Ultrasonic Cleaning

PowderTech offers ultrasonic cleaning services to optimize the removal of soils from certain types of parts.

Ultrasonic cleaning occurs when high frequency bursts of ultrasonic energy are applied to a heated surfactant solution in which the parts are immersed. This energy produces a three-dimensional wave pattern of alternating positive and negative pressure areas within the tank. The alternating pattern creates bubbles during periods of negative pressure and implodes them during periods of positive pressure in a phenomenon known as “cavitation.” The implosion creates a micro jet action that penetrates and cleans areas impossible to reach with brushes, sprays or dips.

Ultrasonic cleaning may be used successfully to remove:

• Machining oils from stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, & zinc  
• Stamping lubricants from stainless steel, aluminum, and mild steel  
• Buffing compounds from brass  
• Grinding compounds from tool steel  
• Greases, dirt, oils, and other particulates  
• Gassing, flashing, plastic residue, and mold release compounds from injection molded surfaces  

Heat Treating 

During casting, at least some of the hardening atoms remain in solution. If the part is elevated in temperature, the rate of nucleation and growth of these precipitates can be accelerated. This treatment is called artificial aging (T5) and improves the overall strength through precipitate hardening. Some T5 treatments are performed for the purposes of stabilization rather than improving strength.

Vapor Degreasing

PowderTech offers vapor degreasing services that provide a cleaned metal part with an extremely low level of surface tension (0-2 dynes). We are equipped with a vapor degreaser designed for maximum surface exposure.

Vapor Degreasing is a simple thermo mechanical process which employ several liquid solvents that dissolve, solubilize and clean the metal surface evenly. Trichloroethylene and Perchloroethylene are the solvents used that adapt to vapor/cool solvent immersion or boiling solvent immersion processes with ease. These solvents are heated to their boiling points to eliminate vapors that dissolve oil and grease effectively.

The vapor degreaser employed has a closed circuit cooling option to assist in the condensing of the solvents. A passive filtering system releases contaminants thoroughly out of the system. Because of the solvent's molecule size and evaporative properties, it can focus effective cleaning in microscopic spaces, cupped areas, and blind holes.

Vapor degreasing features include:

• Fast & efficient cleaning  
• Improved cleaning in  entrapment areas   
• Wide organic soil compatibility   
• Zero attack on part dimensions   
• Reduced oxidation potential