Trichloroethylene is a highly versatile solvent widely used in industrial processes due to its powerful degreasing, cleaning, and chemical processing capabilities. What is trichloroethylene used for? From metal degreasing to chemical synthesis, this essential compound plays a critical role in various industries. As a leading trichloroethylene supplier, Yuanlong delivers high-purity solutions trusted by manufacturers, metalworkers, and chemical producers across 50+ countries.
In this article, we explore seven major applications of this essential chemical and why it remains a top choice in modern manufacturing.
1.Metal Degreasing: The Industry Standard
Trichloroethylene is one of the most effective industrial degreasers, playing a critical role in:
- Cleaning engine parts by removing heavy grease and oil residues.
- Pre-treating aerospace components to meet high-precision cleaning standards.
- Maintaining CNC machinery by eliminating contaminants without causing corrosion.
🔎 Fun Fact: More than 65% of global usage of this solvent is dedicated to metal degreasing, highlighting its unmatched importance in industrial cleaning!

2.Specialized Dry Cleaning Applications
Although phased out in conventional dry cleaning, it remains indispensable in industrial and military textile cleaning, such as:
- Military uniform maintenance, adhering to strict MIL-SPEC requirements.
- Processing flame-resistant fabrics for safety applications.
- Cleaning parachute fabrics and safety harnesses with precision.
3.Electronics Manufacturing
Thanks to its non-conductive and quick-drying properties, trichloroethylene is essential for:
- Degreasing circuit boards before soldering.
- Cleaning copper wiring used in naval and aerospace equipment.
- Preparing transformer components, reducing drying time by 20% compared to alternatives.
4.Chemical Production and Industrial Formulations
Many industries rely on this solvent as a key component in chemical synthesis, including:
- PVC stabilizer production for plastic manufacturing.
- Refrigerant manufacturing, particularly for legacy cooling systems.
- Pesticide formulation, with EPA-compliant grades available.
- Pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies worldwide depend on Yuanlong’s 99.9% pure solvent for reliable performance.
5.Military & Naval Applications
Due to its high purity and efficiency, trichloroethylene plays a crucial role in defense and naval maintenance, including:
- Submarine equipment cleaning to prevent buildup in extreme environments.
- Degreasing aircraft carrier machinery under military-grade cleaning protocols.
- Cleaning armored vehicle parts, meeting MIL-DTL-680D standards.
6.Adhesive & Coating Production
This chemical is widely used in paint, coatings, and adhesive manufacturing, solving three major formulation challenges:
- Dissolves resins and rubber evenly, preventing clumps.
- Reduces air bubble formation in coatings for a smooth finish.
- Controls viscosity in brake cleaner formulations and other industrial fluids.
7.Niche Industrial Applications
Beyond large-scale industries, trichloroethylene is also used in specialized applications such as:
- Extracting natural compounds, including alkaloids and essential oils.
- Processing photographic films for high-precision imaging.
- Cleaning precision instruments in laboratories and high-tech environments.‘
Why Trichloroethylene Remains Essential
From metal degreasing to chemical synthesis, this solvent continues to be an indispensable part of modern industry. Yuanlong’s high-purity formulations help businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, and meet strict quality standards.
Partner with Yuanlong for Premium Trichloroethylene Solutions
As a trusted global supplier, Yuanlong provides reliable chemical solutions tailored to your industry’s needs.
📩 Contact us today to learn more about how our trichloroethylene solutions can enhance your operations