Ultrasonic cleaners

[TexasBrit]

I've seen recommendations for using an ultrasonic cleaner here on Aztek airbrushes. However, these are made of a plastic(?), or composite material. These cleaners generate heat up to 100 degrees F, so are they safe for all components of the Aztek A470 for example, just the nozzles etc.?

[Peacemaker]

Ive put mine in an ultrasonic cleaner with IPA no issues. 

[Matt Walker]

The cavitation created in ultrasonic cleaners does induce heat, but, it takes a substantial length of time to get the solution up to the sort of temps you're talking about. So your airbrush parts will be perfectly safe, as long as you don't run cycles that are really long. 

 

Having said that, ultrasonic cleaners really only enhance the chemical you need to remove the contaminant. (So, using detergent to remove lacquer won't get you much of a result 🙂) But, using the correct solvent for the contaminant will get considerably better results than any kind of manual cleaning alone. 

 

People often talk about ultrasonic cleaners breaking solder joints (I know that doesn't apply here) What is actually happening is the ultrasonic cleaning is revealing a "poor" solder joint, as opposed to "breaking" a good joint. 

 

US cleaners are used in many industries to clean very delicate, expensive items, on a daily basis. I use a 90 gallon unit daily in my work. Happy to answer any other questions you may have 

Edited December 22, 2024 by Matt Walker

[Curt B]

I've used mine, albeit, sparingly, with no problems.  One thing you may want to consider, if you get one, is to use a secondary container filled with any desired flammable solvent, and then take that container and insert it into the cleaner.  That way, any flammable solvent is isolated from direct contact with the machine.  Others may have a different opinion, but this has worked for me.