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Tech 2 Tech Events
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Live Events
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The Science Lab
Beat the Heat – Upgrade Your Corrosion Protection
Corrosion doesn’t discriminate regarding the types of metals it impacts. Whether a substrate is aluminum, a yellow metal or steel, summer months and warmer climates present significant threats of corrosion in all metal types.
Iron oxide development on steel substrates, more popularly referred to as rust, is possibly the most recognized type of metal corrosion. As indicated by the effects of rust, the disintegration of each layer of a steel part, this type of corrosion is never wanted.
Not all corrosion adversely affects substrates, depending on their type. In fact, certain controlled types of corrosion are often desired to preserve the integrity of metal surfaces. The chemical removal of zinc from brass leaving behind unprotected copper through the process of dezincification isn’t desired. Whereas, in select cases, patina corrosion is desired in some yellow metals because it creates an inactive metal oxide layer on a part’s surface that protects the layers beneath.
So, what creates corrosion and how can it be prevented?
Heat and humidity typically top the list of causes for corrosion not only on steel but also on aluminum and yellow metal parts. For that reason, the heat and humidity of summer months or factories in warm locations like those nearer to the Equator, are most challenging for parts manufacturers in terms of preventing metal corrosion.
Other causes of corrosion include chemical/electrochemical reactions between materials and their environment like those that create aluminum oxide and though lesser-known, galvanic corrosion. Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals become connected electrically with one metal acting as a cathode and the other an anode receiving galvanic energy causing corrosion.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to prevent corrosion. One way is to improve warehouse conditions through making a facility more temperature controlled. Another is protecting the parts themselves with aqueous-based dry films, oil/oil-based films, and sealed bags or paper. When all else fails, removal of the corrosion is also an option whether chemically with an acid-based aqueous solution or by using a blasting or vibratory bowl machine process.
To learn more, read the full article “Summertime Corrosion: Humidity is the Enemy” by KYZEN Regional Manager – Ohio Valley Will Sweet.
Exit 3M – enter KYZEN!
New Solvent Vapor Degreasing Products
In December of 2022, 3M announced that by the end of 2025, they would be discontinuing the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their product portfolio. This prompts the question, “What implications does this have for my business and manufacturing process?” Solvents that you are currently using to clean or in your production line may soon become unavailable, and finding and switching to a new solution is crucial. While this task may appear daunting to many, it is reassuring that better solutions are available today!
The transition to an alternative solvent requires a comprehensive look at your current process. Some key things to look out for when evaluating a replacement include the use of Hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), compliance with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) List, and to PFAS Classifications. These are key terms to look out for when you are switching due to the potential discontinuation or phase-outs of these solvents and standards.
KYZEN has been working hard to create new solvent solutions that offer superior performance, are free of HFCs and HFEs, and align with environmental standards. Those two solutions are METALNOX M6901 AND METALNOX M6803.
METALNOX M6901 is an HFE/HFC Free Cleaning Solvent carefully created to effectively address the removal of oils, greases, and other contaminants typically encountered in precision metal manufacturing processes. M6901 is non-flammable in nature and doesn’t require any stabilizing agents.
METALNOX M6803 is a Precision/Critical Cleaning Solvent characterized by being free from HFEs, HFCs, and Trans compounds. For those looking to prioritize a superior cleaning experience and the observance of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) considerations, M6803 is the solvent of choice. Much like its counterpart METALNOX M6901, METALNOX M6803 is non-flammable and doesn’t require stabilizers.
Both of these solvents have undergone rigorous testing, that have included compatibility assessments with various soil types and flammability testing, ensuring their safety and effectiveness for end-users.
KYZEN has comprehensive laboratory testing and consulting services available to find the best solution for your unique cleaning challenge. To further explore how one of these options could work for your manufacturing process, please reach out to a KYZEN Cleaning Expert today!
The Care Corner
Laura Lanahan- Customer Service Representative
Laura Lanahan is a KYZEN Customer Service Representative and has been with KYZEN for twenty-three years. She is originally from Springfield Virginia but moved to Tennessee about twenty-five years ago. She finds the residents of Tennessee to be friendlier than people elsewhere.
Laura is a true football fan and even after all this time in Tennessee, none of the local teams have won her loyalty. She is a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan and a die-hard Notre Dame fan. She will root for the Irish no matter the sport or who they play.
Laura has a daughter, two sons, and a cat named Samantha who she describes as the sweetest, snuggly cat. Laura also enjoys going for walks, reading, and painting. She is a dedicated member of our service team and has loved being able to call KYZEN home for so many years. Laura says, “I enjoy working at KYZEN because of the culture. Everyone is so kind and helpful. I’ve stayed so long because it’s a great job! I really enjoy what I do.”
Don’t hesitate to contact Laura with any of your customer service questions.
Beth Smith – Customer Service Representative
Beth Smith is a KYZEN Customer Service Representative and just celebrated being with KYZEN for five years last May. Beth is from Portland, Oregon originally. She served for six years in the US Navy and loved every second of it. Tom Forsythe and Beth were even in the same helicopter squadron at NAS Norfolk. Kyle Doyel lived just down the street from her grandparents in Oregon and they even attended the same grade school. It really is a small world!
Beth has two adult sons, one of which is getting married at the end of the month! The other son is married and has a five-year-old son. Beth is married to a musician (guitar player) who plays out frequently. She even got married to her husband at a New Years Eve gig at the first set break!
Some fun facts about Beth include that she lived in Bermuda for four years and was where she was first stationed. She once flew aboard a P-3 Orion from Bermuda to South Carolina (and back again) just for Thanksgiving dinner! She loves attending live music, reading, cooking, and trying out new recipes.
Don’t hesitate to contact Beth with any questions you might have!
Meleia Dotson – Customer Service Representative
Meleia Dotson is a KYZEN Customer Service Representative and has just been with KYZEN just a little over two months. She was born in Fayetteville, TN and moved to Smyrna at eleven years old when her father became a manager at Nissan and her mother worked for StoneCrest Hospital. Meleia went to MTSU for a year and then the TN Technical Institute for Dental Assisting.
Meleia is super close knit with her parents, brother, and her sister. Meleia’s daughter Kelsey is twenty-nine years old and works for Jewel Mechanical in Accounts Payable. Her son Tyler is twenty-four years old and is going to school for Computer Engineering. Her other daughter, Makenzi who is twenty-one years old and works for Volunteer State Bank. Meleia also has a child that she took temporary custody of when she was fourteen. Her name is Victoria, and she is now twenty-two and works for another branch of Volunteer State Bank.
Meleia has been with David Gonzales who works in KYZEN production for seven years now. Meleia, all of 3 of her children, David, her son’s fiancé, and her granddaughter all live together which gets chaotic at times, but she loves it! Meleia loves trying out new recipes and spending time with her family…especially her grandbaby!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Meleia if you have any questions at all!
Just in Case You’d Like to Study More: Case Studies from KYZEN’s Tech 2 Tech Case Study Series
It’s no news that since July 2020, KYZEN’s Tech 2 Tech has provided high-tech, high-value cleaning answers directly from cleaning experts. But, did you know, you can now go beyond the video with complete case study documents of the cases discussed in the recordings?
As the name of the Tech 2 Tech series suggests, each presentation is based upon a case study involving KYZEN and our customers from both the Electronics Assembly and Metal Finishing industries. The KYZEN cleaning expert presenting the Tech 2 Tech was often directly involved in assisting customers in the case, allowing that expert to provide first-hand knowledge of the case study they cover.
The case study documents provide a deep-dive option and, sometimes greater detail and data, than a Tech 2 Tech presentation can provide in 15 minutes or less. This makes them excellent supplemental resources, especially for those interested in seeing real-world applications of specific KYZEN chemistries and services helping customers find solutions to their cleaning challenges.
How easy is it to access the case study associated with a Tech 2 Tech presentation? As easy as subscribing to KYZEN’s Tech 2 Tech On Demand! Subscribers receive every case study in the Case Study Series direct to their email inbox.
EV is the future & KYZEN is in the Driver’s Seat
It seems like today, everywhere you turn, everything is powered by electronics. From the latest gadgets and gizmos to the vehicles that transport us daily, electronic capabilities continue to advance more and more, and there’s no sign that it will slow down anytime soon. However, with these advancements comes an entirely new set of cleaning challenges, especially in the growing electric vehicle (EV) industry.
Once what could’ve been considered a niche alternative to the traditional mode of automobile transportation has exploded into a global industry. Electric vehicles offer numerous advantages, such as reduced emissions, a quieter ride, and lower operational costs. However, these advanced machines also bring a host of unique cleaning requirements that demand meticulous attention.
Electronic vehicles rely on printed circuit boards (PCBs) to control and maintain the function of the vehicle. PCBs continue to control more important features of the car, which, if not properly cleaned, could be disastrous for drivers and manufacturers. Critical cleaning challenges, such as humidity and ionic contamination, can cause dendritic growth, which will lead to a whole list of operational issues. For more in-depth details of EV cleaning challenges, click here to read more!
Always looking to the future, KYZEN took notice of this blossoming industry and has been doing extensive research and testing to develop products and processes for the ever-changing EV market. With the growing popularity of electric cars, proper cleaning and maintenance is more important than ever. From properly cleaning critical components like batteries to the sensors that control the radio, cleaning is vital. If you would like to learn more about how KYZEN can help keep you in the fast lane, reach out to a cleaning expert today!