Ultrasonic Cleaning

[gavinoz]

Hi All, does any of you use an ultrasonic cleaning Tank, if so, what additive do you use in the water. Does it have to be distilled water, and why? (I notice John a101960 uses "IMS" I am really ignorant and do not know what IMS is?)
Cheers, gav

[duTch]

 
 Water from a reticulated supply will have mineral impurities (alkaline/ salty ?), and I believe skywater can be acidic, all location dependant.
 
 I'd imagine this could have an effect on the quality(just a wild guess).
 I think what is used is washing soda/soda ash/Sodium carbonate

[Tomcat]

I have a sand blaster which works well.  Ive had some cases hydroblasted but know nothing of the procedeure or equipment, so any experts on here wish to bring me up to speed please. And to keep this thread on topic, Ultrasonic cleaning lessons too please
Cheers TC

[muskrat]

G'day Gav.
I've never used one myself but I'd imagine it depends on what you want to clean. The only part I had ultrasonically cleaned was a carby. I don't know what solution he used. There are a few companies that supply a range of solutions. Shoot off an email to a few asking them what they'd recommend for your application. Here's one mob in Sydney (a nice 240 mile ride for you) http://www.unisonics.com.au/cleaning-fluids-c-5/
Cheers

[dave55]

I heard screenwash diluted at 2 to 1 works quite well 

[Bsareg]

 White spirit works for me , although whether it's correct or safe is doubtful. I find the rubber seal on top of tank regularly need replacing and don't suppose a spark would improve the workshop so always use outside

[bsa-bill]

I don't have a tank in the usual sense but a small bowl like thin I bought from Aldi, have used it on small parts to some good effect, what I will recommend is a sonic toothbrush, used one to clean sand out of a friends camera lens - worked a treat

[a101960]

Gavinoz, IMS = Industrial Methylated Spirit. My first experience of it was when I worked for Thorn EMI Lighting. It was was used as a cleaning agent for lamp tungsten filaments prior to sealing in the glass globes. The filaments had to be absolutely free from any contaminants that could cause oxidisation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol
Hope that helps, John

[gavinoz]

Thanks all....Plenty of choices it seems! gav.

[Slippery Sam]

Gav - not really sure if it's been explicity said in the thread already - but basically use whatever you would for cleaning by hand.  There are no miricle 'ultrasonic' fluids although you can buy proprietry cleaners.
People have mentioned screen wash (strong detergent maybe with alchohol content) which is probably fairly close to a standard proprietry fluid.  I use a de-greaser fluid and dilute depending on needs.
If you think of it as a basin that you're going to clean something in and use what you would by hand.  Just be mindful of Health and safety though if using chemicals like meths or anything flamable/toxic.
I've never had a problem with the water I use to dilute - I use it straight from the tap.  I also usually wash off everything with plain tap water when it comes out - to remove residue or the actual detergents.
My machine is a small (2L size) domestic thing I got from eBay for £25.  Just big enough for a single carb - it's quick and easy to use.  You'll be surprised how good they work and you can run a sideline - I do some of the wife's jewlery now and again to keep her sweet.
You do have to remeber though - it can't work miricles and won't make a silk purse out of a sow ear!  particularly good on carb jets and passageways though.  It'll clean the gunk off a carb body but won't tackle rust or discolouration - it just cleans oil and grease off.

good luck
Raymond.

[Rich.]

Try
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STONEWHITE-Wheel-Cleaner-Lift-Vehicle-Brake-Dust-Road-Dirt-1L-BEST-BUY-NEW/162298964547
Works for me with my Lidl ultrasonic cleaner.

[ellis]

Isn't it called TFR (traffic film remover). If it is its certainly cheap.