Precision Cleaning and Processing Equipment
When cleaning goes "critical," even the most advanced conventional ultrasonic cleaning equipment falls short of the challenge. Particles of concern often measure less than a micron in size (1 micron = 1/1,000,000 meter) altering the cleaning mindset and, subsequently, the ultrasonic cleaning equipment requirement. Blackstone~NEY Ultrasonics pioneered and continues to lead the development of ultrasonic cleaning equipment for ultra-precision applications.
The notable differences in equipment for Precision Cleaning vs. Industrial Cleaning applications are the ultrasonic frequency and waveforms used for ultrasonic cleaning, and the part washer or immersible transducer design and construction.
Ultrasonic Generators
The removal of very small particles is facilitated by the use of higher frequency ultrasonic energy. A combination of both low and high frequency ultrasonics provides the most efficient removal of a wide range of particle sizes. Multiple frequency, sweep frequency, dual random sweep and CRAM™ technology maximize the ultrasonic cleaning effect while protecting the integrity of the part being cleaned ( Designer waveform article ). Any of the ultrasonic generator technologies listed below can be supplied with any part washer tank or immersible transducer configuration in the precision cleaning line.
The multiSONIK™ and multiSONIK™2 ultrasonic generators provide the capability to sequentially operate at a number of discrete frequencies in a single cleaning tank. The multiSONIK offers four frequencies, 40, 72, 104 and 170 kHz while the multiSONIK™2 offers seven frequencies, 40, 80, 120, 140, 170, 220 and 270 kHz. Customers in the semi-conductor, disk drive and medical industries are experiencing dramatic results in improved particle removal rates in production equipment supplied by Blackstone-NEY Ultrasonics. Many customers are upgrading existing process tools to include multiSONIK™2 generators and cleaning tanks while others are installing complete new Aquarious™ processing tools to take advantage of this significantly improved ultrasonic cleaning process. Experience improved process yields by utilizing multiple frequency ultrasonic cleaning in one product process tank.
The sweepSONIK 2D™ ultrasonic generator provides dual frequency sweeping with powerful ultrasonic activity across the entire swept bandwidth. Sweeping frequency ultrasonics was first developed and patented by NEY Ultrasonics and continues to be an effective way to assure a uniform ultrasonic field.
The shieldSONIK™ ultrasonic generator is the latest addition to the lineup of generators available from Blackstone-NEY Ultrasonics. It utilizes all of the technologies available in the above generators plus CRAM to eliminate part damage due to any resonant mode of vibration.
Wet Cleaning Hardware
In order to prevent contamination of the cleaning process by the cleaning machine itself, ultrasonic tank interiors, ultrasonic immersible transducer housings and other surfaces coming in contact with the work being processed are fabricated of materials that do not chemically contaminate or have the potential to introduce particles into the cleaning theatre. Electro-polished stainless steel and quartz tanks are commonly used in precision ultrasonic cleaning equipment. Special construction techniques are employed to eliminate areas where particles can collect.
Tanks
A standard line of ultrasonic cleaning tanks are available for both stand-alone and drop-in applications. Custom sizes, electro-polished stainless steel tanks, tanks with overflow weirs and quartz tanks are also available on custom order. Tanks are supplied with transducers and ultrasonic generators as required for the application.
Integrated
Aquarious™ Systems
Integrated cleaning systems incorporate all process steps including cleaning, rinsing and drying in a single system of unified design. Manual and automated Aquarious™ systems are offered with a variety of options including coved corner tanks, electro-polished tanks, DI water supplies, 1, 2 or four-sided overflow weirs, filtration systems, spargers, filtered hot air or slow-pull dryers and other features as required by the application.
Immersible Transducers
Immersible ultrasonic transducers for OEM installation or to be incorporated into existing process tools and systems are available in standard and custom sizes. A variety of mounting schemes assures that transducers can be placed to provide the most effective ultrasonic cleaning possible in any given application.
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