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Rotary Drum Ultrasonic Cleaner
Rotary Drum Ultrasonic Cleaner
Whether cleaning precision surgical tools, electronics assemblies, or heavy-duty industrial parts, the right rotary drum ultrasonic cleaner delivers better results and reduces rework in production environments. These industrial-grade machines combine controlled frequency, heat and cavitation to quickly remove stubborn dirt, oils and other contaminants from difficult to reach surfaces and crevices. They are easy to use, adapt to a wide range of part sizes, materials and chemistry compatibilities, and offer consistent results for efficient processing and support of quality control goals in high-performance manufacturing.
Sonic ultrasonic cleaning involves high-frequency sound waves agitating a liquid solution that contains cleaning solvent, water, or another chemical. These waves cause the molecules in that solution to vibrate, which breaks up and dissolves contamination, such as flux, oils, grease, and slag. To achieve effective cleaning, the waves need to reach into blind holes and other recessed areas on complex components. A rotary drum parts washer provides this level of agitation, while also providing rapid cooling to speed drying and rinsing.
To maximize performance, an ultrasonic cleaner needs to have a high power density ratio – which is measured as power per tank volume or watts per gallon. This helps ensure that the energy of the ultrasonic waves is evenly distributed throughout the tank, preventing hot spots and achieving more even results. Many low-priced ultrasonic parts washers have a lower power ratio, which can limit the effectiveness of the machine and compromise results.
The best rotary drum ultrasonic cleaners feature a stainless steel tank with a thick gauge that resists erosion from repeated exposure to ultrasonic wave energy. Over time, thinner tanks erode more quickly and can develop pits on the bottom of the tank. These defects are not only unsightly, but they can impact the performance of the ultrasonic cleaner. Best Technology's sonic cleaners feature ultrasonic tank thicknesses that are well above industry standards, to provide years of trouble-free service.
Another important feature of the best rotary drum ultrasonic cleaner is adjustable frequency settings. While 40 kHz is the most common ultrasonic cleaning frequency, certain applications may require higher or lower frequencies to achieve the best results. For example, heavily soiled items may benefit from a higher frequency to create larger, stronger cleaning bubbles, and sensitive or delicate items can benefit from a lower frequency to avoid damage or scratching.
The ultrasonic generator is the heart of any rotary drum ultrasonic cleaner. It transforms AC electrical energy from a standard wall outlet into the high-voltage pulses that energize the transducers at an ultrasonic frequency. The generator then converts these pulses into mechanical vibration in the liquid solution, which causes the cavitation that cleans the parts. To optimize ultrasonic cleaning efficiency, a generator should be tuned to match the exact resonant frequency of the transducers. While some manufacturers attempt to compensate for the difference in resonant frequencies by using frequency sweeping, this approach ultimately wastes energy.
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