ultrasonic cleaner questions. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2015, 11:39:08 pm
content: Im considering purchasing a ultrasonic cleaner, and I have a few questions. This will be for electronic/ general use.Is the heating capability needed?Will it remove soot/ other fine sticky substances(eg tar)?Can you use them with mildy flamable substances ex isoproply alcohol?What sort of cleaning solutions can be used? List some.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 09, 2015, 11:53:45 pm
content: I have a cheapo one from lidl, works ok for me and i use ipa in mine.

author: JackOfVA
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 10, 2015, 04:47:55 pm
content: You can also try distilled water with a bit of household ammonia cleaner. Can't get much cheaper than that.

author: tyguy2
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 10, 2015, 05:35:55 pm
content: Acetone is always a favorite.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2015, 05:38:08 pm
content: I use it with heater and IPAworks fine for cleaning phones that fall into water for example ...

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2015, 06:45:36 pm
content: Just a gentle word of caution...Using flammable solvents in an ultrasonic cleaner can cause an unexpectedly elevated fire risk. The ultrasonic cavitation causes an invisible 'fog' of solvent that can have a lowered ignition temperature - well below the solvent's normal flash point. I think commercial machines use nitrogen purging or other safeguards.It would be wise to stay well clear of any potential ignition source, Switching sparks, even hot soldering iron???Google might just be your friend in this case.

author: jwm_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2015, 02:07:23 am
content: Quote from: tyguy2 on June 10, 2015, 05:35:55 pmI thought so as well, until my cleaner stopped working and I opened it to find all the plastic parts soft and spongy from acetone vapors.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2015, 02:13:25 am
content: A mate uses vinegar and warm water for cleaning his rifle brass prior to reloading.They come out like new.

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2015, 02:18:20 am
content: Keep the information coming.I definetly would not be using acetone, maybe 70%ipa at the strongest.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 15, 2015, 04:57:20 am
content: Heating works well. I'd get it if it was an option.I've been using dish washing powder. It seems to work brilliantly.

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2015, 05:22:46 am
content: flammable solvents are a TERRIBLE idea for ultrasonic cleaners. The cavitation creates a lot of heat when the bubbles implode. Do a little reading on the ultrasonic process and it will become clear why you should not do that.I have designed and built specialty ultrasonic systems for my CNC shop. I found the best options are from Alconox for various materials and dirt. Temperature is very important as is de-gassing and deionized water. Do not use plastic or other soft materials as a basket since they absorb energy and reduce the effectiveness. If the heat and chemistry are right, just about anything will come off in time. I do PCB's to metals with cutting oils. Old car parts, bearings, whatever.Frequency sweeping transducer driver is important as well. Fixed frequencies will create hot-spots (standing waves) - a phenomenon that can damage or poorly clean your parts.Household cleaners are a guess - they may or may not be effective and may damage the target when exposed to ultrasonic energy. The whole process is quite sophisticated in how the mechanical action influences the chemicals.HEAT is criticalDe-GASDI waterWisely chosen chemical detergents. (Citrinox and others from Alconox)