Replacing degreasing with benzine containers at MPS:

MPS Micro Precision Systems AG, located in Bonfol (JU), specialises in the development and manufacture of miniature ball bearings. With a unique set of competencies, the company is the proud partner of the biggest names in Swiss watches. It provides their customers with aesthetically beautiful products of high quality.

Located in the outskirts of Bonfol, the new glass and concrete MPS building reflects the level activity within in it: the precision engineering that is a speciality of the region. Enormous photographs of bearings welcome visitors within the facility’s reception area that was expanded in 2013. MPS employs close to 130 people at its Jura premises in Bonfol, which is devoted to the manufacture of parts for the horology sector (specialising in ball bearings for watches and watchmakers sets such as mobile components). MPS is an SME that joined with the German Faulhaber group in 2003.

From the entrance hall, visitors move on to the first of the manufacturing areas that is a part of the finishing department (polishing and decorating). Mr. Matthey, our guide, gets a closer look to examine some of the pieces that are produced here. In particular, these include ball bearings for watches.

During the polishing stage, the procedures for degreasing during the process utilise a benzine solvent or A3 products. NGL provides solutions tailored for areas with detergents: the FD60 degreasing fountain + Neoclean ACF.

MPS decided to go with NGL for equipping this facility and uses the following procedure: assemble the components on the lathes – polish the parts – use an oil-based solution to remove the parts and the adhesive – use the NGL FD60 to clean and remove the oil from the lathes. To minimize the amount of solvent (MPS has been certified ISO 14001-Environmental Management since 2010), this method significantly reduces the amount of solvent used in the major machining process.

Stand-alone and mobile, the NGL FD60 fountains include flow control by means of a variable speed pump, a powerful and flexible heating system, control electronics and a system to separate the washing oil from detergents. Only one 230V power outlet is required and the system is easily flushed by means of two valves located under the main basin.

This odourless and non-aggressive cleaning system is based on a 47°C water bath with 4% Neoclean ACF. The parts are finished by blowing with compressed air. This combination efficiently degreases the battens that contain the micro-components during the machining process.

Neoclean ACF has an anti-corrosive effect on sensitive parts.

The operating costs for this cleaning system are reduced because the bath requires just one replacement approximately every three weeks. Furthermore, Neoclean ACF is exempt from the VOC levy.