Ultrasonic Cleaners, when used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions and under normal use, are guaranteed for two years afterdate of shipment. Within the period guaranteed, manufacturer will
repair or replace free of charge, at its sole discretion, all parts that are
defective because of material or workmanship, not including costs for
removing or installing parts.
Liability, whether based on warranty, negligence or other cause, arising
out of and/or incidental to sale, use or operation of the transducer
elements, or any part thereof, shall not in any case exceed the cost of
repair or replacement of the defective equipment, and such repair or
replacement shall be the exclusive remedy of the purchaser, and in no
case will we be responsible for any and/or all consequential or incidental
damages including without limitation, and/or all consequential damages
arising out of commercial losses.
CAUTION
•Do not place parts or containers directly on the bottom of the
cleaning tank; use a tray or wire to suspend items.
•Do not allow the solution to drop more than 3/8 inch below the
operating level line with the cleaner on.
•Do not ever use alcohol, gasoline or flammable solutions. Doing so
could cause a fire or explosion. Use only water-based solutions.
•Do not use mineral acids. These could damage the tank.
Contents
FrontWARRANTY
Cover
1Safety Precautions
3Introduction
3Ultrasonic Cleaners
4Accessories
4Unpacking Your Cleaner
4Installing Your Cleaner
5Equipment Specifications
6How Ultrasonic Cleaning Works
7Operating Your Cleaner
7Operating Your MT or MTH Cleaner
10Operating Your DTH Cleaner
14Draining Your Cleaner
16Optimizing Your Cleaner
18Application Hints
19Cleaning Methods
21Cleaning Solutions
24Troubleshooting
28Service Information
Safety Precautions
Before using your Ultrasonic Cleaner, please read and thoroughly
understand these safety precautions. Failure to follow them may result in
serious personal injury or property damage.
To avoid electrical shock:
• Do unplug from power source before filling or emptying the tank.
• Do keep the control panel and the area around the cleaner clean and
dry -- wipe up solution which spills over the tank brim. Water and high
voltage can cause electrical shock.
• Do not operate the cleaner without proper grounding.
• Do not remove the grounding prong on the line cord plug.
• Do not disassemble your cleaner -- high voltage inside the cleaner is
dangerous.
• Do not immerse the cleaner in water.
To prevent personal and/or property damage:
• Do operate the cleaner with a vented cover or no cover.
• Do use water-based solutions.
• Do not ever use alcohol, gasoline or flammable solutions. Doing so
could cause a fire or explosion and will void your warranty. Use only
water-based solutions.
• Do not ever use mineral acids. These could damage the tank.
• Do not touch the stainless steel tank or cleaning solution -- they may
be hot.
• Do not allow fluid temperature to exceed 70ºC (160ºF).
• Do not place your fingers or hands into the tank while the cleaner is
operating. Doing so may cause discomfort and possible skin irritation.
Avoid contact with solutions and provide adequate ventilation.
• Do not use solutions containing chlorine bleach.
1 Safety Precautions
To prevent damage to the cleaner:
• Do change your solution regularly.
• Do not cover vents on the cover.
• Do not operate the cleaner dry.
• Do not place parts or containers directly on the bottom of the cleaning
tank; use a tray or wire to suspend items. Failure to comply may
cause transducer damage and will void your warranty.
• Do not allow the solution to drop more than 3/8 inch below the
operating level line with heat or ultrasonics on. Failure to comply may
cause transducer and/or heater damage and will void your warranty.
2 Safety Precautions
Introduction
Ultrasonic Cleaners
This line of ultrasonic cleaners include five models with sizes ranging
from 1/2 gallons, 3/4 gallons, 1-1/2 gallons, 2-1/2 gallons and 5-1/2
gallons. Each model is constructed using durable industrial style 40kHz
transducers. These provide increased cleaning power along with built in
sweep frequency to ensure uniform cleaning activity throughout the bath.
The 1/2 and 3/4 gallon models have a molded dip in their rims to facilitate
emptying of solution from the tank. The three larger sizes have built in
drains and are supplied with tank drain kits. Each model can be
purchased in three different configurations -- with a Mechanical Timer
(MT), with a Mechanical Timer plus Heat (MTH) and with Digital Control,
plus Heat and Timer (DTH).
When you first fill your unit, or refill it with fresh solution, use warm water
for the solution. Turn on the heater (press the HEAT switch, if available),
turn on the ultrasonics (press SONICS or rotate the Timer knob), add the
cover and the solution will heat quickly to temperature.
3 Introduction
Accessories For Your Cleaner
Accessories include regular and beaker positioning covers, solid and
perforated insert trays, mesh baskets and beakers.
Unpacking Your Cleaner
Please check your cleaner and its carton carefully for any external or
internal damage. If you find damage, contact your shipping carrierimmediately, before contacting your distributor. Please retain your
packaging for future use.
Installing Your Cleaner
Check the plate on the back of the cleaner for correct power
requirements. Position your cleaner within easy reach of a standard
grounded electrical outlet. Do not place the cleaner on a circuit which
could become overloaded.
If your cleaner does not operate correctly, first refer to the troubleshooting
section for possible causes, or contact an authorized service center listed
at the back of this manual, for additional information.
• In DTH cleaners, the temperature readout accuracy is ± 4ºC.
• 120V ± 10%, 60Hz is optimum voltage for all cleaners.
• All cleaners have CSA approval and comply with FCC regulations.
• All 220V units meet CE standards.
• * indicates power levels for MT, MTH and DTH cleaners, in that order.
• Units will cause GFI sockets to trip.
• All units have a ground leakage current less than .50ma.
5 Introduction
How Ultrasonics Cleaning Works
Ultrasonic sound is sound transmitted at frequencies generally beyond
the range of human hearing. In your ultrasonic cleaner, ultrasonic sound
(sonics) is used for cleaning materials and parts. This is how it works:
•As the sound waves from the
transducer radiate through the
solution in the tank, they cause
alternating high and low pressures
in the solution.
•During the low pressure stage,
millions of microscopic bubbles
form and grow. This process is
called CAVITATION, meaning
“formation of cavities”.
•During the high pressure stage,
the bubbles collapse, or “implode”
releasing enormous amounts of
energy. These implosions act like
an army of tiny scrub brushes.
They work in all directions, attacking every surface and invading all
recesses and openings.
6 Introduction
Operating Your Cleaner
If this is the first time you are using the cleaner, please read this whole
section before operating your cleaner.
Operating Your MT or MTH Cleaner
MT Cleaner
MTH Cleaner
Explanation of Controls
ControlFunction
HEAT
(MTH only)
TIMERActivates ultrasonics and sets time.
Activates heat to 60ºC maximum.
NOTE: Refer to pages 16 and 17 for further
temperature information.
Use to turn unit Off.
Turn clockwise for variable time 0-60 mins. Turn
counterclockwise to hold position for continuous
operation.
7 Operating Your Cleaner
Before You Start Cleaning
CAUTION
• Do not place parts or containers directly on the bottom of the cleaning
tanks; use a tray or wire to suspend items.
• Do not allow the solution to drop more than 3/8 inch below the
operating level line with the cleaner on.
• Do not ever use alcohol, gasoline or flammable solutions. Doing so
could cause a fire or explosion. Use only water-based solutions.
• Do not ever use mineral acids. These could damage the tank.
Failure to comply with these cautions will void your warranty.
StepAction
1Select your cleaning solution (refer to page 23 for solution
effects on metals).
2Allowing for the volume of the parts you will be cleaning and
cleaning solution, fill the tank with warm tap water to the
operating level line (one inch from the top).
3Add cleaning solution to the tank water.
4Plug the cleaner into a grounded outlet.
5For maximum efficiency, refer to page 16, “Optimizing Your
Cleaner” before proceeding.
NOTE:
If this is the first time you are running the cleaner, or if you have changed
cleaning solution, you must degas the solution. If not, skip to “CleaningItems”.
8 Operating Your Cleaner
Degassing
StepAction
1Turn the HEAT ON (MTH Cleaner only).
2Turn the TIMER to 5-10 and let the cleaner run to allow the
solution to “degas”.
NOTE: Refer to page 17 for information on degassing.
Cleaning Items
NOTE: To stop ultrasonics at any time, turn the TIMER to zero.
StepAction
1Set the TIMER for the amount of time you wish the items to be
cleaned.
2Place the items into a basket, perforated tray, or beakers in a
positioning cover.
3If using beakers or a solid tray, add cleaning solution to beakers
or tray to cover the items.
4
Slowly lower the tray or beakers into the tank. Do not allow
items to contact the tank bottom. Do not stir the solution.
5
When items are clean, slowly remove them from the cleaner.
6Rinse the clean items with clean water and dry them, if
necessary.
9 Operating Your Cleaner
Operating Your DTH Cleaner
Explanation of Controls
ControlFunction
POWERPress to activate/deactivate power to the cleaner.
ON/OFFAfter you press SELECT OPTION and set the LED Display
for the selected option, press to activate HEAT (SET TEMP),
SONICS (SET SONICS) and/or DEGAS (SET DEGAS).
LED
Display
SET/
CLEAR
DISPLAY
SELECT
OPTION
Indicates the tank temperature, set temperature, ultrasonics
time or degas time setting, depending on your SELECT
OPTION choice.
Used in conjunction with SELECT OPTION to set or clear
the LED display. Press CLEAR DISPLAY to clear the LED
display to 00. Press SET DISPLAY to reach your selection.
When pressed, toggles through the Function Indicators. This
allows you to check or set the tank temperature and set
ultrasonic cleaning or degas time.
Continued...
10 Operating Your Cleaner
ControlFunction
Function
Indicators
Before You Start Cleaning
StepAction
1Select your cleaning solution.
2Allowing for the volume of the parts you will be cleaning and for
3Add a cleaning agent to the tank water.
4Plug the cleaner into a grounded outlet.
5Turn the POWER switch On. The cleaner will run through a
Lights indicate the option selected by pressing SELECT
OPTION.
SOLUTION TEMP: Displays current solution temp. (10 75ºC, ± 4ºC).
SET TEMP: Set tank temperature (01 - 69ºC).
SET SONICS: Set ultrasonic time (01 - 99 mins., 60 mins.
default).
SET DEGAS: Set degas time (01 - 99 mins., 5 mins.
default).
HEAT ONE: Indicates heat is activated and has been set
(SET TEMP).
the cleaning solution, fill the tank to the operating level line
(one inch from the top) with warm tap water.
three-second self-test. Wait until the LED Display shows 05
and the SET DEGAS Function Indicator lights.
11 Operating Your Cleaner
NOTE:
If this is the first time you are running the cleaner, or if you have changed
cleaning solution, you must degas the solution. If not, move to Setting
Operating Parameters.
Degassing
StepAction
1Degas for 5-10 minutes. If necessary, use SET/CLEAR
DISPLAY to alter this setting. Default degas time is 5 minutes.
NOTE: Refer to page 17 for information on degassing.
2Press ON/OFF once to start the degas process.
3After completing the degas time, you are ready to set operating
parameters.
Setting Operating Parameters
StepParameterAction
1Set TimeThe cleaner is now in Set Time mode with a
default time of 60 mins. If necessary, use
SET/CLEAR DISPLAY to alter this setting.
Press ON/OFF once to activate timed
ultrasonics.
2Set Temp.To set the tank temperature, press SELECT
OPTION until the SET TEMP LED lights. Then
press SET DISPLAY to alter the setting until the
LED display indicates the tank temperature you
wish to maintain. Press ON/OFF once to
activate heat. The heat indicator lights.
3Solution
Temp.
To monitor the solution temperature, press
SELECT OPTION until the SOLUTION TEMP
LED lights. The LED display will indicate the
actual temperature of the solution.
12 Operating Your Cleaner
Cleaning Items
CAUTION
• Do not place parts or containers directly on the bottom of the cleaning
tank; use a tray or wire to suspend items.
• Do not allow the solution to drop more than 3/8 inch below the
operating level line with the cleaner on.
• Do not ever use alcohol, gasoline or flammable solutions. Doing so
could cause a fire or explosion. Use only water-based solutions.
• Do not ever use mineral acids. These could damage the tank.
Failure to comply with these cautions will void your warranty.
NOTE:Select Set Time then press ON/OFF once to stop ultrasonics at
any time.
StepAction
1Place the items into a basket, perforated tray, or beakers in a
positioning cover.
2If using beakers or a solid tray, add cleaning solution to
beakers or tray to cover the items.
3
4Press ON/OFF once to activate ultrasonics.
5When the items are clean, press ON/OFF once to deactivate
6Rinse clean items with clean, warm water and dry, if
Slowly lower the tray or beakers into the tank. Do not stir.
ultrasonics, then slowly remove the items from the cleaner.
necessary.
13 Operating Your Cleaner
• To repeat a timed cleaning cycle - press ON/OFF once while in the
Set Sonics mode. This cleaning cycle time will remain in memory until
reset or you turn off the power to the cleaner.
• To reset ultrasonics time during a cleaning cycle - press ON/OFF
once, press SELECT OPTION until the SET SONICS LED lights. To
increase time, press SET DISPLAY to your desired setting. To
decrease time, press CLEAR DISPLAY, press SET DISPLAY to set
the time, then press ON/OFF once to resume the cycle.
• To monitor the solution temperature - press SELECT OPTION until
the SOLUTION TEMP LED lights. The LED Display will display the
solution temperature in degrees Centigrade (± 4ºC). The cycle will
continue during this process.
Draining Your Cleaner
WARNING
Do not immerse the cleaner in water.
Unplug the cleaner from the power source.
½ and ¾ gallon models do not have a drain. To empty, use the
indented side of the rim to pour the used solution into a waste disposal
unit, rinse the tank thoroughly and refill with new solution.
14 Operating Your Cleaner
1-1/2, 2-1/2 and 5-1/2 gallon models include a drain and valve kit.
StepAction
1Place the cleaner to allow easy reach of the drain tube into a waste disposal
2Remove the thread protecting cap from the end of the cleaner’s drain pipe.
3Hand tighten the drain valve onto the drain pipe over the white teflon sealing
unit.
This will expose the white teflon sealing tape on the drain pipe’s threads.
tape. Finish tightening the valve in place using on adjustable or a 21mm
wrench. Tighten the valve no more than one full turn when using the wrench
until the handle is on top.
CAUTION: Over tightening of the valve can cause damage to the ultrasonic
tank. Always use teflon sealing tape or a sealing paste designed for use with
stainless steel if retightening or refitting of the drain valve is required.
4Hand tighten the hose adaptor into the end of the drain valve. Slide the drain
5Close the drain valve by turning the handle perpendicular to the valve body
tube over the barbed hose adaptor end.
and the cleaner is ready to fill with solution. To open the valve and drain the
cleaner, turn the handle so that it is in line with the valve body.
15 Operating Your Cleaner
Optimizing Your Cleaner
Tanks
Cleaning - check the tank for contamination whenever you change
solution. If necessary, remove contaminants with a nonabrasive cloth
and water.
Emptying - always unplug the cleaner before emptying the tank. Empty
the solution into a waste disposal unit.
Filling - always unplug the line cord before filling the tank. Fill the
cleaner to the operating level (one inch from the top with beaker/tray in
place), using warm tap water.
Low solution level - will cause the cleaner to fail. When you remove
heavy or bulky loads from the cleaner, the solution level may drop below
the operating level. If so, be sure to replace lost solution and degas, if
necessary, depending on the amount used.
Overload - do not rest any items on the tank bottom. Weight on the tank
bottom dampens sound energy and will cause damage to the transducer.
Instead, use a tray and/or beaker positioning cover to support all items.
Allow at least one inch between the tank bottom and the beaker or
receptacle for adequate cavitation.
Covers - allow the cleaner to heat up faster, to a higher temperature, and
avoid excessive liquid evaporation. However, obstructing the cover vents
will cause the cleaner to overheat.
Temperature
Heater - the heater may cause some discoloration of the tank wall. This
is normal and will not affect the performance of the unit.
Solution - the fastest method to heat your cleaner is to fill with warm
solution, use heat, ultrasonics (which also adds heat), and a cover.
Approximate stabilization temperatures with ultrasonics and heat running
continuously:
MTH/DTH cleaner without a cover 50º
MTH/DTH cleaner with a cover 62º
continued...
16 Operating Your Cleaner
Over temperature protection (DTH only) - the cleaner will shut down at
75ºC and the LED display will blink “75”. Turn the cleaner off and allow it
to cool down. For a faster cooldown, replace some of the warm solution
with cold solution.
Solution
Solution activity - the amount of visible activity is not necessarily related
to optimum cavitation for cleaning.
Degassing - fresh solutions contain many dissolved gases (usually air),
which reduce effective ultrasonic action. Although solutions will naturally
degas over time, using Degas mode speeds up the degassing process.
Solutions that have been sitting unused for 24 hours or longer have
reabsorbed some gases.
Heat - increases the chemical activity of cleaning solutions.
Surface tension - can be reduced by adding solution to the bath.
Reduced surface tension will increase cavitation intensity and enhance
cleaning.
Solvents - never use solvents. Vapors of flammable solutions will collect
under the cleaner, where ignition is possible from electrical components.
Renewal - replace cleaning solutions often to increase ultrasonic
cleaning activity. Solutions, as with most chemicals, will become
depleted over time. Solutions can become contaminated with suspended
soil particles which coat the tank bottom, inhibiting ultrasonic activity.
17 Operating Your Cleaner
Application Hints
CAUTION
• Never clean novelty or inexpensive jewelry in the cleaner. The
combination of heat and vibration may loosen a cement-held setting.
• Never clean gemstones such as emerald, amethyst, pearl, opal, coral,
turquoise, peridot or lapis lazuli in the cleaner.
First time cleaning - first experiment with one piece, then proceed with
the remainder.
Solution level - Be sure to maintain solution level within 3/8 inch of the
tank’s “operating level” line. Surface activity can vary with liquid level.
Load size - It is faster and more efficient to run several small loads
rather than a few big loads.
Placing items - Never allow items to sit on the bottom of the tank.
Always place them in a tray or beaker or suspend in the solution.
Rinsing items - After cleaning, use a clean water bath to rinse away
chemicals adhering to items.
Lubricating items - When necessary, re-lubricate items immediately
after cleaning.
Drying items - Air drying at room temperature works for some items.
Place parts requiring faster drying time under hot air blowers or in ovens.
Please call your local distributor if you have application questions.
18 Operating Your Cleaner
Cleaning Methods
There are two methods of cleaning - direct and indirect. Each has
advantages and disadvantages. When in doubt, run test samples using
both methods to decide which one produces the best results for you.
Direct Method
How it works:
• Fill the tank with warm water and a cleaning solution.
• Place the items to be cleaned in a perforated tray and lower them into
the tank. You can also suspend items on a wire and then immerse
them in the solution.
The advantages of this method are the simplicity of operation and
cleaning effectiveness.
19 Operating Your Cleaner
Indirect Method
How it works:
• Fill the tank with warm water and a cleaning solution.
• Pour your solution medium into one or more beakers or into a solid
insert tray.
• Place the beakers in a beaker positioning cover or a solid insert tray to
fit your cleaner. Beakers should not touch the tank’s bottom.
The advantages of this method are:
• Removed soil stays in the beaker or tray so you can easily examine,
filter or discard it.
• You can use one or more solutions at the same time.
- two completely different cleaning solutions.
- one beaker or tray with a cleaning solution and one with a rinse
solution.
• Cleaning solution in your tank needs to be changed less often.
20 Operating Your Cleaner
Cleaning Solutions
CAUTION
Do not use alcohol, gasoline, bleach, mineral acids, solutions with a flash
point, semi-aqueous or combustible liquids in ultrasonic tanks, or you will
void the warranty. Only use non-flammable solutions and water-based
solutions.
Solution Types
Water-based solutions are either slightly acidic or alkaline. They include
detergents, soaps and industrial cleaners designed to remove specific
soils.
Acidic water-based solutions: remove rust, tarnish or scale. They
range from mild solutions that remove tarnish, to concentrated, inhibited
acidic solutions that remove investment plaster, milk-stone, zinc oxide
and rust from steel and cast iron as well as smut and heat-treat scale
from hardened steel.
Alkaline water-based solutions: include carbonates, silicates and
caustics. These cause emulsifying action, which keeps soil from
redepositing on the cleaned surface, and improves cleaning action in
hard water.
Alkaline strengthRemoves:
MildLight oils and greases, cutting oils and coolant
compounds.
Mild to strongHeavy grease and oil, waxes, vegetable oils, inks,
wax or fat-base buffing and polishing compounds,
milk residues and carbohydrates.
Heavy-dutyMill scale, heat-treat scale, corrosion or oxides.
21 Operating Your Cleaner
Change the cleaning solution periodically. Cleaning solutions can
become contaminated with suspended soil particles which coat the tank
bottom. This coating dampens the ultrasonic action and reduces
cleaning efficiency. Certain solutions will cavitate better than others.
Contact your local distributor for further information.
Heat and cavitation: increase the chemical activity of cleaning
solutions. Some materials may be damaged by this stronger chemical
action. When in doubt, test run samples of items to be cleaned.
Caustic solutions: used to remove rust from steels, metal alloy
corrosion and a variety of tenacious soils.
Solution Amounts
Solution amounts may vary. The amount you use depends on the
detergent and the type of soil to be removed. Follow instructions on the
solution container and refer to the table below for the effects of solutions
on metals.
Chemicals Harmful to Your Tank
The following chemicals will harm your ultrasonic tank and the action of
ultrasonics and higher operating temperatures will increase their
chemical activity. Do not use these or similar chemicals directly or in
dilution in your ultrasonic tank or you will void your warranty.
Call nearest authorized
service center.
Call nearest authorized
service center.
Turn heat ON
See Operating Your DTH
Cleaner.
Call nearest authorized
service center.
service center.
24 Troubleshooting
WARNING
High voltage inside - dangerous shock hazard.
DO NOT attempt to disassemble or repair the cleaner.
ProblemCauseWhat to do
Cleaner
operates but
does not
maintain set
temperature
Cleaner
operates but
display does
not function.
Cleaner
stops
operating
and display
blinks “75”.
Decreased
ultrasonic
activity.
NOTE:
Refer to
page 27 for
cavitation
check.
solution level, then restart.
Refer to Optimizing Your
Cleaner.
Make sure that tank was
filled with warm tap water
plus cleaning solution and
has run 5-10 minutes.
Change solution.
Adjust solution to within 3/8
inch of the tank’s operating
level line with load.
Empty, then clean tank with
warm water. Wipe with a
nonabrasive cloth.
Deionized water does not
cavitate as actively as
soapy tap water.
25 Troubleshooting
Check your cleaner periodically to test the level of activity of the
ultrasonic cavitation. Frequency of testing will depend on your use of the
cleaner.
Glass Slide Test
You will need the following equipment:
• Frosted microscope glass slide (1” x 3”), such as ESCO #2951F, or
equivalent;
• No. 2 lead pencil; and
• General purpose household cleaning solution, such as “Dawn” liquid
soap.
Test procedure:
1. Prepare a fresh solution with general purpose household cleaning
solution (concentration 1%) and warm tap water (120º - 140ºF).
2. Fill the cleaner to within 3/8 inch of the “operating level” line.
3. Turn the ultrasonics on for at least five to ten minutes to allow for
degassing.
4. Prepare the glass slide by first wetting the frosted portion with tap
water.
5. With the No. 2 pencil, on the frosted portion make an “X” from corner
to corner.
6. Immerse the frosted end of the slide into the solution. Hold the slide
vertically and center it in the solution.
7. Make sure that model DTH cleaners are in SET SONICS mode, not
degas mode, then turn ultrasonics On.
26 Troubleshooting
The ultrasonics will begin immediately to remove the lead from the slide.
All lead should be removed within 10 seconds. If your cleaner passes
this test, its ultrasonic cavitation is acceptable.
NOTE:
To ensure consistency from test to test, be sure to repeat
test conditions - use the same solution concentration, liquid level,
temperature, type of pencil, length of degassing, etc.
27 Troubleshooting
Service Information
With normal use, your Ultrasonic Cleaner should not require servicing.
However, if it fails to operate satisfactorily, first try to diagnose the
problem by following the suggestions in the Troubleshooting Guide.
WARNING
You will void the warranty if you disassemble your
cleaner. High voltage inside the cleaner is dangerous.
If you find that your cleaner needs repair, carefully pack and return it to
your local distributor. If under warranty, remember to include proof of
purchase.
Your cleaner will be shipped by ground service unless you specify
otherwise.