Traditional solvents might get the job done when working with large scale parts and equipment, but getting precision components and materials thoroughly cleaned requires a different, more subtle approach.
Sterilizing miniature precision cable and their assemblies, fittings and hardware, while keeping them structurally sound, requires an efficient and effective cleaning method. Ultrasonic cleaning and vapor degreasing are two such methods used to achieve that level of cleanliness.
What is ultrasonic cleaning?
Ultrasonic Cleaning is a process that uses extremely high frequency sound waves to clean minuscule particulates off of substrates. In Sava’s case, the ultrasonic cleaning process is used to remove foreign objects from cable assemblies and other precision parts. Ultrasonic cleaning is a more delicate process than brushing, spraying, scrubbing or dousing mechanical components with an industrial solvent.
First, the operator submerges the cable into an RO (reverse osmosis) bath. The RO water is typically mixed with a mild detergent at a precise concentration. The bath is subsequently heated to an elevated temperature and from there, the cleaning process commences. The bath duration will vary from cable to cable, depending upon the size and construction of the cable being cleaned. From the ultrasonic tank, the cleaned parts are removed from the bath and placed into a rinse tank and finally are dried completely.
What is vapor degreasing?
Vapor degreasing is a sister process to ultrasonic cleaning. The two methods both share a more subtle variation of the cleaning process than traditional methods.
With a vapor degreaser, you place your cable inside the machine's chamber. A chemical solvent is vaporized inside, pulling off oils and particulate matter in the process. The vapor then hits a condenser, cooling rapidly. As the chemical solvent reverts from vapor to liquid, it is drained off, taking the oil and dirt with it.
What is the advantage of using ultrasonic cleaning, vapor degreasing or both?
Both methods clean on a more thorough, gentle level than traditional chemical cleaning to avoid the harshness that affects your hardware’s quality. These processes used individually or in conjunction with one another will remove the majority of contamination from the surfaces of the products we manufacture.
Because drawing oil is used in the process of drawing wire down to the ultrafine sizes customers require, it is always present in the construction of cables and wire rope. Drawing oil acts as a magnet for dirt, dust and other particulates. Therefore, due to the stringent requirements of many medical and aerospace applications, which demand ultimate cleanliness, the presence of oil may need to be removed.
Precision cable may have hundreds of wires twisted together along its length, which makes it difficult to eliminate drawing oil and other grime. Oftentimes, ultrasonic cleaning and vapor degreasing are used together. Vapor degreasing is used first to pull as much of the oil and dirt to the surface of the component as possible. Then the ultrasonic process can whisk away the particulate.
Industries that benefit from ultrasonic cleaning and vapor degreasing
Mechanical cable is used in a wide range of industries, including robotics, air and spacecraft, industrial robots, medical equipment and surgical instruments. Each of these applications requires that the material be as clean as possible, while maintaining its core strength and integrity.
Takeaways
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Ultrasonic Cleaning uses sound waves to remove minuscule particulate
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Vapor degreasing uses a vaporized chemical solvent to raise and remove oil and particulate
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Both cleaning methods provide a more thorough, gentle cleaning than traditional chemical cleaning to avoid the harshness that affects a hardware’s quality
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Cable used in medical and aerospace manufacturing often benefits from ultrasonic cleaning and vapor degreasing
Carl Stahl Sava Industries is a worldwide manufacturer of precision cables and cable assemblies. Our products are used in essential industries the world over. For more information on our products and how to care for your precision cable components please contact us today.
