Ultrasonic cleaner recommendations.

[jlow]

I agree with you to some extent. I too worked in a lab for 30 years and always have put the beaker in the US cleaner to help dissolve compounds…. However, it appears to be incorrect. I found the reason in this article (2/3 way down the page) –

“Never put the parts on the bottom of an ultrasonic tank. This is like putting your thumb on a speaker diaphragm in a radio. You will prevent the correct movement of the diaphragm [bottom or side of the tank] and interfere with the creation of ultrasonic energy.

Parts should be racked in a basket or work holder designed to handle your specific part. This is very important in high end cleaning systems where you want the cleanest part possible. You should always use a stainless steel basket, as softer materials will absorb the ultrasonic energy. Never use plastic or other soft materials. If your part is easily damaged or scratched, stainless steel racks with Nylobond or Teflon coatings are available.”

This, I think is part of my problem as I lined my stainless steel basket with a rubber mesh to prevent small parts from falling out… Need to replace that with a steel mesh...... :

Good read – highly recommended.

http://www.tmasc.com/qa%20process.htm

 

[Webster]

I had a small lab US cleaner that the manufacturer provided with a plastic basket. I think the manufacturer wasn't stupid to provide plastic. Also had two large lab US cleaners that came with a removable SS tank. We didn't use screen baskets. The manufacturer didn't recommend putting samples on the bottom of the tank but it really didn't affect cleaning. The unit had enough power to bounce a beaker all around the tank whether it was on the bottom or in a beaker in an insurtable tub. The unit had enough power that drops of water were flying off of the surface like it was raining upwards. All of my samples were examined on a microscope so I know if the process cleaned the parts.

Again if you want to know if your sonic cleaner is putting good energy into the fluid around the parts just put a piece of aluminum foil in the tank or basket next to the part. If the foil gets destroyed and the parts are not clean it is not the fail of the US unit. It just can't clean your parts. It depends a lot on what you are trying to clean off of the parts. Different cleaning agents may help. I'll stick to tumbling after about ten reloads.

 

[jlow]

The experts obviously disagree...

I do intent to do the foil test.

 

[Webster]

It has nothing to do with being an expert. It just isn't reasonable to assume an US cleaner will clean anything you put in it. If someone in this thread has had good results try it with whatever cleaning agent they put in the water, then you have personal knowledge of it's effectiveness.