Omegasonics makes ultrasonic machines that can be used for cleaning extrusion dies.
Last June, the company introduced its Omegasonics Powerlift 4500 series that adds a lift table to the ultrasonic tank. The units are equipped with pneumatic lifting platforms that move components, including extrusion dies, in and out of the cleaning tanks safely and easily.
The platforms eliminate the need for an overhead crane for this procedure, President Frank Pedeflous said.
“The lift table allows the operator to put the [tooling] onto a platform, press a button, and now the platform lowers into the tank and you set the cleaning cycle. It adds the extra convenience of not having to use an overhead crane,” he said.
Lifting pistons are inside each unit’s cleaning bath. Three models currently are available, with the largest tank holding 264 gallons. The lift table can handle up to 1,500 pounds, and its platform measures 60 inches by 28 inches.
Dies and molds can be disassembled and placed in the ultrasonic tanks for cleaning.
The tanks use an ultrasound transducer to generate sound waves higher than the frequency detectable by humans. The ultrasonic waves cause water molecules to vibrate rapidly, resulting in cavitation bubbles. The bubbles, as they burst, agitate and remove even tiny particles and substances from the extrusion dies.
The tanks, which can heat water to about 165 degrees, use this energy, along with soap, to clean small areas in the dies more efficiently and more thoroughly than manual cleaning, according to Pedeflous.
