Ultrasonic cleaning of bathroom fixtures

 

Ultrawave have supplied one of the UK's leading bathroom fixture manufacturers with an ultrasonic system following a decision to overhaul their final stage cleaning process. The company specialise in customising their own fittings for end user requirements but also supply products to the sub contract market. The ultrasonic cleaning system supplied by Ultrawave has meant an improved production process, customer deadlines being consistently met and an overall reduction in the reject rate.

Before the final stage in the cleaning process, components are soiled with contamination which needs to be removed before the Physical Vapour Deposition finish can be applied to the products. The company's experience has shown that ultrasonics is the only way to clean these items effectively. Although ultrasonic cleaning has been an integral part of the company's process for a number of years, problems were encountered as the design of the ultrasonic system was not tailored to the cleaning process. Ultrawave were asked to develop an ultrasonic system that would address these processing problems. Having reviewed the company's cleaning requirements, Ultrawave supplied 4 submersible ultrasonic transducers for each tank in the system. The installed submersible transducers are powered by PLC controlled generators housed in a purpose built cabinet. This allows all the variable factors of the cleaning process to be controlled, including cycle time, ultrasonic power and heating, meaning the cleaning process can be tailored to exact requirements. The ultrasonic system supplied by Ultrawave has led to operations running far smoother than previously - customer deadlines are consistently met and reject rates significantly reduced.