Ultrasonic Cleaner on new bearings?
I have a large ultrasonic cleaner, my plan is to fill a ziploc bag with 99% IPA and place the bearings inside the ziploc bag. Then place the sealed ziploc bag into the ultrasonic cleaner.
Question is, will the ultrasonic cleaner harm the bearing in any way?
(On removal I will pack the bearings with superlube and coat the outsides as well. )
RE: Ultrasonic Cleaner on new bearings?
Shouldn’t harm the bearings but be very careful with ultrasonics and ipa as the vapours are explosive, which is why I guess you are using a zip lock bag.
RE: Ultrasonic Cleaner on new bearings?
@neophyl
It is. I am worried there are seals in the bearings that might be damaged by the ultrasonics. I just don't know.
RE: Ultrasonic Cleaner on new bearings?
Ultrasonics shouldn't damage rubber.
IPA is a recommended solvent by Misumi. so shouldn't damage rubber either
best way to check is to saccrifice a bearing and clean it to death, (If you can)
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Ultrasonic Cleaner on new bearings?
Ultrasonics shouldn't damage rubber.
IPA is a recommended solvent by Misumi. so shouldn't damage rubber eitherbest way to check is to saccrifice a bearing and clean it to death, (If you can)
regards Joan
I hadn't thought of the sacrificial bearing, I bought duplicates as spares, so it is a really good idea.
I guess then, what would I look for in a 'damaged' bearing? The balls all fall out? Or something else?
RE: Ultrasonic Cleaner on new bearings?
I have a large ultrasonic cleaner, my plan is to fill a ziploc bag with 99% IPA and place the bearings inside the ziploc bag. Then place the sealed ziploc bag into the ultrasonic cleaner.
Question is, will the ultrasonic cleaner harm the bearing in any way?
(On removal I will pack the bearings with superlube and coat the outsides as well. )
What frequency ultrasonic cleaner are you using, and what materials are the bearing assembly made from? I know someone who cleans his PCB's using the method you describe, but here's a quote from https://techblog.ctgclean.com/2013/09/ultrasonic-frequency-25khz-vs-40khz/ that may have relevance:
A lower frequency ultrasonic cleaner, then, provides more aggressive cleaning than a higher frequency unit with an equivalent power output. But, there are some not-so-beneficial consequences of using lower frequency as well.
Because of the higher energy implosion of cavitation bubbles at a lower frequency there is a risk of causing physical damage to the parts being cleaned. More specifically, softer metals such as aluminum and brass, may show “cavitation burning” as minute particles of the substrate are physically removed from the surface.
RE: Ultrasonic Cleaner on new bearings?
@bill-marcy
the most likely thing to be damaged is the rubber seals
if the metal sustains any damage I expect it will look dull after treatment.
just do a visual inspecion before and after cleaning, then Lube your clean bearing and try it on a smooth rod... it may take a couple of end to end movements to distribute the lube throughout the assembly, then run nice and smooth and easy...
good luck.
Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK