In industries like automotive, aerospace, and general manufacturing, cleanliness is critical to part performance and quality. Oils, dirt, and machining chips can compromise function, shorten product life, and create costly rework. For manufacturers running high-volume production lines, the most efficient way to ensure parts meet cleanliness standards is with a pass-through parts washer.

WHAT IS A PASS-THROUGH PARTS WASHER?

A pass-through washer—also known as a tunnel or conveyor parts washer—is an automated parts washing system that moves parts continuously through a series of wash, rinse, and drying stages.

Unlike batch washers or manual cleaning, pass-through systems are designed for in-line, high-volume production. By feeding parts into one end of the washer and delivering clean, dry components at the other, these systems eliminate bottlenecks and ensure consistent, repeatable results.

HOW DO PASS-THROUGH PARTS WASHERS WORK?

Arnold Machine’s pass-through washers are built on modular, multi-stage designs. A typical system may include:

  • Pre-Wash / Wash: High-pressure sprays or immersion stages remove oils, grease, dirt, and debris.
  • Rinse: Fresh water or solution rinses away detergents and contaminants.
  • Drying: Heated blowers or air knives ensure parts are dry and ready for assembly, coating, or packaging.

Because no two applications are identical, the way parts move through the washer varies. Arnold Machine offers an almost unlimited combination of conveyors, cleaning methods, and stages, ensuring each system is tailored to the customer’s production requirements.

TYPES OF PASS-THROUGH WASHERS

Arnold Machine offers multiple conveyor and washer configurations to accommodate different part sizes, shapes, and cleanliness specifications:

  • Standard 3-Stage Continuous Belt Washers: The most common style, with belts ranging from 12" to 24” to 36" wide. Ideal for standard in-line production.
  • Parallel Chain Washers: Versatile for moving fixtured or palletized parts through the cleaning process.
  • Monorail Washers: Perfect for hanging parts in high-volume or paint-prep lines.
  • Roller Conveyor Washers: Powered or unpowered rollers for palletized or fixtured parts.
  • Immersion Conveyor Systems: Combine spray and immersion cleaning for precision or heavy-duty applications.
  • Incline Belt Washers: Compact systems designed for small machined parts and hardware, with optional casters for mobility.

This broad range ensures Arnold can deliver a cleaning solution that matches both part geometry and production flow.

PASS-THROUGH PARTS WASHER FEATURES & CAPABILITIES

Arnold Machine’s pass-through washers are built for durability, compliance, and operator ease. Standard capabilities include:

  • Modular Design: Easily configured with wash, rinse, immersion, and drying stages.
  • Conveyor Options: Wire mesh, plastic, chain-driven, or custom designs.
  • Stainless Steel Construction: Industrial-grade durability and corrosion resistance.
  • Efficient Heating & Filtration: Heaters, oil skimmers, and multi-stage filtration to optimize performance.
  • Programmable Controls: User-friendly touchscreen HMI with pre-set wash cycles.
  • Safety & Compliance: Designed to meet OSHA standards and environmental regulations.

INDUSTRIES THAT RELY ON PASS-THROUGH PARTS WASHERS

Arnold Machine has decades of experience designing washers for nearly every industrial category, but some of the most common applications include:

  • Automotive: Cleaning engine blocks, transmission cases, and machined components.
  • Aerospace: Precision washing of turbine blades, landing gear, and structural components.
  • General Manufacturing: Preparing parts for assembly, coating, or painting.
  • Agriculture: Washing tractor parts, harvesting equipment, and irrigation components.

KEY BENEFITS OF PASS-THROUGH PARTS WASHERS

For manufacturers, the advantages of investing in a conveyorized washer include:

  • High Throughput: Designed for continuous operation in production environments.
  • Consistency: Every part is cleaned to the same high standard.
  • Flexibility: Wide range of conveyor and stage options to match part specs.
  • Integration: Seamless fit into automated or in-line manufacturing processes.

WHY CHOOSE ARNOLD MACHINE?

At Arnold Machine, we know there is no single solution for every cleaning challenge. The right system depends on your part geometry, cleanliness specification, volume, and production flow. Our engineers collaborate with you to design a washer that balances performance, efficiency, and cost while integrating seamlessly into your line.

Pass-through parts washer systems are essential for manufacturers who need fast, consistent, and reliable part cleaning in high-volume environments. With decades of experience and a wide range of conveyor options, Arnold Machine builds customized solutions that improve throughput, eliminate bottlenecks, and deliver parts that meet the strictest cleanliness standards.

Ready to solve your toughest cleaning challenge? Request a Quote today to start designing your custom pass-through washer.

Explore Our Pass-Through Parts Washers