• Biodegradable
• No VOC’S
• Non-flammable
• Non-hazardous
• Lower pH is safe on all metals
• Water forces oils to the surface for easy skimming
• Low foaming for powerful spraying
• Excellent rust inhibition
• Rinse of more thoroughly
• Safer for people
• Better for the environment

 Selecting the Right Aqueous Dunnage Washing Detergents

There is actually quite a bit of science behind selecting the right aqueous detergent for dunnage washing for a project. The dunnage washing experts at Clark Logic have the knowledge and the experience to select the ideal detergent for your container cleaning needs.

Some of the factors we consider when selecting the best dunnage washing detergent include:

• the contaminants being removed
• the type of containers being cleaned
• the type of material (plastic, metal, etc.)
• the importance of rinsing
• rust inhibition requirements
• label removal (if any)

What Can Aqueous Dunnage Washing Detergents Clean?

Even though aqueous dunnage washing detergents are less harsh than other solvents they can clean:

• Heavy Carbon
• Grease
• Heavy Oils
• Lighter Oils
• Chips, debris, dirt, dust & particulates

Rust Inhibiting Aqueous Dunnage Washing Detergents

If your dunnage is constructed of steel, a compatible rust inhibitor should be added to the detergent to maximize corrosion protection.

An amine-based liquid rust inhibitor, used in conjunction with detergent, is safe for use on metals including aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, iron, steel, and composites in addition to plastics and rubbers.

Nitrite-based liquid rust inhibitors can also be used in conjunction with detergents to prevent corrosion. These are safe for use on metals including aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, iron, steel and composites as well as, plastics and rubbers.

Do not mix with amines or amine-containing substances. And never mix amine containing and nitrite containing solutions.

Using the selection chart below, choose the best detergent for the soils being removed (from light oils and chips to heavy grease), for the type of parts being cleaned (type of metal), and for the construction materials of the machine (mild steel or stainless.)

Dunnage Washing | Michigan

Clark Logic’ proprietary, customized dunnage washing offers the ultimate in turnkey Dunnage & Returnable Industrial Container Washing solutions for our customers in Southwest Michigan, including Detroit, Warren, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Portage, Battle Creek, Sturgis, and St. Joseph County.

Call us to today to see how we can wash, dry, pickup, deliver, sort, package and store your returnable industrial containers – according to your exact specifications – with one simple phone call.

Additionally, because Clark Logic has warehousing facilities across all of Southwest Michigan, our pickup and delivery times are the fastest in the Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Portage and Battle Creek area.

Contact us for a FREE Dunnage Washing Quote

The post The Benefits of Aqueous Dunnage Washing Detergents first appeared on Clark Logic.

Almost every manufacturing industry utilizes reusable containers in at least some capacity. At Clark Logic no job is too small or too large for our dunnage washing capabilities. We service every industry from small parts manufacturers and tier suppliers to the aerospace, defense, motorcycle, ATV, golf cart and watercraft industries.

We can provide dunnage washing programs for the appliance, electronic, stamping, screw machine, tubing, foundry, computer, electrical, electronic, hardware, medical, and refrigeration manufacturing industries.

Dunnage Washing for Every Type of Container

Clark Logic’s dunnage washing capabilities encompass washing virtually any and every reusable manufacturing container, including:

• Totes, bins and baskets
• Plastic, vacuum-formed, and thermoformed trays
• Injection-molded plastic or urethane containers
• Pallets & nest-able pallets
• Bulk containers
• Shipping racks | steel racks
• Stacking systems
• Sleeve systems
• Anything reusable that holds or stores bulk parts or tools

Dunnage Washing of Any Contaminant

Full-service dunnage washing means being able to eliminate any and every type of container contamination. We have the skill, knowledge, and technology, including soluble coolants, oils, grease, sludge, dust, chips, shavings, particulates, and other dirt or debris left behind during the manufacturing process.

Additionally, high powered dunnage drying is equally important to many types of dunnage washing processes – because it eliminates moisture that can cause rust or corrosion to valuable parts. In addition to unparalleled cleaning capabilities, we can heat dry to our customers exact specifications.

EcoFriendly, Compliant Dunnage Washing

Aqueous dunnage washing replaces the use of harsh solvents with safe, biodegradable, high-pressure, water-based detergents. Instead of using harmful chemicals to break down dirt and debris, aqueous washing solutions use heat, high pressure, and biodegradable ingredients to have the same exceptional washing power.

Avoiding costly and toxic petroleum solvents not only keeps dunnage washing prices down, but also protect people and the planet, while also maintaining environmental compliance.

At Clark Logic we also understand our customers’ regulatory and compliance needs. We can provide ISO 9001:2015 certified dunnage cleaning services – and meet any other regulatory requirements our customers have.

Complete Dunnage Washing Services | Detroit Area

Clark Logic’s complete dunnage washing services are the ultimate in rapid, cost-effective returnable manufacturing container washing solutions. We service the entire Detroit area and all of Southwest Michigan, including Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Portage, and Battle Creek.

Call us to today to see how we can reduce your container cleaning costs and improve your efficiencies with turnkey wash, dry, pickup, delivery, sorting, packaging/wrapping, and storage solutions for your complete dunnage washing needs!

Contact Us for a FREE Dunnage Washing Quote

The post Complete Dunnage Washing Services first appeared on Clark Logic.

The post 12 Considerations of Customized Dunnage Washing Programs first appeared on Clark Logic.

But in the late 1960s and into the 1970s, automotive manufacturers began to see the advantages of using reusable plastic bulk bins and pallets. By the mid-1980s reusable plastic containers and pallets were in widespread use among auto manufacturers.

Reusable parts containers now save automotive manufacturing companies several thousands of dollars annually by eliminating the expense of new packaging for every shipment. Additionally, washable, reusable dunnage reduces an automotive manufacturer’s carbon footprint by keeping storage and shipping materials out of landfills.

Plastic Dunnage Materials for the Automotive Industry

But while plastic has become the go-to dunnage material for the automotive industry, not all plastics are created equal. When selecting a plastic for automotive dunnage needs there are four primary concerns:

1. Damage protection

Proper dunnage materials need to protect valuable, fragile, and loose parts – especially in transit when they may be sliding around on a truck, ship, or train.

1. Moisture protection

Moisture can harm many automotive parts. In addition to protecting valuable equipment like electronics from moisture during shipping, waterproof plastic dunnage can keep automotive parts safe from rust or corrosion caused by moisture.

1. Shock absorption

Shock and vibration during shipping is not uncommon.  The right plastic dunnage material can provide shock absorption to prevent damage – even when containers get dropped, jostled, slid around, or smashed in transit.

1. Cost Effectiveness

While auto manufacturers want to protect their valuable parts ‘at all costs’ they still need to be cognizant of the bottom line. When dunnage materials are too costly it can cut into profits – yet this must be balanced with avoiding ‘cheap’ plastics that don’t provide the necessary degree of protection.

1. Longevity

The lifespan of the type of plastic material used in automotive dunnage must also be taken into consideration. Dunnage that chips, breaks or falls apart after a few uses not only puts parts at risk, but increases shipping costs with the need to continually buy replacement parts containers.

Types of Plastic Used in Automotive Dunnage

While most automotive dunnage is manufactured from \”standard\” durable but cheap forms of plastic – high-precision plastic materials are critical for parts packaging, handling and delivery of special, delicate or sensitive automotive parts.

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)

ABS is the most common plastic for autosave dunnage trays and packaging – because it is impact resistance, tough and durable. ABS can be manufactured in different grades by changing its components. ABS dunnage can be manufactured by both extrusion and injection molding.

ABS/TPU (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene + thermoplastic polyurethanes)

This type of dunnage is extruded with a rigid base layer of ABS that is covered by a cut resistant layer of TPU. TPU adds elasticity and resistance to oil, grease, grime and abrasion. ABS/TPU is extremely durable and cannot be cut by the sharp machined edges of the parts.

Conductive HDPE (high-density polyethylene)

This automotive dunnage material is specifically used when protecting certain parts or components against electrostatic discharge is a necessity. It is ideal for protecting sensitive electronics in devices and sensors.

HMWPE (high molecular weight polyethylene)

HMWPE is a very light weight automotive dunnage material that offers longevity and abrasion resistance. It also resists water and chemicals, preventing rust and corrosion of metal parts and components.

TriPly (three-layer polypropylene)

TriPly is a new, composite material for automotive dunnage. It consists of a central structural sheet (for rigidity) that is sandwiched between two smooth exterior sheets. It offers the advantages of being extremely lightweight, while also very strong – as well as water and chemical resistant. As an added benefit, polypropylene is recyclable.

Outsourced Automotive Dunnage Washing

No matter what type of plastic your automotive dunnage is made from, Clark Logic’s customized, outsourced dunnage washing offers your company the ultimate turnkey container washing solution. We provide fast, cost-effective, eco-friendly dunnage washing services for automotive manufacturers across Michigan, including Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Portage, Battle Creek, Sturgis, St. Joseph County, and the Detroit area.

Call us to today to see how we can wash, dry, pickup, deliver, sort, package and store your returnable industrial containers – according to your exact specifications – with one simple phone call.

Contact US for a FREE Automotive Dunnage Washing Quote

The post Best Plastic Materials for Automotive Dunnage first appeared on Clark Logic.

A strong CSR program puts your industrial or manufacturing enterprise in a better position to lead in your industry, your community and around the world. Corporate social responsibility also strengthens your business’s brand identity, builds trust with shareholders and employees, and fosters more meaningful relationships with suppliers and customers.

Dunnage Washing and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Any industrial or manufacturing processes that involve cleaning of any sort – from janitorial services to facility maintenance to container cleaning – have serious implications for the planet.

Virtually every type of cleaning activity involves:

• Energy consumption
• Water use and management
• Direct and indirect emissions
• Detergents or cleaning solvents
• Material use, reuse, disposal & recycling
• Employee potential toxin exposure

And dunnage washing – i.e., disposable container cleaning – is no exception to these many environmental concerns! In fact, virtually every single one of the ecological issues on this list applies to dunnage washing.

For this reason, when doing your company’s CSR planning it is important to choose an outsourced dunnage washing partner who is right for your bottom line and who aligns with your company’s environmental and social objectives.

Why Include Clark Logic Dunnage Washing in Your CSR Plan?

To begin with, using reusable parts containers that can be cleaned rather than discarded help protect the environment because they keep waste out of landfills. Reusable dunnage doesn’t contaminate the environment like single-use packaging does. In fact, reusable packing and shipping containers help to save over 2 million trees per year, by replacing carboard parts packaging.

But how these reusable containers are cleaned can also make-or-break your company’s carbon footprint. Clark Logic is a leader in eco-friendly reusable plastic container cleaning solutions that align with your CSR. Here are 5 ways we reduce our impact on the planet:

#1. Using high pressure washing and thermostat-controlled heat to remove dirt, grease, oil and debris whenever possible – instead of harsh or toxic detergents or solvents.

#2. When detergents or cleaning solvents are absolutely necessary to remove grease, oil and other stubborn contaminants, we choose eco-friendly plant-based bio-solvents. These “green” cleaners are derived from renewable and sustainable earth-grown products that do not pollute the planet.

#3. Utilizing environmentally safe waterborne industrial cleaning products that contain few or no VOC releasing solvents.

#4. Air drying (when appropriate) and thermostatically controlled drying (when heat-dry is essential) reduces energy consumption.

#5. Safety and material handing training of all dunnage washing employees – to reduce or eliminate risk of injury and avoid exposure to toxins.

Socially Responsible Dunnage Washing

At Clark Logic we are committed to sustainability and are conscious that the products we use to clean your reusable containers will have a lasting impact on the environment.

The reusable plastic container cleaning professionals at Clark Logic are experts at identifying the most effective and eco-friendly products and technologies for every unique dunnage washing project to ensure the smallest environmental impact.

When selecting a dunnage washing partner, call Clark Logic for a free project analysis and quote.  We will show you how our turnkey dunnage solutions can help you meet or exceed your organization’s social responsibility benchmarks – efficiently and cost-effectively!

Contact Us for a FREE Dunnage Washing Quote

The post Corporate Social Responsibility & Dunnage Washing Practices first appeared on Clark Logic.

One area of industrial cleaning that is both complex and often not understood is the use of Volatile Organic Compounds – “VOCs” for short.

In this article the reusable container cleaning experts discuss the dangers of VOCS, and explain why your industrial dunnage washing processes should always be VOC-free.

What Are VOCs?

Volatile Organic Compounds are chemicals that have been identified as causing health and environmental risks when their emissions are released into the atmosphere. VOCs are emitted from all types of materials, including many industrial and container cleaning supplies.

VOCs are known to contribute to the environmental problem of “ground-level ozone” which is responsible for many human respiratory and other health complications.

In industrial cleaning processes, VOCs can be emitted from open containers, as well as when the cleaning solvent is used, as well as after it dries. Unfortunately, these industrial and container cleaning solvents can have damaging effects on air quality and the atmosphere.

On the national level, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates VOCs. And in 2007 the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) adopted strict statewide limits for Volatile Organic Compounds.

Additionally, the new OSHA /MIOASHA Safety Data Sheets (“Material Safety Data Sheets”) contains requirements applicable to VOCs, including:

• chemical makeup of the product (Sec. 3)
• measures to be taken in the case of accidental release (Sec. 6)
• other regulatory information that may apply to the product (Sec. 15)

VOCs-Free Industrial Container Cleaning

Failure to comply with VOC limits can result in sanctions and expensive fines. For this reason, it’s important to ensure that any third-party industrial cleaning services you hire – including your dunnage washing and container cleaning company well versed in EPA and State VOC.

Clark Logic takes the health and safety of our employees, your facility and the planet extremely seriously. With decades of experience as an industrial and container cleaning company, we implement a five-pronged approach to limit VOC emissions – ensuring the safety of our workers as well as complete EPA and MDEQ VOC compliance.

Our industrial and container cleaning practices reduce VOC emissions during use, handling, storage & disposal, in the following ways:

#1. We start by selecting the VOC emission free industrial and container cleaning solvents whenever possible.

In many cases we can substitute an aqueous cleaner, or other more environmentally friendly cleaner than the organic solvents traditionally used by industrial and container cleaning companies.

#2. Next, we implement proper industrial and container cleaning solvent handling.

Keeping open containers of any cleaning solvents covered, helps reduce emissions and keeps air quality clean.

#3. Proper ventilation is also essential to manage VOCs in industrial and container cleaning programs.

In applications where VOCs are absolutely necessary, we minimize air circulation around our container cleaning operations, employing directional fans and vacuum technology are used to remove the spread of emissions or airborne chemicals.

#4. Environmentally safe disposal of all cleaning solvents is necessary.

Properly disposing of any and all used solvents, as well as solvent contaminated water, towels and rags further eliminates the evaporation of VOCs into the air.

VOC-Free Container Cleaning

Clark Logic is an experienced industrial and container cleaning company, that strives to be as VOC-free as possible. We meet or exceed all VOC compliance requirements. And we utilize environmentally safe waterborne container cleaning products that contain few or no VOC releasing solvents.

We provide world class reusable container cleaning services for automotive and other manufacturing facilities in Three Rivers, Sturgis, Portage, Kalamazoo County, St. Joseph County, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek and across Southern Michigan.

Ensure your environmental compliance by calling Clark Logic today for a free Container Cleaning and Dunnage Washing Quote.

Contact for a FREE Industrial Container Washing Quote

The post VOC-Free Industrial Container Cleaning first appeared on Clark Logic.

It was not until the 1960s and 1970s that reusable plastic bulk bins and pallets were gaining acceptance in the automotive industry. And, by the mid-1980s, reusable plastic containers and pallets were finally in widespread use among auto manufacturers.

Other manufacturing industries soon followed suit, and today most industrial components are packaged in reusable containers rather than disposable cardboard or plastic. Today plastic bins, pallets are a more contemporary approach that helps to minimize the amount of waste produced.

How Washing Reusable Parts Containers Protects the Environment

Using reusable parts containers that can be cleaned rather than discarded protects the environment in a variety of ways, including:

#1. Reusable plastic parts containers can be used dozens or even hundreds of times during their lifecycle, so they don’t contaminate the environment like single-use packaging does.

#2. Reusable plastic parts containers help to save over 2 million trees per year, by replacing carboard parts packaging.

#3. Reusable plastic parts containers help keep thousands of tons out of refuse out of landfills.

#4. Using high pressure washing and thermostat-controlled heat can remove dirt, grease, oil and debris without the need for harsh or toxic solvents.

#5. When detergents or cleaning solvents are required to remove grease, oil and other stubborn contaminants, eco-friendly plant-based bio-solvents can be used to reduce a company’s carbon footprint. These “green” cleaners are derived from renewable and sustainable earth-grown products that do not pollute the planet.

Eco-Friendly Reusable Plastic Container Cleaning

At Clark Logic we are committed to sustainability and are conscious that the products we use to clean your reusable containers will have a lasting impact on the environment.

The reusable plastic container cleaning professionals at Clark Logic are experts at identifying the most effective and eco-friendly products for every unique dunnage washing project. We choose the most environmentally friendly products possible to clean your reusable packaging, to ensure the smallest environmental impact.

The dunnage cleaning products we use to clean your containers will be custom tailored to meet your specific needs, including your regulatory compliance requirements. Depending upon the type of containers you need cleaned we may recommend products – including solvents, detergents, degreasers, and more that have one or more of environmental certifications, including:

• ISO 14001 Compliance
• ISO 31000 Compliance
• Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IIRC)
• LEED Compliant
• Many others.

Eco-Friendly Reusable Parts Container Cleaning

If eco-friendly reusable plastic container cleaning solutions are what you need, call Clark Logic for a free project analysis and quote.  We will show you how our turnkey dunnage solutions can help you meet or exceed your organization’s environmental compliance benchmarks – efficiently and extremely cost-effectively.

Contact us for Eco-Friendly Reusable Parts Container Cleaning Quote

The post Why Reusable Parts Container Cleaning is Eco-Friendly first appeared on Clark Logic.

5 Best Practices for Reusable Plastic Container Cleaning

#1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Container cleaning workers should wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and safety eyewear during the cleaning process to prevent skin contact with cleaning solvents, airborne particulates and debris.

#2. Label Removal from Reusable Plastic Container

Many parts containers are labelled for storage, distribution, or shipment with adhesive labels (or packaging tape) that leave sticky residue. If the labels (or tape) are not removed completely between uses, the tacky residue that is left accumulates dirt and grime that can contaminate parts and make your containers look unsightly when delivered to your customers.

Fully removing labels also prevents any misidentification of containers – and avoids mistakes due to old storage or shipping information being left on dunnage.

In many cases labels must be painstakingly removed “by hand”. At Clark Logic we have the trained staff and special “goo-removing” solvents to manually remove old labels completely when necessary – so that your plastic containers look like new every time.

#2. Pre-wash Reusable Plastic Containers with High Power

Pre-washing reusable plastic containers using high pressure clean water will remove loose dirt, debris, and waste from the manufacturing process – such as swarf, chips, turnings, filings, shavings, or slag – that can lead to parts contamination.

It is important to keep in mind that some common manufacturing materials (e.g. beryllium) are hazardous when particulate, so appropriate measures should be taken to remove them from reused packaging to prevent human exposure.

#3. Choose the Right Solvent to Clean Reusable Plastic Containers

Selecting the right detergents and solvents to clean your reusable parts containers will depend on the type of packaging, the material it is made of, and the type of grime, grease, oil or other contaminants on the dunnage.

Choosing the best solvent also includes using plant-based bio-surfactants and bio-solvents whenever possible, to reduce your company’s carbon footprint. Bio-surfactants and bio-solvents are derived from renewable and sustainable earth-grown products, including corn, soy, citrus and other vegetable and plant-based products.

The reusable plastic container cleaning experts at Clark Logic have the experience to select strongest detergent or solvent for your dunnage washing needs – while maintaining the highest level of environmental compliance possible.

#4. Use State-of-the-Art Plastic Container Washing Equipment

High pressure pumps, thermostat-controlled water heating, and sprayers with adjustable directional nozzles are essential for achieving best practices in reusable plastic container cleaning.

Adjustable directional spray nozzles can be angled to precisely target the inside, outside, and “nooks and crannies” of each container’s unique shape and size – ensuring that every surface is thoroughly cleaned. And extremely high-pressure water delivery can loosen and remove debris by “blasting” it away – so that fewer detergents and solvents are needed.

#5. Advanced Dunnage Drying, Such as Air Knives

Cleaning a container is only fighting half the battle of protecting parts if containers are not also thoroughly dried. Even the smallest amount of moisture left in parts containers after washing can lead to rust and erosion that degrades metal parts.

The advanced reusable plastic container cleaning equipment at Clark Logic incorporates powerful “air knifes” that ensure your packaging is thoroughly dried to your exact needs and specifications.

Reusable Plastic Container Cleaning | Grand Rapids Area

Clark Logic’ proprietary, customized dunnage washing offers the ultimate in turnkey Reusable Plastic Container Cleaning solutions for our customers in Southwest Michigan, including Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Portage, Battle Creek, Sturgis, and St. Joseph County.

Call us to today to see how we can wash, dry, pickup, deliver, sort, package and store your returnable industrial containers – according to your exact specifications – with one simple phone call.

Additionally, because Clark Logic has warehousing facilities across all of Southwest Michigan, our pickup and delivery times are the fastest in the Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Portage and Battle Creek area.

Contact Us For a FREE Reusable Plastic Container Cleaning Quote

The post Best Practices for Cleaning Reusable Plastic Containers first appeared on Clark Logic.

Green Reusable Container Cleaners: Bio-surfactants

Bio-surfactants and bio-solvents are derived from sustainable plant-based feedstocks and vegetables such as corn, soy, citrus and others.

Bio-surfactants are able to naturally separate and/or mobilize oil from various surfaces without chemical alteration or damage to surfaces. Specialized industrial cleaners containing bio-surfactants are highly effective emulsifiers for long chain hydrocarbons, including petroleum and paraffin wax products.

Bio-surfactants work as industrial container cleaners by creating a semi-stable oil-in-water emulsion. When the emulsion breaks, the hydrocarbons, water and solids then separate into layers. And since there is no change to the structure of the hydrocarbons, it allows efficient recovery of the oil.

Bio-surfactants are readily biodegradable, while bio-solvents are typically 100% biodegradable to lactic acid and other organic compounds, consumed by micro-organisms in the soil or water.

Bio-surfactants provide many significant advantages when used in container cleaning, including:

• Significantly lower toxicity
• Readily biodegradable
• Non-corrosive
• Non-carcinogenic & non-comedogenic
• Non-reactive with chemicals
• Non-flammable with high flash point
• Filterable & reusable
• Safer to store and dispose of

Green Reusable Container Cleaners: Bio-solvents

Bio-based solvents derived from renewable resources can include differing solvent blends that offer high performance as cleaning solvents for reusable plastic containers.

Bio-solvents are highly effective against a wide variety of contaminants. Bio-solvents have excellent solvating ability for resins, pigments, gums, soils, fats, oils and greases.

In most industrial container cleaner applications, the performance of bio-solvents can be enhanced by the addition of specific co-solvents or other ingredients.

Bio-solvents provide many significant advantages when for container cleaning, including:

• Safer for workers than traditional chemical solvents
• Biodegradable to lactic acid and other organic compounds
• Sustainably made from renewable feedstocks
• Low or No VOC’s No HAPs (Hazardous Air Pollutants)
• Low vapor pressure
• Cheaper than costly surfactants
• No Global Warming Compounds
• Filterable and reusable
• Safer to store
• Safer to dispose of

 Eco-Friendly “Green” Reusable Container Cleaning

As the Grand Rapids area’s premier reusable container cleaning company, we can help you take your dunnage washing to the next level.

Outsourcing your plastic parts container cleaning to Clark Logic delivers significant savings in terms of lowered labor, supply and equipment costs and increased efficiency – while ensuring your pallets, bins and other parts packaging is cleaned using best practices and state-of-the-art, eco-friendly technologies.

Contact US for a Green Reusable Container Cleaning Quote

The post Green Container Cleaning with Plant Based Surfactants first appeared on Clark Logic.

Automotive Dunnage Materials

Automotive dunnage is usually made from either plastic or urethane. Due to the wide variety of plastic and urethane formulations available, each has their own unique advantages and disadvantages depending on the application.

Some dunnage materials may be more shock absorbent, to protect delicate parts from vibration during transportation. While other dunnage materials may need to be exceptionally hard, strong and rigid, to tolerate tall stacking when filled with heavy components.

Automotive Dunnage Manufacturing Processes

Automotive dunnage is usually created using one of three methods:  injection-molded plastic, thermoforming, or urethane molding. Which manufacturing process is best – including whether plastic or urethane is preferable – is determined by a number of factors, including:

• The end use or application
• Characteristics needed
• Time frame
• Budget

Each of the following automotive dunnage manufacturing processes has its own advantages and disadvantages, as discussed below.

Injection Molding Automotive Dunnage

Injection-molded automotive dunnage can be made of either plastic or urethane, making it an adaptable container manufacturing method.  Injection molding has the advantage of being ideal for high volume production and/or where precise tolerances are critical.

The disadvantages to injection molding automotive dunnage, however, are cost and time.

can Depending on part size and complexity of the dunnage molds can often be prohibitively expensive – in the tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, creating the mold is usually a slow and time-consuming process due to the precision tooling involved.

Thermoforming Automotive Dunnage

Thermoformed automotive dunnage is much lower in cost than injection molding. However, it is suitable for much more limited applications. Essentially thermoforming dunnage is limited to producing large plastic trays with pockets to hold items – and/or individual pockets or fixtures that can be trimmed from a full sheet of material.

Another disadvantage is that thermoformed trays have almost no ability to vibration, so they are not ideal for road or rail transport. Therefore, thermoformed automotive dunnage trays are typically used only to transport parts within a production facility on carts or on a manufacturing conveyor system.

Urethane Molding Automotive Dunnage

Urethane molded automotive dunnage is by far the most popular because it offers time and cost savings while it’s properties make it ideal for containing parts.

The open cast, low pressure tooling involved in urethane molding is considerably less expensive than the hardened steel molds needed for injection molding. Additionally, the lead time for this type of tooling is considerably shorter. And easy prototyping can minimize quality issues because design or tooling modifications can be incorporated more quickly at a lower cost.

Urethane is quite versatile and can be formulated to be spongy, flexible, grippy, or rigid – and even to dissipate static. This can solve many dunnage challenges, since the urethane resin formulation can be blended to meet the specific performance standards and characteristics needed.

Urethane also absorbs vibration and exceptionally abrasion and impact resistant.  This makes urethane the ideal material for transporting components by rail and then truck. Urethane insulates parts from constant vibration and bumps, in addition to protecting them from impact if the transport vehicle should come to a sudden stop.

Urethane is also highly resistant to cracking or becoming brittle. This makes it more durable than plastic – giving it a longer shelf life – which also reduces dunnage costs.

Outsourced Automotive Dunnage Washing

Clark Logic’ customized , outsourced automotive dunnage washing provides a turnkey reusable container cleaning solution that will protect your valuable parts – while saving you time and money.

If you are an automotive manufacturer or Tier supplier call Clark Logic to today discuss your exact specifications for washing, drying, pickup/delivery, sorting, packaging and/or storing your returnable industrial containers.

Contact Us for a FREE Automotive Dunnage Washing Quote

The post The Different Types of Automotive Dunnage first appeared on Clark Logic.