Paragon PC-620-2, PC-620-1 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

PC-620-1 & PC-620-2

Tabletop

Ultrasonic Cleaners

Warranty

Ultrasonic Cleaners, when used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions and under normal use, are guaranteed for two years after
date of shipment. Within the period guaranteed, we will repair or
replace free of charge, at our 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, wire hook or other device to suspend
items.

• Do not allow the cleaning solution level to drop more than one inch
below the top of the tank.

• 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.

Contents

Front Warranty
Cover

1 Safety Precautions
3 Introduction

3 PC620 General Information
4 Accessories
4 Unpacking Your Cleaner
4 Installing Your Cleaner
5 Equipment Specifications
6 How Ultrasonic Cleaning Works

7 Operating Your Cleaner

7 Before You Start
7 Explanation of Controls
8 Getting Ready
8 Cleaning Items
9 Optimizing Your Cleaner
10 Application Hints
11 Cleaning Solutions

13 Troubleshooting

14 Performance
15 Service

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 switches 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 use water-based solutions.

• Do not ever use alcohol, gasoline or flammable solutions. Doing so

could cause a fire, explosion, or serious personal injury 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 80ºC (175ºF).

• 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 operate the cleaner dry.

• Do not place parts or containers directly on the bottom of the cleaning

tank; use a tray, wire hook or other device to suspend items. Failure
to comply may cause transducer damage and will void your warranty.

• Do not allow the cleaning solution level to drop more than one inch

below the top of the tank with heat or ultrasonics on. Failure to
comply may cause transducer and/or heater damage and will void
your warranty.

2 Safety Precautions

Introduction

PC620 General Information

This PC-620 ultrasonic cleaner is available in two models; the unheated
PC-620-1 and the heated PC-620-2. Each model is constructed using
durable industrial style 44 kHz transducers. These provide increased
cleaning power and ensure uniform cleaning activity throughout the bath.
Both models have drains and are supplied with tank drain kits. For
customer convenience, both units are available in three voltages to meet
requirements around the world. Be sure the unit you have purchased is
correct for your area.

3 Introduction

Accessories For Your Cleaner

A stainless steel cover and solid wall-perforated bottom parts basket are
available for both models. Consult your distributor for price and delivery.

Unpacking Your Cleaner

Please check your cleaner and its carton carefully for any external or
internal damage. If you find damage, contact your shipping carrier
immediately, before contacting your distributor. Please retain your
packaging for future use.

Installing Your Cleaner

Check the label on the back of the cleaner for correct input 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.

4 Introduction

Equipment Specifications

Model Tank

PC620R-1

PC620R-2

PC-620E-1

PC620E-2

PC-620J-1

PC-620J-2

Volume

2.75 gal.
(8.5 L)

2.75 gal.
(8.5 L)

2.75 gal.
(8.5 L)

Tank

Size

L: 19.5”

W: 5.8”

D: 6”

L: 19.5”

W: 5.8”

D: 6”

L: 19.5”

W: 5.8”

D: 6”

Overall

Size

L: 20.3”

W: 6.3”

H: 10.5”

L: 20.3”

W: 6.3”

H: 10.5”

L: 20.3”

W: 6.3”

H: 10.5”

Weight Heater

Power

23 lbs.

(10.5Kg)

24 lbs.

10.9 Kg)

24 lbs.

10.9 Kg)

None

180 Watts

None

180 Watts

None

135 Watts

Input

Power

115 V

1.4A

115 V

3.1A

230 V

.7A

230 V

1.6A

100 V

1.6A

100 V

3.1A

NOTE:

• All models have a frequency of 44 kHz.

• Cleaners have NRTL/CSA approval and comply with FCC regulations.

• All 230V units meet CE standards.

• Units may cause GFI outlets to trip.

• All units have a ground leakage current less than .50ma.

5 Introduction

How Ultrasonic 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 pressure
areas in the solution.

During the low pressure stage,
millions of microscopic bubbles
form and grow. This process is
called CAVITATION.

During the high pressure stage,
the bubbles collapse or “implode”
releasing enormous amounts of
energy. These implosions act like
scrub brushes, eroding soils,

away. 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 proceeding.

Before You Start Cleaning

CAUTION

• Do not place parts or containers directly on the bottom of the cleaning
tanks; use a basket, wire hook or other device to suspend items.

• Do not allow the cleaning solution level to drop more than one inch
below the top of the tank 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.

Operating Your PC-620-1 or PC-620-2 Cleaner

Explanation of Controls

Control Function

ULTRASONIC
POWER SWITCH

HEATER SWITCH

Activates and de-activates ultrasonic cavitation in the
tank

Activates the external heater on the cleaning tank. The
heater power has been selected to provide the
optimum temperature for most cleaning applications.

7 Operating Your Cleaner

Getting Ready

Step Action

1 Select your cleaning chemistry (check with your chemical

supplier for solution effects on metals).

2 Allowing for the volume of the parts you will be cleaning and

cleaning chemistry, fill the tank with warm tap water to the

operating level (one inch from the top).
3 Add cleaning chemistry to the tank water.
4 Plug the cleaner into a grounded outlet.
5 For maximum efficiency, refer to page 9, “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. This is done by setting
the cleaner up for operation and allowing the ultrasonics to drive the
warm solution for 5-10 minutes This will force out excess gas and assure
optimum cleaning. You will likely notice a change in the sound of the unit
as is degasses.

Cleaning Items

Step Action

1 Place the items to be cleaned into a basket or perforated tray.
2 If using a solid container, add cleaning solution to the container

to cover the items.
3 Slowly lower the tray into the tank. Do not allow items to

contact the tank bottom. Do not stir the solution.
4 When items are clean, slowly remove them from the cleaner.
5 Rinse the clean items with fresh water and dry them, if

necessary.

8 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.
Dispose of the contents in an environmentally responsible way.

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 basket or other method to support all items. Allow at least
one inch between the tank bottom and the parts or receptacle for
adequate cavitation.

Covers - allow the cleaner to heat up faster, to a higher temperature,
and avoid excessive liquid evaporation. However, leaving the cover on
with heat and ultrasonics can cause the solution to boil, diminishing
effectiveness.

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 get your cleaner to the best operating

temperature is to fill it with warm solution, turn on both the heat and
ultrasonics, and use a cover.

9 Operating Your Cleaner

Application Hints
First time cleaning - first experiment with one piece, then proceed with

the remainder.
Solution level - Be sure to maintain solution level within one inch of the

tank top. Surface activity will 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 basket or suspend in the solution.
Rinsing items - After cleaning, use clean water 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.

10 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 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 strength Removes:

Mild Light oils and greases, cutting oils and coolant

compounds.

Mild to strong Heavy grease and oil, waxes, vegetable oils, inks,

wax or fat-base buffing and polishing compounds,
milk residues and carbohydrates.

Heavy-duty Mill scale, heat-treat scale, corrosion or oxides.

11 Operating Your Cleaner

Change the cleaning solution periodically. Cleaning solutions can
become contaminated with 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.

Chemistry Concentrations

Chemistry concentrations may vary. The amount you use depends on
the detergent and the type of soil to be removed. Follow instructions on
the chemistry container and refer to the table below for the effects of
chemistry 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.

Acetophenone Chloracetic Acid Hydrocyanic Acid
Aluminum Chloride Chloric Acid Hydrofluoric Acid
Aluminum Fluoride Chlorine, Anhydrous Hydrofluosilicic Acid
Aluminum Sulphate Chromic Acid Iodoform
Ammonium Bifluoride Copper Chloride Mercuric Chloride
Ammonium Chloride Copper Fluoborate Muriatic Acid
Ammonium Hydroxide Ethyl Chloride Phosphoric (crude)
Amyl Chloride Ferric Chloride Sodium Hypochlorite
Antimony Trichloride Ferrous Chloride Potassium Chloride
Aqua Regia Ferris Sulfate Stannic Chloride
Bromine Fluoboric Acid Stannous Chloride
Calcium Bisulfate Fluorine Sulfur chloride
Calcium Bisulfite Hydrobromic Acid Sulfuric Acid
Calcium Hypochloride Hydrochloric Acid Zinc Chloride

12 Operating Your Cleaner

Troubleshooting

If your cleaner does not operate satisfactorily, please check the tables
below for possible causes before calling your authorized service center.

WARNING

High voltage inside - dangerous shock hazard.

DO NOT attempt to disassemble or repair the cleaner.

Problem Cause What to do

Cleaner
will not
start.

Cleaner
operates
but does
not heat
solution
Decreased
ultrasonic
activity.

Cleaner not plugged in
properly.

Circuit board fuse blown
Heater malfunctions. Call nearest authorized

Solution is not degassed.

Solution is spent.

Plug into functioning
electrical outlet.

.
Call nearest authorized

service center.
service center.

Make sure that tank was
filled with warm tap water
plus cleaning chemistry and
has run 5-10 minutes.

Change solution.

Solution level is incorrect
for load.

Tank bottom is covered with
soil particles.

Using deionized water in
the tank.

13 Troubleshooting

Adjust solution +/- 3/8 inch
from current level.

Empty, then clean tank with
warm water. Wipe with a
nonabrasive cloth.
Deionized water does not
cavitate as actively as soapy
tap water.

Performance

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, however, we suggest running this test monthly.

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 dish detergent.

Test procedure:

1. Prepare a fresh solut ion with general purpose dish detergent
(concentration 1%) and warm tap water (120º - 140ºF).

2. Fill the cleaner to within one(1) inch of the tank top.

3. Turn the ultrasonics on for at least five 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. Turn ultrasonic switch to “On”.

14 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.

Service

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.
If you find that your cleaner needs repair, carefully pack and return it to
your local Service Center. If under warranty, remember to include proof
of purchase. Your cleaner will be returned by ground service unless you
specify otherwise.

Authorized Service Centers

Name Address Tel/Fax Number

Alpha Omega
Electronics Corp.

Crystal Electronic Inc. 140 Centre Street

Paragon Electronics 6861 SW 196th Avenue

Master Sonics
Repair Center

2821 National Drive
Garland, TX 75041

Aurora, Ontario
Canada L4G 1K1

Pembroke Pines, FL 33332
77 Whiting Street

Plainville, CT 06062

15 Troubleshooting

Tel: [phone]
Tel: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

Tel: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Tel: [phone]
860-410-1700
Fax: [phone]

CPN-214-159