ROTARY DRUM PARTS WASHERS
Ideal for Mass Production Applications
ALMCO rotary drum parts washers are designed for high-volume, mass production environments where small parts must be cleaned efficiently and consistently. These drum parts washers are commonly used for stamped parts, fasteners, and ammunition, and support both batch cleaning and continuous drum parts washer operation.
In through-feed configurations, parts move continuously through the rotating drum, allowing them to flow directly from the washing stage to downstream processes such as rotary drying systems. This makes continuous drum parts washers well suited for automated production lines that require high throughput and minimal manual handling.
Each rotary drum washer can be customized to match the application, including drum length, helix spacing, and drum diameter. These parameters are determined by part size, geometry, and desired cycle time. With multiple drum material options available, ALMCO drum parts washers are an effective solution for small or irregularly shaped parts that are difficult to clean in belt, cabinet, or agitation washers.
Description
In an ALMCO rotary drum washer, parts are conveyed through the cleaning chamber by a helix auger while being fully submerged and sprayed by a nozzle-equipped manifold. This tumbling action ensures thorough, all-surface cleaning, making the drum parts washer especially effective for small or irregularly shaped components.
Parts can pass through multiple process zones—including soak, wash, drain, and rinse—with optional rust inhibition and drying stages available. In continuous drum parts washer configurations, parts move steadily through the system, supporting high-throughput production with minimal manual handling.
Drum length, diameter, and auger pitch are configured based on part size, geometry, and desired throughput:
- Standard inner drum diameters: 18″, 24″, 30″, and 36″
- Standard helix auger pitch: 12″, with optional 3″ increments
- Minimum available auger pitch: 6″
These configurable elements allow each rotary drum parts washer to be tailored to the specific cleaning and production requirements of the application.
Features
- Multiple process stages configured to match application requirements
- Stainless steel construction for durability and corrosion resistance
- Variable-speed drum with diameters ranging from 18″ to 36″
- Processing drum with continuous welds on both sides of the helix
- Removable stainless steel chip tray in wash section
- Heated tanks for improved cleaning performance
- Float switch protection for heaters
- Automatic water and compound replenishment
Options
- Bag filtration system (mild steel or stainless steel)
- Oil skimmer or oil coalescer
- Insulated wash and rinse tanks
- Vapor exhaust duct connections and exhaust systems
- PLC and touchscreen control systems
- Product lifters
- Stainless steel or mild steel filter housings
- UL 508A–compliant electrical controls
Rotary Drum Washer Sell Sheet
Download the Rotary Drum Washers brochure to explore system configurations, process stages, and design options for high-volume parts washing and drying. The PDF includes detailed information on drum sizes, auger pitch options, material selections, standard features, and available upgrades—helping you evaluate fit for mass production applications involving small or complex parts.
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: When is a rotary drum parts washer the best solution?A: Rotary drum parts washers are best suited for high-volume or mass production environments where small parts need to be cleaned efficiently and consistently. They are ideal for applications such as stamped parts, fasteners, and ammunition that are difficult to clean using belt, cabinet, or agitation washers. Q: What is the difference between batch and continuous drum operation?A: Batch operation allows parts to be loaded, cleaned, and discharged in defined cycles, while continuous operation uses a through-feed process where parts move steadily through the drum. Continuous drum parts washers are commonly used in automated production lines where high throughput and minimal manual handling are required. Q: How does the helix auger move parts through the drum?A: The helix auger inside the rotating drum spirals parts forward as the drum turns. Auger pitch and drum diameter are selected based on part size, geometry, and desired cycle time to ensure proper tumbling and consistent cleaning. Q: What types of parts can be cleaned in a rotary drum washer?A: Rotary drum washers are well suited for small to medium-sized parts, including stamped components, fasteners, and other bulk parts with simple or irregular shapes. Multiple drum material options are available to accommodate different part materials and finishes. Q: Can rotary drum washers be customized for specific applications?A: Yes. ALMCO rotary drum parts washers can be configured with different drum lengths, diameters, auger pitches, process stages, and material options to match specific cleaning and production requirements. Q: What process stages are available in a rotary drum washer?A: Rotary drum washers can include multiple stages such as soak, wash, drain, rinse, rust inhibition, and drying. Systems can be configured to support standalone washing or integrated washing and drying workflows. Q: What contaminants can rotary drum washers remove?A: These systems are designed to remove common manufacturing contaminants such as oils, coolants, debris, and chips. Cleaning performance depends on part geometry, soil type, and process configuration. Q: Can rotary drum washers be integrated with downstream drying systems?A: Yes. Rotary drum washers can be configured for through-feed operation, allowing parts to move directly from the washing section into a rotary drying system without manual handling. Q: Does ALMCO offer process testing before purchase?A: ALMCO provides access to in-house process development and testing to help validate cleaning performance and recommend the appropriate washer configuration, chemistry, and process parameters. Q: What kind of support does ALMCO provide after installation?A: ALMCO supports customers with technical assistance, replacement parts, and ongoing service to help ensure reliable, long-term operation of rotary drum washing systems. |