Electrical Projects Every busy small-appliance repair shop should have an ultrasonic cleaning system. It can be used to thoroughly clean motors, heating elements and even appliances small enough to fit into its tube. It can also be used to clean locks, tools, pipes, jewelry, and other nonelectrical items.

The tub is filled with warm water to which a small amount of nonfoaming detergent is added. The item to be cleaned is attached to a piece of stiff wire and then dunked into the liquid, with the ultrasonic generator turned on. At the bottom of the tub is an ultrasonic transducer that causes inaudible sound waves to agitate the liquid. This causes cavitation—the generation of millions of partial-vacuum bubbles which cause dirt particles, film, and grease to be loosened from the item to be cleaned.

An ultrasonic cleaner is safe to use. In fact, large ones are used for cleaning complete typewriters and teletype machines, quickly and thoroughly. Small ones are used to clean electronic printed circuit boards and to degrease ball-bearing assemblies, as well as to make old jewelry look new.

After an electrical device has been cleaned ultrasonically, it should be thoroughly dried under an infrared lamp or by placing it in front of an electric heater that has a fan that will blow warm air through the device. Since the cleaning process removes oil and grease, all bearings and moving parts needing lubrication should be relubricated.



Home > Electrical Projects > Tools And Components > Ultrasonic Cleaner

October 12, 2008