – commonly found in remanufacturing environments.

Grease-filled bearings are now cleaned using a hand-held lance in a separate tank within the low-pressure system. This protects the cleaning agent and extends the bath life of the main installation. Parts with undercuts – which previously led to spray shadows in the PERO – are now efficiently pre-cleaned with the lance in just seconds. DST-CHEMICALS supported not only with product selection, but also with the idea and integration into the existing equipment setup.

Ali Özkan concludes: “DST-CHEMICALS is not just a supplier – they’re a true partner. It wasn’t just about recommending a cleaner – it was about jointly developing an improved process with long-term impact. Combined with their regular service visits, this has improved our cleaning operations significantly.”

The improved cleaning process supports Sumitomo Drive Technologies’ sustainability goals – while also delivering significant economic benefits.

Key outcome:

Reliable cleaning of even complex and heavily soiled components · Using non-hazardous products for a safer work environment.
High energy savings through a 25°C lower process temperature.
Effective problem-solving with expert technical advice
Integration of a low-pressure pre-cleaning unit in a closed-loop setup.
Ongoing service – including process optimisation and staff training.
Sustainable improvements in cleaning quality and operating costs.
A trusted partnership for future projects.

More about DST-DEGREEZ

DST-Degreasers for industrial parts cleaning solutions.

Sustainable solution for industrial cleaning challenges

Written by Vivi Yde Laursen on 24 May 2023.

Manufacturing

Sustainable solution
for industrial
cleaning challenges

The secret behind a 40% lower energy consumption

BUFAB Lann is the leading producer of turned parts in Sweden, known for their exceptional machining capabilities and expertise in CNC Single Spindle, CNC Multi Spindle, Multiplex machines, milling machines, and Rotary Transfer Machines.

As a subsidiary of BUFAB, a major supplier of fasteners and related products in Europe, BUFAB Lann has built a reputation for excellence in the industry.

A sustainable and efficient solution

BUFAB Lann faced several challenges with its industrial cleaning processes. Specifically, the company was struggling with spots on the parts after washing, the need to wash at high temperatures, and the use of multiple chemicals in the process. To address these issues, BUFAB Lann sought a more sustainable and efficient industrial cleaning solution that would not compromise the quality of its products. After extensive research and evaluation, BUFAB Lann partnered with DST-CHEMICALS.

Emil Aggefors, warehouse manager at BUFAB Lann says: “When we select our supplier we want a partner. For us, DST could provide the help we needed to optimize the use of our chemicals and support our cleaning process.”

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TCO calculations and extensive
after-sales service & maintenance

When evaluating potential partners for a surface treatment solution, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) of each option. This includes not only the upfront cost of the actual cleaning products but also the cost of implementing and maintaining the solution over time. Together BUFAB Lann and DST-CHEMICALS calculated the TCO based on the cost of energy, water, and other resources needed to operate the solution.

The maintenance costs involved were also examined; from man hours to bath and machine maintenance. The water-based products from DST-CHEMICALS are formulated to cause minimum damage on the equipment used for degreasing and cleaning and Emil Aggefors is happy with the cooperation: “We have a very close cooperation where DST help us monitor our baths in order for them to stay in good condition. DST is also a great partner for advice and support.”

A spotless surface with a water-based cleaner

Through the adoption of DST-CHEMICALS’ products, BUFAB Lann was able to achieve remarkable improvements on the surface cleaning.

The new solution offered superior cleaning performance, reduced energy consumption, and eliminated the need for multiple chemicals. Moreover, the use of DST-CHEMICALS’ products resulted in significant cost savings for BUFAB Lann, which amounted to a 40% reduction in energy costs alone.

Key outcome

Cleaner parts
40% reduction in energy consumption
Just one cleaning product in use
Improved work environment
Reduced environmental impact
Optimized production flow
Regular after-sales service
& maintenance visits

More about DST-DEGREEZ

Perfect cleaning for the
wind turbine industry

Written by Tue Paulsen on 17 January 2023.

Manufacturing

Optimised cleaning processes ensures
high quality

How ZF Wind Power optimised their cleaning process and boosted productivity

ZF Wind Power puts wind turbines in motion and their advanced technology and service solutions contribute to the transformation of the global energy system, in which reliable, robust and efficient products and systems conserve precious resources.

In the world of wind turbine production, gearboxes are the heart of the operation. ZF Wind Power, a leading name in the industry, knows this all too well. But even the best gearboxes can’t perform their magic if they’re not spotless. That’s where DST-CHEMICALS comes into play, with their innovative cleaning solution – DST-PINK GEL. But you may ask, why pink?

Back in 2018, DST-CHEMICALS and ZF Wind Power put their heads together to develop, test, and optimise DST-PINK GEL. The journey wasn’t without its challenges, but the result was worth every effort.

Jean-Pierre Huyberechts (ZF Wind Power): “ZF is dedicated to standardising all our fluids to a consistently high level of quality. This ensures we deliver the same top-notch results to our customers, every time, no matter whether the gearbox is produced in the US, China, India, or Belgium. That’s precisely why DST-CHEMICALS is such a crucial partner for us.”

Tackling the issue of poor wash quality

ZF Wind Power faced daily problems with poor wash quality and poor wash results using a different detergent. The gearboxes weren’t as clean as they needed to be, which led to excessive manual cleaning. Given their long-standing partnership and successful product development history, ZF Wind Power reached out to DST-CHEMICALS. Could they help develop a new cleaner?

DST-PINK GEL is a ready-to-use product that’s sprayed onto the part needing cleaning, then rinsed off. Any part of the gearbox still showing the pink colour are the tricky spots that need a bit of extra elbow grease. When ZF Wind Power produces gearboxes, every part must be immaculate before moving forward to the next step in the production process.

So, next time you see a wind turbine spinning gracefully in the breeze, remember – it’s not just about the wind. It’s also about the perfect cleanliness of each gearbox, thanks to DST-PINK GEL. And yes, it’s pink for a reason!

Ready-to-use and easy to remove

ZF Wind Power had a very particular set of requirements for the new detergent. It had to be effective and versatile and yet extremely user-friendly. Enter DST-CHEMICALS, with their can-do attitude and cleaning expertise.
Through a series of rigorous tests in both Lommel (Belgium) and Kolding (the headquarters of DST-CHEMICALS in Denmark), they hit upon the perfect solution. They added a dash of pink to the detergent. Not just for aesthetics, mind you, but to help the staff identify which areas needed a bit more elbow grease. The product also had to be ready-to-use and easily applied and removed.

After studying the product’s composition, our scientists at the lab at DST-CHEMICALS found just the right solution. DST-PINK GEL was then developed, tested in various processes, and put to work – first in Lommel, Belgium, and now globally at ZF Wind Power.

More gearboxes, fewer hassles

Here’s where things get really interesting. DST-PINK GEL is applied using a hand sprayer, and after a quick 10-15 minutes, it can be effortlessly removed by one person. They then apply a water-based corrosion inhibitor DST-PAS/1.

Now, instead of spending three hours on one gearbox and taking up valuable space, ZF Wind Power can handle six gearboxes at once. And all this with just one person and without using any solvents.

Key outcome

Co-creation and innovative solutions.
Total cleaning and degreasing of metal parts on wind turbine gearboxes.
Preparation for additional processing – lacquer or paint.
Water based solution – no solvents used.
Saves resources – both manpower and time.
Standardising fluids – and quality – globally.

More about DST-GEL

Cleaning mobility in the line with sustainability

Cleaning mobility in line
with sustainability

Written by Vivi Yde Laursen on 4 November 2022.

Remanufacturing

Mobility in
line with
sustainability

How HAMBURGER HOCHBAHN saves energy and water using industrial degreasers

HAMBURGER HOCHBAHN is owned by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. For more than 100 years, the company has been a pioneer within the field of sustainable mobility in Hamburg, and as the city was appointed “European Green Capital 2011“, standards are high as to air quality and climate protection. All subway lines and e-buses drive on certified eco-power. Our ambition: By 2030, the entire HAMBURGER HOCHBAHN fleet should be completely zero-emission. This is only possible by consistently focussing on sustainability within all areas – also in terms of use of resources and reduction of emissions wherever possible, for instance by switching to the products of DST-CHEMICALS.

Mobility in line with sustainability

Being a modern Hamburg company, our focus is on driving motion and progress for the future. This includes a consistent sustainability strategy, covering everything from a zero-emission fleet to low-energy maintenance and cleaning of our vehicles, and with DST-CHEMICALS a new course has been set in this regard.

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HAMBURG’S HOCHBAHN relies on DST-CHEMICALS

I the subway workshop in Barmbek, bogies and add-ons for the vehicles are regularly degreased, repaired and mounted. These maintenance and cleaning tasks have so far required much time and energy. This is going to change. “It was important for us to find an energy-saving solution for the degreasing process”, team manager Michael Schnabel says. The biodegradable and water-based cleaner DST-DEGREEZ/9E was the right solution. It makes it possible to reduce the temperature of the BVL cleaning plant from 60°C to 45°C – with the same high-quality result.

Energy savings of up to 45%

“A temperature reduction of 15°C resulted in significant energy savings of up to 45%. And we have further reduced our water consumption significantly”, Michael Schnabel is happy to say.

Finally, a precise additional dosing of the cleaner along with reduced evaporation and a bath life of more than six months became possible.

This means: Reduced waste, reduced workloads and reduced environmental impact. A service technician from DST-CHEMICALS comes by regularly to ensure that the processes enable optimal efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Key outcome

Biodegradable and water-based cleaner.
45% less energy consumption by reducing.
the temperature with 15°C.
Significant energy and water savings.
Precise additional dosing.
Improved workplace safety.
Reduced waste.
Reduced environmental impact.

More about TRANSPORT

Kategori: Parts Cleaning

Less energy used. Cleaner parts achieved

Remanufacturing

Less energy used.
Cleaner parts achieved.