The Role of Cleaning Protocols in Composite Part Production
In the world of advanced materials, every step of the production process has a direct impact on the final quality of a part. For components fabricated from thermoset composites, proper cleaning protocols are more than routine housekeeping – they are critical to ensuring structural integrity, performance, and safety in downstream processes.
At Atlas Fibre, we treat cleaning as a foundational practice, woven into the fabric of machining and fabrication workflows. By maintaining strict control over contaminants, moisture, and residues, we not only protect part quality but also give our customers confidence in long-term reliability.
Why Cleaning Matters in Composites
Thermoset composites are engineered for strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to heat and chemicals (read more on why engineers are choosing thermoset composite). Yet their very structure can be sensitive to surface contaminants, trapped moisture, and abrasive forces. Poor cleaning practices risk introducing hidden flaws – such as resin degradation, delamination, or compromised bonding – that only reveal themselves later during assembly or field performance.
By applying proven cleaning protocols tailored to each stage of production, manufacturers and machinists like Atlas Fibre can safeguard component consistency and reduce costly rework or failures.
Core Cleaning Methods for Fabricated Parts
There are countless approaches to cleaning fabricated composite parts, from simple solvent wiping to advanced technologies like laser or dry ice blasting. The key, however, is not to treat cleaning as an afterthought once machining is complete.
The most effective protocols are anticipated and accounted for in the design phase, where engineers can specify compatible materials, identify potential contamination risks, and align cleaning requirements with the part’s intended use. By building cleaning considerations into design, manufacturers ensure that the methods chosen downstream- whether solvent wiping, steam cleaning, or more specialized processes – will enhance part quality rather than compromise it.
Surface Cleaning
A non-abrasive cloth dampened with solvents such as acetone, methyl alcohol, or toluol is the first line of defense against dust and shop contaminants.
Crucially, immersion or spray application is avoided—both can create pooling and uneven cleaning, leading to surface weakness.
Steam Cleaning
Controlled steam (not exceeding 120°C/250°F and 5.8 bar/85 psi) is effective for stubborn residues.
To protect adhesive joints from loosening, direct application is avoided, and parts are elevated to promote drainage.
A 24-hour drying period is essential to eliminate hidden moisture before further repair or processing.
Dry Ice Blasting
For molds and tooling, dry ice blasting provides a residue-free, non-abrasive method to remove release agents, adhesives, and buildup.
Unlike grit blasting, it avoids secondary waste and preserves mold surface finish.
Laser Cleaning
An emerging best practice, laser cleaning delivers high-precision removal of resins, oils, and oxides—especially on carbon fiber surfaces.
It is particularly valuable for preparing bonding areas or ensuring accuracy before inspection.
Cleaning After Machining
While machining marks a critical stage in shaping composite parts, it should not be the first time cleaning protocols are considered. The best results come when engineers anticipate machining by selecting compatible coolants, planning for residue removal, and specifying surface requirements during the design phase. This foresight reduces the risk of resin degradation, moisture absorption, or impaired bonding later in production. By the time machining is underway, cleaning becomes less about solving problems and more about executing a well-defined process—removing coolant residues efficiently and preserving the integrity of the thermoset composite matrix.
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is widely recommended for wiping down machined surfaces without risk to the matrix.
Compatibility between the coolant and the specific thermoset formulation must always be verified, as some composites absorb moisture more readily than others.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
Health, safety, and environmental impacts are often addressed late in the process—but the most effective approach is to build these considerations into part and process design from the start. Choosing cleaning agents that align with material chemistry, planning for proper ventilation, and specifying PPE requirements early all help ensure worker safety and environmental responsibility without slowing production.
By integrating these safeguards at the design stage, manufacturers reduce risk, streamline operations, and avoid costly mid-process adjustments while maintaining the integrity of both parts and personnel.
Avoid harsh abrasives, which can damage resin matrices and generate dust requiring costly rework.
PPE is essential: gloves, masks, and adequate ventilation protect against particulates and solvent vapors.
Specialized composite cleaning agents are increasingly available, formulated to minimize environmental risks while maintaining high performance.
The Bottom Line: Cleanliness Protects Performance
Every fabricated thermoset composite part carries the expectations of performance-critical industries – from aerospace to energy systems. The precision of machining and assembly can only achieve its potential when surfaces are clean, dry, and uncontaminated.
By adhering to disciplined cleaning protocols, manufacturers protect not only part quality but also the integrity of the entire production process. At Atlas Fibre, we see cleanliness as an investment in performance, ensuring that every component leaves our facility ready for the demands of what’s next.