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News Release from: Engis (UK) | Subject: Ultrasonic cleaning machines
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 06 December 2006
Ultrasonic cleaning machines have track
record
A range of ultrasonic cleaning machines with a proven track record is now being offered by Engis UK to customers across a wide cross section of industries.
With word about the significant advantages of ultrasonic cleaning technology beginning to spread, an exciting range of machines with a proven track record is now being offered by Engis UK to customers across a wide cross section of industries On 31 October 2007 the Solvent Emissions Directive (SED) will come into force
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 8 Jan 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Enhancing the performance of aqueous systems is ultrasonic technology, which is why Engis UK has decided to add this technology to its own portfolio of products offerings.
Ultrasonic cleaning utilises piezoelectric ceramic crystals (or submersible transducers and external generators in larger models) bonded to a stainless steel tank that convert alternating electrical power directly to mechanical energy, vibrating the crystals at approximately 40,000 times a second, which in turn creates sound waves that travel through the fluid.
The sound waves cause 'cavitation bubbles' as the liquid fractures and grows to an unstable size, collapsing and imploding.
Each implosion causes extremely high pressures and temperatures and the cleaning fluid rushes in to fill the space.
This process of cavitation occurs 30,000 times a second and on a micro scale that is unseen in the tank - it is however the process that makes ultrasonic cleaning so effective.
Among the many benefits offered by ultrasonic cleaning include: non-destructive cleaning; consistent levels of cleaning performance; aqueous-based environmentally friendly cleaning; fast automated cleaning - average cycle time is around 3-4 minutes; and the cleaning of inaccessible areas such as recesses, crevices and holes that cannot be cleaned by any other method.
All Engis industrial ultrasonic cleaning models feature: microprocessor controlled accurate timing (1-60 minutes) and heating (20-65C, although 80C can be achieved if required); microprocessor controlled thermostatic protection against overheating (dry running); digital displays for time and temperature with memory retention; degassing of cleaning fluid (pulsing); and constant power control regardless of fluid level, tank loading or mains fluctuation - this technology prolongs the life of the cleaning tank and electronic circuitry as the power applied does not exceed the required level for a particular tank.
Manufactured in the UK to high standards (a 12-month warranty is standard), these advanced power MOSFET driven units operate at 33 or 40kHz.
There are 30 models ranging in size from 1.5 to 95 litre capacity, although units can be custom manufactured to practically any shape and dimensions.
The units are compact and lightweight, while at the same time offering high operational reliability and robustness.
The ultrasonic cleaning machines offered by Engis have the ability to remove contaminants such as bacteria, lapping compounds, swarf, brazing/solder flux, carbonised deposits, plastic/rubber residue, dust, oxide film, fingerprints, grease, mould, oils, sludge and wax.
For this reason the units are suitable for many applications including use by automotive suppliers.
While the cleaning of cylinder heads and chrome exterior products are specific examples, the Engis machines can be used for the production cleaning of any machined, extruded, welded, brazed, soldered, pressed or stamped parts, as well as printed circuit boards.
The machines are also suitable for the refurbishment of engine, gearbox and fuel injector components: a fact that can be applied to computer and photocopier parts as well.
Maintenance departments will find these systems indispensable in relation to mould tools, extrusion dies, press tools, printing components, surgical instruments, electronics assembly system parts, chain conveyors, food processing machines, wood cutting tools and laboratory equipment such as glass beakers, test tubes, pipettes and microscope slides.
In fact the healthcare industry is a significant sector for Engis ultrasonic cleaning machines.
End users such as laboratories, hospitals, doctor surgeries, dentists, veterinary surgeons and opticians are increasing their uptake of these units.
The aerospace sector and lock manufacturers are other areas where the use of ultrasonic cleaning is on the increase.
The machines have been manufactured in the UK for over 10 years and are currently installed at a rate of around 400 a year.
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