Frequently Asked Questions
Going Green. It’s something we hear more and more about everyday. At Hudson Technologies, formerly Hudson Tool & Die, we have taken an important step toward our commitment to be a greener manufacturer and good stewards of the environment.
Hudson Technologies completely eliminated the use of all chlorinated lubricants and trichloroethylene vapor degreaser in 2007.
Overview
Environmental benefits
Cost
How it works
Meeting local and federal guidelines
Product processing, quality and appearance
Sample parts
More information
Media contact
Overview < back to top>
Q: Is Hudson Technologies using a new lubrication and cleaning system?
A: Yes. We converted our manufacturing process to include the use of new, state-of-the-art lubricants. These lubricants are compatible with our new aqueous, or water-based, cleaning system, allowing us to completely eliminate the need for a solvent-based cleaning system.
Q: Has Hudson Technologies stopped using chlorinated lubricants and solvent-based cleaners?
A: Yes. We completely eliminated the use of chlorinated lubricants and solvent-based cleaners, such as trichloroethylene (TCE), by the end of December 2007.
Environmental benefits < back to top>
Q: Why has Hudson Technologies made these changes?
A. We are committed to being a proactive leader in green manufacturing because it is the right thing to do – for our customers, our employees and the community.
Q: Is the new cleaning system environmentally-friendly?
A. Yes. By converting to an aqueous cleaning system Hudson Technologies is becoming a greener manufacturer. Aqueous, or water-based, systems are much more environmentally friendly to work with compared with solvent-based cleaning equipment and materials.
Cost < back to top>
Q: How much did the new system cost to implement?
A: Hudson Technologies has invested over two years and $2 million in research, development, equipment and training to bring this eco-friendly system online at our 115,000 square foot manufacturing facility.
How it works < back to top>
Q: How does the aqueous cleaning system work?
A: In the aqueous cleaning system, manufactured parts are cleaned using up and down agitation. This vertical agitation produces a natural hydraulic purging action that forces a water-based solution between parts and in and out of cavities, providing a high degree of fluid exchange for fast cleaning. The vertical agitation is further enhanced by basket rotation, high pressure submerged spray and ultrasonics. Drying is achieved by an energy efficient re-circulating air dryer with HEPA filtration.
Meeting local and federal guidelines < back to top>
Q: Does the waste water discharged from the aqueous cleaning system meet all local and federal guidelines?
A: Yes. The water from the aqueous cleaning system is processed at Hudson Technologies before entering the local waste water system. We are working closely with the City of Ormond Beach to insure we remain in strict compliance with all local and federal guidelines.
Product processing, quality and appearance < back to top>
Q: Is this a manufacturing process change?
A: No, not in and of itself. However, if a customer’s manufacturing and quality engineers determine a process change request is needed because Hudson Technologies is moving to an environmentally sound and compliant lubricant and an aqueous cleaning system, then we will be happy to work with that customer on a case by case basis to provide the information they need. Contact customer service for assistance.
Q: Will my parts be the same as I have received them in the past?
A: Yes. We’ve worked through the process to insure the parts will meet your expectations. We have conducted testing with the alloys used to manufacture parts. The new lubricants are environmentally sound and compliant.
Sample parts < back to top>
Q: May I purchase sample parts made with the new process?
A: Yes. Our sales staff will be glad to assist you with any order you would like to place. Minimum lot charges may apply.
More information < back to top>
Q: I have additional questions. Can you help?
A: Yes. Your customer service representative or one of the following sales staff members will be happy to assist you:
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Engineering/Technical Sales Support: Farley Fitzpatrick, (386) 676-6216
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Director of Sales: John Marfiak, (386) 676-6207
Media contact < back to top>
Please direct media inquiries to Kate Holcomb, (386) 615-7131.
