question about an ultrasonic cleaning machine- making a replacement basket

[mds33200]

Hi I have two ultrasonic machines (each 3/4 gallon) and the first one came with a basket and the second did not. The baskets are like $50 each so I decided to try to make one out of stainless steel mesh.

I managed to make one, it is not as nice looking as the factory one but it should do the job, the only thing is on the basket I made, the mesh touches the inside corner of the machine. The original factory basket that came with the first machine does not touch the edges at all, it has a lip that sits on the top and prevents the sides from making contact with the inside of the machine.

My question is as follows: is it safe to use my home made basket even though it touches the edge on the inside of the machine? I would assume it is ok but then I was thinking maybe it will cause the vibrations to not be as strong, so figured I would do some research first. Couldnt find any info online so I posted this topic. Any info is appreciated!

PS- it is only two small corners that touch the edge, I tried to tighten them up but they still touch the edge just a bit.

 

[Davefr]

The baskets don't touch the sides and bottom because you want the items being cleaned to be closer to the middle of the bath where ultrasonic action is the strongest.

You also don't want heavy items vibrating on the bottom of the tank.

 

[srmofo]

I always thought you didnt want them touching the edges because the vibrations can damage the machine by eventually rubbing holes in the tank.

I really have no idea though.

There is guy here with the username " Graymills - Craig " He makes some high end ultra sonic equipment. try PM-ing him or maybe he will drop in

 

[EOC_Jason]

Maybe you can check your local restaurant supply store too, they usually have a good assortment of fryer baskets. Picked one up to use as a parts-catcher for lathe work.

 

[mds33200]

Thanks for the replies- I just PM’d Graymills – Craig to see what he says. Makes sense that you wouldn’t want it touching due to the scraping creating a hole in the tank however- I am glad I posted this before I tried it.

Also great idea with the fryer basket, if I can find a used one that fits it would me much cheaper then an ultrasonic basket (I was looking on ebay and some go for around $20). Since the ultrasonic basket is designed to never hit the sides, and sits on top of the machine I would have to probably make a spacer or something so it wont hit the sides still but I will see if Craig replies before I continue with this project just to get professional feedback.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Graymills - Craig]

Hi, guys. I got the PM and am double-checking with our experts, but a few other things:

"The baskets are like $50 each so I decided to try to make one out of stainless steel mesh."

That could work. Just make sure the mesh is pretty coarse, as coarse as you can use w/o the parts falling through. Anything that looks like window screens will reflect too much power. Openings that will fit, say, a pencil (rough idea) allow much more sonic power to go through. Screens between those two are a trade-off.

"The baskets don't touch the sides and bottom because you want the items being cleaned to be closer to the middle of the bath where ultrasonic action is the strongest."

Actually, the power usually isn't stronger in the middle with any modern unit. Older units had strong zones and dead zones (like when you microwave something and half is still cold while the other half is burning), but those were fairly random based on the location of the transducers. Modern units use higher frequencies, which helps with this. Higher-end units use what's called "sweeping frequencies," where the frequencies bounce around in a range. This eliminates dead spots and hot spots. Power is fairly consistent throughout the tank.

"You also don't want heavy items vibrating on the bottom of the tank. "

I'd agree with this. It depends on what you are cleaning, and I frequently use my unit w/o a basket. Smaller and less fragile parts aren't an issue, even if they bounce around.

The bigger problem is removing pieces from a hot bath if you don't have a basket. 115F is the threshold of pain (I've tested that, thank you very much...), and many sonic units go up to 180F.

"My question is as follows: is it safe to use my home made basket even though it touches the edge on the inside of the machine?"

Could you suspend the basket in the tank by running some rods across the top?