Ultrasonic Cleaners

[D45]

Great info thx

 

[Metal-Marc]

Mine runs at approximately 19 kHz. This is noisy and can drive us and the dogs crazy. It works like a charm. Newer units tend to be above 22kHz. We don’t hear it but the sure do!

LoL
Most adults don't hear above 14k

 

[D45]

Bumping this up

I think for what I would use a 10L (2.6 gallons) unit would work......not much of a price difference between the 6L and 10L but noticeably larger in size for the two

The 6L tanks look to be too small

I really don't see needing a 15L (4 gallon) unit......but they also are only $30 more than a 10L unit

 

[D45]

I just bought a 10L unit

Timed from 1-30 minutes and temp controls upto 176°

 

[D45]

Glad I went with the 10L size, it will be perfect for my needs

 

[WisJim]

I'm glad this thread got revived. I recently got a 10L or thereabouts unit from a fellow I know who used it to clean jewelry he made. $25 but no basket or lid, but so far I have been suspending items on wire in the solution in the tank, and it seems to be working fine. I'll make a basket out of stainless steel screen, when I find my screen pieces which seem to be lost in the disarray of our move to town.

 

[D45]

So if I have a smaller item I want to run through the cleaner......I can put it inside a Pyrex beaker in the basket and just fill up the beaker ?

 

[gregs]

My turn. I just got a 30L one for free. Its a Vevor brand and looks just like all the other imports. It was taken out of service because the "membrane" / "sticker" on the front that covers the buttons and display cracked around the power button. All the controls work but it couldnt be certified anymore because of the split. I havent gotten very far with trying to locate a replacement or come up with a good solution (I did just get it last night). Also missing was the basket and I am trying to see if it just got misplaced somewhere.

 

[Stuart in MN]

So if I have a smaller item I want to run through the cleaner......I can put it inside a Pyrex beaker in the basket and just fill up the beaker ?

You do have to fill the ultrasonic cleaner with water, but yes then you can put another container inside it containing your cleaning solution of choice. I know people who just use a cheap plastic cup or container, but I suppose you have to be careful doing that if you use the heating function.

 

[D45]

I found some nice used Pyrex beaker sets of different sizes on ebay for $20

 

[gregs]

You do have to fill the ultrasonic cleaner with water, but yes then you can put another container inside it containing your cleaning solution of choice. I know people who just use a cheap plastic cup or container, but I suppose you have to be careful doing that if you use the heating function.

I am guessing it has to be suspended as well? Like in the basket or hanging?

 

[finn]

I am guessing it has to be suspended as well? Like in the basket or hanging?

I suspect only because the stainless steel tubs on these inexpensive imports are pretty thin, and subject to damage if not used with some sort of hanging basket.

 

[gregs]

I read somewhere that you can use a mat or something similar on the bottom of the tub to rest the part on to isolate it. That would be good as the 30L unit is pretty big and restricting it to the depth the basket is would be a waste.

 

[Rocket3004]

Back when I worked for a manufacturer, I spec's out some nice custom-made ultrasonic machines made by Bluewave in Davenport IA. I have since left that job after 30 years and have my own shop. The systems we had made were 30 khz Magno restrictive transducers that would last a very long time. Most are bonded to the tanks and don't last more than a couple of years before cavitation erosion blows a hole in the tank or the transducer fail.

These little Chinese tanks are knockoffs of Brandson Sonic table tops and not as good. For a limited use they may work, the power levels I am not sure of, maybe 40 khz? You need heat and a soap that will degas fast. Water has air in it, if you add soap that won't degas or bleed out, it will impair the action of the tank. If you run them low on water or dry, they will burn out. SS containers or glass work well, plastic blocks the waves.

A quick test of the action of your tank is to use a piece of aluminum foil in the water for 30 sec, then a minute and compare the pin holes in it from the implosions. Are they large or small, spaced apart or close?

When the company I worked for sold out to the French they started to cut people and jobs since they only care about profit and using the cheapest labor they can find worldwide. The machine shop was removed, those machines were sold for next to nothing and I maintained like new. $40k to build, sold for under $1000. I wish I had the room to buy one. They were set up for oil removal, oil skimming, and only needed pm filter changes every 2-3 months when used every day for 8 hours.

Great info.

I wanted to clarify - these are safe to use on aluminum parts, including critical ones (i.e. something that seals - cylinder head, oil cooler, etc.)? I've read that the answer is yes and as long as an Al safe solution is used. However, I am a bit weary, particularly in the example you listed above of putting tiny holes into the aluminum foil. I don't want that (microscopically) happening to a mating surface and causing problems. I don't know enough about it, but perhaps you can shed some light?

 

[D45]

I am going to remove the valve today and try to match up the threads for a hose barb fitting and small section of tubing, for the drain

The company can't figure out the threads

 

[RPH]

Great info.

I wanted to clarify - these are safe to use on aluminum parts, including critical ones (i.e. something that seals - cylinder head, oil cooler, etc.)? I've read that the answer is yes and as long as an Al safe solution is used. However, I am a bit weary, particularly in the example you listed above of putting tiny holes into the aluminum foil. I don't want that (microscopically) happening to a mating surface and causing problems. I don't know enough about it, but perhaps you can shed some light?

The foil test is a standard test of transducers efficiency and power. If, by chance you notice a decrease in cleaning ability. You would run this test and locate areas of weak or no transducer operation. There is the ultrasonic generator electronics and the transducer plate, both need to work. If I recall, there was a pencil test that could be done for efficiency.

 

[dandan111]

At work we have big ramco s and small brandsons. The small units just heated water. On the big ramcos we use detergent. I think less is more. The sonic and warm water I believe do most of the cleaning .Also low water really makes the Sonic’s zing but I’m sure it’s not good for them.

 

[D45]

I am going to remove the valve today and try to match up the threads for a hose barb fitting and small section of tubing, for the drain

The company can't figure out the threads

It's marked 1/2" so I'm hopeful true value will have a hose barb for this and it's a standard thread

The manufacturer could only tell me 12MM.......wtf does that mean

 

[acer66]

It's marked 1/2" so I'm hopeful true value will have a hose barb for this and it's a standard thread

The manufacturer could only tell me 12MM.......wtf does that mean

For the manufacturer who most likely sits somewhere in the metric world that is close enough to 1/2”.

 

[RPH]

Get a nylon Barb. If it difficult screwing in you only hurt the Barb.

 

[D45]

GENOVA 360405 100053212 | Higginbotham Brothers

www.higginbothams.com

1/2" nylon MIP

Also picked up some clear tubing

 

[D45]

Time to clean something

 

[Rocket3004]

The foil test is a standard test of transducers efficiency and power. If, by chance you notice a decrease in cleaning ability. You would run this test and locate areas of weak or no transducer operation. There is the ultrasonic generator electronics and the transducer plate, both need to work. If I recall, there was a pencil test that could be done for efficiency.

Ah I see. Not sure if you or @gtr1999 can answer, but for a lay-man like me, I guess it comes down to: does the holes in aluminum foil = pitting on cast aluminum parts? I tried do a bit more reading about the frequencies 'safe' for Al, but am getting conflicting information. Although so many people use/swear by them for engine parts, I want to be super sure before trying to clean hard to find or discontinued parts.

 

[CN Spots]

I used to buy lots of hand tools on Craigslist. I like to freshen the tools up before I put them away. I bought and use an ultrasonic parts cleaner. The unit I have is a 30 liter model. I would say heat is important and having a strong ultrasonic action is also important. The wire basket is an important part of the cleaning.
EVAPORUST works many times faster in an ultrasonic cleaner. Hours of waiting time can be reduced to minutes. I bought my unit of a Craigslist seller. This guy is a regular CL advertiser and he has lots in stock. He offers a good warranty. This is my second unit from him. My friend bought my first ultrasonic from me. I up-graded to larger and more powerful.

6.5 L Ultrasonic Cleaner with Timer & Heater Stainless - tools - by...

New DURASONIX Brand 6.5 Litre Ultrasonic Cleaner <<<<< This attractive robust device, comes with Stainless Steel Basket, is a commercial grade, built totally with stainless steel....

vancouver.craigslist.org

Does the ultrasonic cleaner do a better job at removing that residual black/gray coating that's left on parts after they've been in Evaporust for a while?

 

[isb cornbinder]

Does the ultrasonic cleaner do a better job at removing that residual black/gray coating that's left on parts after they've been in Evaporust for a while?

I can not say. I use Evaporust in my ultrasonic and it works many times faster. There is the possibility your pieces may have been left in the Evaporust too long.

 

[Sumboodie]

I've yet to find anything the one I have is good for.
Solvent parts washer works much better, quicker and doesn't blast me ears out like a jet engine.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I have hours of ultrasonic cleaning in jars with zero issues.

Plastic absorbs the ultrasonic vibrations, that's why people use glass to begin with.

Glass is Ridgid and restricts ultrasonic action. a plastic bag is compliant and the ultrasonic action transfers easier. Do what you think is best for you. Try to not cut yourself.

 

[D45]

I'm going to try to reuse the diluted Simple Green solution after a use

Maybe drain and strain through a coffee filter into a spare plastic jug

Anyone else reuse the cleaning solution?

 

[gregs]

I got my 30L cleaned up and repaired. The control panel behind the display label had loosened up causing the operator to press on the label more as the button wasnt flush with the surface. That eventually caused the plastic label to stretch and split. Also the drain valve had failed and caused some leaking that got on one connector inside and caused some corrosion. I replaced the ball valve with a new stainless version and repaired the connector. Also cleaned it really well inside and out and it looks almost like new again. Test ran it and all the transducers are working and it perforated aluminum foil pretty well.

They did not find the original basket for it though and I am looking for a solution. The inside is big (approx 20"x11") and a replacement basket off of Ali is around $40. I am looking for some alternative baskets or ideas. I have read that items should not rest on the floor of the tank and the original basket has some type of rubber feet on it. I am thinking of looking for some smaller baskets as most things I would clean are probably not going to be as big as the entire tank. Somewhere I had found that some people use a piece of dish mat on the bottom and just sit the part on that and dont use a basket at all? Just not sure if the parts need to be suspended in the solution to be cleaned correctly?