Building my own Ultrasonic Cleaner

Summary

In this video, Bruce Rain from Bragas Creations takes viewers through his journey of building a DIY ultrasonic cleaner. He explains the science behind ultrasonic cleaning, covering topics like cavitation and the importance of frequency. The video details Bruce's step-by-step process, from sourcing materials to overcoming challenges with transducer attachment, fuse blowouts, and overheating issues. Along the way, he shares essential tips on troubleshooting, cooling solutions, and improving durability. With an emphasis on quality parts and safety precautions, Bruce’s insights provide valuable guidance for anyone looking to build their own ultrasonic cleaner.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves above 20 kHz to create cavitation in liquid, helping to dislodge dirt and grime from surfaces.
• 😀 Ultrasonic cleaning is gentle, making it ideal for delicate items such as electronics and jewelry.
• 😀 When building a DIY ultrasonic cleaner, it's crucial to select the right size tank, ultrasonic transducers, and power source for optimal performance.
• 😀 Higher frequency ultrasonic sound produces smaller bubbles, improving the cleaning efficiency in fine cracks and crevices.
• 😀 For effective cleaning, it's important to use distilled water and specialized detergents like Electro or Branson EC, rather than regular dish soap, to avoid damage to sensitive components.
• 😀 The power of the ultrasonic cleaner is often measured in watts per liter, with 100 watts per gallon being the ideal range for small units.
• 😀 To ensure longevity and efficiency, the ultrasonic cleaner should include a timer and heater for temperature control and automatic shutdown.
• 😀 Testing the ultrasonic cleaner's effectiveness can be done by placing a sheet of aluminum foil in the liquid. Pinholes in the foil confirm that the cavitation is working.
• 😀 Cooling the cleaner with fans is essential to prevent overheating, which can lead to damage of transducers and drivers.
• 😀 While building a DIY cleaner can be rewarding, it involves challenges such as ensuring proper adhesion of transducers and dealing with faulty drivers or transformers.
• 😀 It's a good idea to have spare drivers and to be prepared for potential technical issues, such as blown fuses or overheating, especially when using high-power units.

Q & A

What is ultrasonic cleaning and how does it work?

Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves (above 20kHz) to create microscopic bubbles in a liquid. These bubbles collapse and create shockwaves that help dislodge dirt and grime from items submerged in the liquid. This process is called cavitation.

What are the key components of an ultrasonic cleaner?

The key components of an ultrasonic cleaner include a stainless-steel tank, ultrasonic transducers, a heating element, a timer, and often a fan system for cooling. These components work together to generate the cleaning effect and maintain optimal operating conditions.

Why are cooling fans important in an ultrasonic cleaner?

Cooling fans are important because ultrasonic cleaners generate a lot of heat during operation, especially when used continuously. The heat can damage internal components, particularly the transducers and drivers. Cooling fans help prevent overheating and ensure consistent performance.

What issues did Bruce encounter while building his own ultrasonic cleaner?

Bruce faced several challenges, including transducers detaching from the tray, blown fuses in the drivers, melted transformers, and overheating. These problems were exacerbated by using cheap or faulty parts, and some of the issues were due to inadequate cooling during the initial stages of use.

How did Bruce address the problem of transducers detaching?

Bruce re-glued the transducers using coarse sandpaper to create deeper grooves for better adhesion. He also used a larger amount of high-quality epoxy glue. For future builds, he suggested welding the bolts to the tray to prevent the transducers from coming off.

Why did Bruce have to replace the transformers on the ultrasonic cleaner?

The transformers in the ultrasonic cleaner failed due to overheating. The enamel coating on the wire melted and caused the wires to short-circuit, preventing the transformer from working properly. Bruce attempted to repair the transformers by re-insulating the wire, but eventually had to replace them.

What is the role of the timer in Bruce's ultrasonic cleaner?

The timer allows Bruce to control the cleaning time more effectively. It uses a clockwork mechanism to count down to zero and automatically turns off the cleaner. The addition of the timer also ensures that the fans run during cleaning, preventing the cleaner from operating without cooling.

What are the benefits of building your own ultrasonic cleaner versus buying one?

Building your own ultrasonic cleaner allows you to customize it to meet specific needs, like cleaning larger items or using specific materials. However, it comes with challenges, such as sourcing quality parts and troubleshooting technical issues. Commercial cleaners may be a better option if they already meet your needs.

How can the adhesive for transducers be improved in a DIY ultrasonic cleaner?

To improve adhesive strength, Bruce recommends using coarse sandpaper to create deep grooves in the tray surface before applying glue. Additionally, it is important to use a generous amount of high-quality epoxy glue to ensure a strong bond that can withstand the stresses of ultrasonic cleaning.

What should be done to avoid electrical shocks when using a DIY ultrasonic cleaner?

To avoid electrical shocks, it is crucial to ground the tray of the ultrasonic cleaner properly. Failing to do so can result in an unpleasant shock if your hand comes into contact with the liquid while the cleaner is running.