Aerospace Vapor Degreasing-Clean Faster. Perform Better. Gain a Competitive Edge.
In aerospace manufacturing, precision cleaning is not optional. It is mission-critical. From propulsion systems and hydraulic components to landing gear assemblies and structural fasteners, aerospace parts must meet strict standards for performance, traceability, and cleanliness.
When tolerances are tight and production schedules tighter, manufacturers need a cleaning process that delivers speed, repeatability, and compliance without compromising quality.
That’s why vapor degreasing using Tergo™ Vapor Degreasing Fluids and MicroCare Engineered Fluids has become a trusted precision cleaning solution across the aerospace supply chain.
Engineered for high-performance manufacturing environments, vapor degreasing provides validated, closed-loop solvent cleaning that improves throughput while supporting AS9100, NADCAP, and OEM compliance requirements.
What Is Vapor Degreasing in Aerospace Manufacturing?
Vapor degreasing is a precision solvent cleaning process designed to remove oils, greases, hydraulic fluids, machining residues, and particulates from complex aerospace components.
The process operates in a sealed, closed-loop system and typically includes:
Why Do Aerospace Manufacturers Choose Vapor Degreasing?
Superior Cleaning of Complex Aerospace Geometries
Aircraft components often feature:
Repeatable, Easier-to Validate Cleaning Processes
Aerospace production demands documentation, validation, and traceability. Vapor degreasing is:
Faster Cleaning Cycles and Higher Throughput
Compared to aqueous systems requiring multiple wash and drying stages, vapor degreasing:
Lower Downtime and Extended Fluid Life
Modern vapor degreasers incorporate:
How Does Vapor Degreasing Reduce Aerospace Manufacturing Costs?
While aerospace quality standards are uncompromising, cost efficiency remains critical.
Vapor Degreaser cleaning helps reduce rework and scrap while proper surface preparation improves
adhesive bond strength, coating adhesion and seal integrity.
By eliminating contamination early, vapor degreasing reduces rework, warranty claims, and inspection failures.
Minimizes Hazardous Waste
Closed-loop solvent recycling purifies and reuses cleaning fluid, reducing:
Supports Lean Manufacturing
With fewer process steps, reduced labor handling, and faster drying, vapor degreasing aligns with lean manufacturing principles and just-in-time aerospace production models.
Why Is Surface Preparation Critical in Aerospace?
In aerospace, cleaning is about more than cosmetic appearance. It directly affects performance and safety.
Poor cleaning can compromise:
Because parts exit the system dry and residue-free, they are immediately ready for downstream processes, saving valuable production time.
How Do You Choose the Right Aerospace Cleaning Fluid?
Selecting the proper vapor degreasing fluid requires evaluation of three critical factors:
1. Contaminant and Material Compatibility
Aerospace components may include:
2. Regulatory and OEM Compliance
Aerospace cleaning solvents must align with:
3. Environmental and Safety Performance
Modern aerospace manufacturers prioritize sustainability and EHS performance.
MicroCare cleaning fluids offer:
Proven Aerospace Applications for Vapor Degreasing
Vapor degreasing is widely used across aerospace manufacturing for:
Conclusion: A Strategic Cleaning Advantage for Aerospace
Vapor degreasing is more than a cleaning method. It is a competitive manufacturing strategy.
As aerospace manufacturers face tighter production schedules, stricter quality standards, and increased environmental expectations, vapor degreasing provides:
Get a FREE Cleaning Consult with a MicroCare Cleaning Expert
Author Information
Elizabeth Norwood is a Senior Chemist at MicroCare LLC, a global provider of precision cleaning solutions including Tergo™ Vapor Degreasing Fluids and Vertrel® Specialty Fluids. With more than 25 years of industry experience, she holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of St. Joseph and leads advanced cleaning technology development initiatives.
When tolerances are tight and production schedules tighter, manufacturers need a cleaning process that delivers speed, repeatability, and compliance without compromising quality.
That’s why vapor degreasing using Tergo™ Vapor Degreasing Fluids and MicroCare Engineered Fluids has become a trusted precision cleaning solution across the aerospace supply chain.
Engineered for high-performance manufacturing environments, vapor degreasing provides validated, closed-loop solvent cleaning that improves throughput while supporting AS9100, NADCAP, and OEM compliance requirements.
What Is Vapor Degreasing in Aerospace Manufacturing?
Vapor degreasing is a precision solvent cleaning process designed to remove oils, greases, hydraulic fluids, machining residues, and particulates from complex aerospace components.
The process operates in a sealed, closed-loop system and typically includes:
- Boil Sump: Heated solvent dissolves contaminants through immersion cleaning.
- Rinse Sump: Clean distilled solvent removes remaining residues.
- Vapor Zone: Condensing solvent vapor delivers a final ultra-pure rinse while drying parts completely.
Why Do Aerospace Manufacturers Choose Vapor Degreasing?
Superior Cleaning of Complex Aerospace Geometries
Aircraft components often feature:
- Blind holes
- Micro-channels
- Tight tolerances
- Internal cavities
Repeatable, Easier-to Validate Cleaning Processes
Aerospace production demands documentation, validation, and traceability. Vapor degreasing is:
- Automated
- Parameter-controlled
- Highly repeatable
Faster Cleaning Cycles and Higher Throughput
Compared to aqueous systems requiring multiple wash and drying stages, vapor degreasing:
- Cleans and dries in one cycle
- Eliminates long oven drying times
- Reduces part handling
Lower Downtime and Extended Fluid Life
Modern vapor degreasers incorporate:
- Continuous solvent distillation
- In-process filtration
- Closed-loop recovery systems
How Does Vapor Degreasing Reduce Aerospace Manufacturing Costs?
While aerospace quality standards are uncompromising, cost efficiency remains critical.
Vapor Degreaser cleaning helps reduce rework and scrap while proper surface preparation improves
adhesive bond strength, coating adhesion and seal integrity.
By eliminating contamination early, vapor degreasing reduces rework, warranty claims, and inspection failures.
Minimizes Hazardous Waste
Closed-loop solvent recycling purifies and reuses cleaning fluid, reducing:
- Hazardous waste disposal
- Fresh solvent consumption
- Environmental reporting burdens
Supports Lean Manufacturing
With fewer process steps, reduced labor handling, and faster drying, vapor degreasing aligns with lean manufacturing principles and just-in-time aerospace production models.
Why Is Surface Preparation Critical in Aerospace?
In aerospace, cleaning is about more than cosmetic appearance. It directly affects performance and safety.
Poor cleaning can compromise:
- Structural bonding
- Fuel system sealing
- Corrosion resistance
- Coating durability
Because parts exit the system dry and residue-free, they are immediately ready for downstream processes, saving valuable production time.
How Do You Choose the Right Aerospace Cleaning Fluid?
Selecting the proper vapor degreasing fluid requires evaluation of three critical factors:
1. Contaminant and Material Compatibility
Aerospace components may include:
- Titanium
- Aluminum alloys
- Stainless steel
- Composite substrates
2. Regulatory and OEM Compliance
Aerospace cleaning solvents must align with:
- REACH regulations
- RoHS directives
- U.S. EPA SNAP program
- OEM and Tier 1 specifications
3. Environmental and Safety Performance
Modern aerospace manufacturers prioritize sustainability and EHS performance.
MicroCare cleaning fluids offer:
- Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) options
- Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
- Non-flammable formulations
- Favorable occupational exposure limits
Proven Aerospace Applications for Vapor Degreasing
Vapor degreasing is widely used across aerospace manufacturing for:
- Bearings and fasteners
- Fuel system components
- Hydraulic assemblies
- Landing gear parts
- Precision-machined housings
- Pre-bonding and pre-coating preparation
Conclusion: A Strategic Cleaning Advantage for Aerospace
Vapor degreasing is more than a cleaning method. It is a competitive manufacturing strategy.
As aerospace manufacturers face tighter production schedules, stricter quality standards, and increased environmental expectations, vapor degreasing provides:
- Faster cycle times
- Repeatable, easy-to-validate cleaning
- Lower operating costs
- Improved compliance
- Superior surface preparation
Get a FREE Cleaning Consult with a MicroCare Cleaning Expert
Author Information
Elizabeth Norwood is a Senior Chemist at MicroCare LLC, a global provider of precision cleaning solutions including Tergo™ Vapor Degreasing Fluids and Vertrel® Specialty Fluids. With more than 25 years of industry experience, she holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of St. Joseph and leads advanced cleaning technology development initiatives.