Degresarea

Degresarea is the process of removing grease, oils, and related contaminants from surfaces, typically metals or engineered parts. It aims to achieve a higher level of cleanliness to improve adhesion of coatings, enhance performance of subsequent manufacturing steps, and reduce contamination in assembly or finishing processes. The term is commonly used in metalworking, automotive manufacturing, electronics, and industrial finishing, where proper surface preparation is essential before painting, plating, soldering, welding, or bonding.

Degresarea can be accomplished through several approaches. Chemical degreasing relies on solvents or alkaline cleaners to dissolve or emulsify hydrocarbons and may be performed by immersion or spray, often at elevated temperatures. Aqueous degreasing uses alkaline detergents or surfactants in water, sometimes with ultrasonic agitation to improve cleaning efficiency. Vapor degreasing employs solvent vapors in a closed chamber to dissolve oily residues without direct immersion. Mechanical degreasing uses physical action such as brushing or scrubbing, occasionally combined with ultrasonic cleaning or abrasive action. Enzymatic degreasing applies enzymes to break down organic contaminants on surfaces, typically used for specialized applications or food-related equipment.

Environmental and safety considerations are important in degresarea. Many traditional degreasants are volatile organic compounds or hazardous solvents, leading to regulatory restrictions and the need for proper ventilation, solvent recovery, and waste management. Modern approaches increasingly favor water-based or biodegradable cleaners and closed-system vapor or spray degreasing to reduce emissions and health risks. Applications range from initial surface preparation to pre-coating treatments and assembly workflows, where clean surfaces are critical for performance and durability.