Ultrasonic Cleaning Small Holes and Crevices

Process for cleaning small holes and crevices from ceramic parts

Rodaclean 2018 was used as its formulated for uses with ceramics and is very good at removing stubborn contamination. The tank was diluted with a 5% concentration of Rodaclean 2018 and allowed to reach to the required temperature of 70°C whilst degassing. A single part was tested initially, the ceramic seal was suspended in the basket and cleaned in the Rodaclean 2018 for 10 minutes. The part was then rinsed in tap water for 2 minutes. To remove any minerals which may cause staining the part was then rinsed in DI water for 2 minutes. Finally, the part was dried in the Versa hot air dryer for 5 minutes at 70°C.

An important function of the cleaning agent is to reduce the surface tension of the liquid (often 25 - 30 mN / m). However, depending on the quality and the temperature, water has a surface tension of 63 - 72 mN / m. It is therefore difficult for water to penetrate into small spaces. Thanks to the low surface tension, the cleaning fluid penetrates more easily into complex parts of the workpiece. The contamination is thus removed from the workpiece surface by the action of the cleaning fluid and the ultrasonic energy. Heating the liquid lowers the surface tension even more and also shortens cleaning time.

Note: This is a one stage wash process, to achieve optimal results we would follow up with a second wash in a finishing product.