Ultrasonic Cleaning

Introduction to Ultrasonic Cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning is a process created by sound waves that are transmitted at frequencies beyond the range of
human hearing. These sound waves, that are carried through the solution in the tank create a unique vibration pattern
causing high and low pressures in the liquid. During the low pressure stage, millions of "formation of cavities". During
the high pressure stage, the bubbles collapse or implode, releasing enormous amounts of energy working in all
directions, attacking every surface and invading all recesses and crevices, pulling off debris off the object being
cleaned.
The high frequency power which causes the transducer to radiate and create cavitation id developed by a generator
located within or outside the Ultrasonic Cleaning System. The generator features unique solid-state circuitry designed
to ensure maximum cleaning efficiency and optimum reliability.
Equally Important to efficient cleaning is selecting the proper cleaning solution for the task. The use of the wrong
solution will slow down the process and may cause lessened results or damage. The object is to clean anilox rolls as
quickly as possible with a minimum amount of ultrasonics. We only recommend SONIC KLEEN solution and using it at
full strength. Factors such as presoaking and the use of slightly heated solution enhances the cleaning task. A timer and
heater are supplied on each of these units to be used in combination.

Introduction to Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems

For years Flexo Printers have been struggling with scrubbing ceramic anilox rolls for hours, with stainless steel
brushes, various harsh cleaners, and other dangerous chemicals. This offered little to no success in restoring cell
volume required to carry the proper opacity/ BCM. We know of no absolute safe cleaning method that will not have
some long term effect on your anilox roll life, but Sonic Solutions feels that with proper cleaning process control, you
will get many years of good full volume printing from your anilox rollers. Sonic Solutions feels we have the best
technology available for maintaining positive clean full delivery rolls. Without an effective cleaning system, a plugged
anilox roll is an anilox roll you can't use. Sonic Solution's Cleaning Systems will restore maximum BCM or cell volume
for on target and deep colors. Here are some basic understanding of the cleaning process: the process consists of three
basic steps:
1) The Sonic Kleen cleaning solution is designed to soften and loosen inks, resins, and other debris from the cell walls
through the presoaking cycle. This is the most important part of the process since the ultrasonic is NOT effective until
these materials are soft, loose, and ready to be removed. The object is to clean anilox rolls as quickly as possible with a
minimum amount of ultrasonics.
2) The ultrasonics is used for a period of 3-5 minutes, this draws out all debris restoring full cell volume or BCM. A
timer for the ultrasonics and heater are supplied on these units to be used in combination to aid in the cleaning
process.
3) Finish by rinsing off the rolls with clear water, then wipe down with a soft cloth or paper towel and they are ready to
use.
The presoaking in the cleaner is the most of the total process taking around 80% to 90% of the total time. With that in
mind, for example if a routine cleaning averages 20 minutes for the full process than you would presoak rolls turning in
solution for approx. 16 minutes and ultrasonically clean for 4 minutes. This varies depending on anilox cell count,
kinds, types, and colors of inks, but this is the basic idea to develop a process based on your operation using as much
presoak and as little ultrasonics as possible. If you follow these guidelines you should be able to successfully clean
even the higher line screen anilox rolls.