[Jewelry making - Article 00259] - Re: [Orchid] Ultrasonic Vs. Ionic cleaners

[Dave]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========


Hi Will,

>     Would someone be able to comment on the essential differences
>     between an ultrasonic cleaner and an ionic cleaner such as speed
>     brite? 

    In my estimation the two units are really intended for two different
    cleaning operations. The ultrasonic cleaners are used to remove
    caked on type dirt. They work by the mechanical action of a
    vibrating fluid impinging on the caked on dirt & physically knocking
    it loose. 

    Ionic cleaners, on the other hand work by galvanic action, sort of
    reverse electro plating. They work better at removing tarnish from
    silver & gold items. The piece(s) being cleaned are connected
    electrically to one side of the power supply of the cleaner. The
    other side of the power supply is connected to a plate usually in
    the bottom of the tank, underneath the perforated blanket. The
    liquid in the tank acts as the electrolyte. When the power is on  &
    the piece is in the liquid, the galvanic action causes the 'tarnish'
    to be removed from the item. 

    Now that John Burgess is back, he may be able to correct any  errors
    I've introduced. 

Dave


____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________