Parts washing machines are used to remove dirt or debris from work pieces such as dirt, carbon, oil, grease, metal chips, cutting fluids, mold release agents, ink, paint and corrosion. Parts washing machines are used in new production and remanufacturing processes; Designed for cleaning, degreasing and drying of small or large parts while preparing for assembly, inspection, surface treatment, packaging and distribution. The parts washing machine can be as simple as manual "drums sink", which is common in many auto repair shops, or it can be very complex, multi-stage units with direct part handling systems. Parts washers are also required for maintenance, repair and reproduction operations, from fasteners, nuts, bolts and screws to diesel engine blocks and related parts, rail bearings, wind turbine gearboxes and automotive assemblies.
The part washer is distinctly different from the pressure washer, because part washers typically clean parts automatically in a closed cabinet, while pressure washers typically have a single spray nozzle mounted on the end of a hand-operated bar. Modern industrial technology makes it possible to put together many parts of the finishing process. As an integrated part of the manufacturing process, automatic parts washers can load, wash, rinse, dry and unload the parts in an automatic cycle.