contaminations in their manual "Choosing a cleaning process" and relates them to the most common cleaning methods, the suitability of cleaning methods for the removal of a given contaminate is discussed. In addition, they list exemplary cleaning processes for different typical applications. Since one has to consider very many different aspects when choosing a process, this can only serve as a first orientation. The groups of contaminants are stated: Pigmented drawing compounds Unpigmented oil and grease Chips and cutting fluids Polishing and buffing compounds Rust and scale Others Charging In order to select suitable equipment and media, it should be known also which amount and which throughput has to be handled. Small amounts can hardly be cleaned economically in larger plants. Also, the type of charging has to be found out. Sensitive parts sometimes need to be fixed in boxes. When dealing with large amounts, bulk charging can be used, but it's difficult to achieve a sufficient level of cleanliness with flat pieces clinging together. Drying can also be difficult in these cases. Place of cleaning Another consideration is the place of cleaning. Cleaning in a workshop calls for different methods as compared to cleaning that is to be done on site, which can be the case with maintenance and repair work. Usually, the cleaning takes place in a workshop. Several common methods include solvent degreasing, vapor degreasing, and the use of an aqueous parts washer. Companies often want the charging, loading and unloading to be integrated into the production line, which is much more demanding as regards size and throughout the ability of the cleaning system. Such cleaning systems often exactly match the requirements regarding parts, contaminants and charging methods (special production). Central cleaning equipment, often built as multi task systems, is commonly used. These systems can suit different cleaning requirements. Typical examples are the wash stands or the small cleaning machines, which are found in many industrial plants. Cleaning equipment and procedure First, one can differentiate among the following techniques (ordered from most to least technologically advanced): Manual Mechanical Automatic Robot supported The process may be performed in one step, which is especially true for the manual cleaning, but typically it requires several steps. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find 10 to 20 steps in large plants, e.g., for the medical and optical industry. This can be especially complex because non-cleaning steps may be integrated in such