[Jewelry making - Article 00039] - Re: [Orchid] Ultrasonic cleaner

[Ken Kotoski]

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>         Hi all, I recently purchased and ultrasonic cleaner. Even
>     though I am mostly pleased with it, there is a problem which has
>     baffled me. After taking out highly polished silver items. I find
>     very fine scratches on the surface. I have to replosh and try
>     again. Usually I leave work in for about ten minutes in warm water.
>     Does anyone have any ideas why this should happen and what I can do
>     about it. Richard 

    Richard, If the lines are not straight then it could be the sonic
    etching the surface. This happens if the item is left in for a long
    time. 

    Even on the most aggressive sonics it would take more than an hour
    at high temperatures. Different cleaning solutions can slow this
    down or speed it up. If the solution is cold you could run it for
    6-8 hours before this happens. 

    Several years ago while I worked at Rio a company named Brassler who
    makes burs had them make anodized aluminum bur blocks mainly for the
    Dental industry. I had to test them in ultrasonics to determine how
    long it takes to start etching the surface at different temperatures
    and different solutions and with different makes of sonics. 

    All the brands we tested will etch through the anodizing at elevated
    temperatures. 

    Some other possibilities aRe: 

    Don't place anything on the bottom of the tank. Suspend everything
    above it. 

    Don't place several items in a jar, beaker, tray together where they
    can vibrate against each other. 

    Your solution has too much ammonia in it. High concentrations of
    ammonia in the sonic tank will turn to acid when the sonic is
    running. If you are using an ammoniated solution try one without the
    ammonia. 

    Maybe the item had the scratches on it to begin with an were hidden
    by the polishing compound. 

    For more on the proper way to use an ultrasonic go to our web site
    at www.mpgrepair.com and follow the link 'tech notes' which is about
    half way down the page. 

    If I can be of any further help email or call. 

Ken Kotoski
MPG Repair
www.mpgrepair.com
1-877-262-2185

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