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Gantry and Modular Tank System Offers On-site Customization
Ultrasonic Power Corp.’s Ultra-Glide gantry system offers a modular tank configuration designed to maximize the ultrasonic cleaning process.
Ultrasonic Power Corp.’s Ultra-Glide gantry system offers a modular tank configuration designed to maximize the ultrasonic cleaning process. The system was designed to replace expensive and complex customized systems by offering a system configured with pre-engineered, standard consoles. Manufacturers can configure their own customized cleaning system with multiple purpose tanks — such as pre-wash, wash, rinse, rinse with DI water, coat, and dry -- using pre-engineered, standard consoles.
The tank sizes are offered in standard sizes of 39, 90, 135 and 204 gallon capacity. The overhead gantry is designed as a companion to an ultrasonic wash/rinse/dry system. Parts — in standard or custom designed baskets -- are manually transported from the load to the unload station. The gantry is constructed of heavy-gauge steel with a powder coat finish, and is self-standing with heavy gauge plates which can be bolted into the floor for added stability. According to the company, lift capacity is 150 pounds with an optional, heavy-duty version that offers a capacity of 300 pounds.
The cleaning, rinse and drying consoles are portable and designed to easily slide out for maintenance. Removable load and unload platforms are included, and there are two transport options available: manual and fully automated.
The manual approach uses an air cylinder for the vertical lift with cam follower stabilizers. The manual transfer rides on a system of cam followers and is moved horizontally by the operator. The lift is powered by standard shop air and does not need any electrical connections. Air interlocks built into the system prevent parts baskets from lowering in case of loss of supply air.
The automation package option integrates into the gantry system. Vertical movement is a drive system via a ball screw assembly. Horizontal movement is a belt-driven drive system. Overtravel protection is assured via proximity switches and flag. Travel speed is said to be 100 fpm (max horizontal) and 17 fpm (max vertical). Positional accuracy is horizontal +/- 0.36 inches and vertical +/- 0.2 inches, the company says.
Automation PLC will control transport of fixtures through wash/rinse/dry process and ultrasonic time. Non- linear load control allows more than one basket to be cleaned simultaneously.
An automation interface package adds the following controls: ultrasonic wash time; dryer cover with automatic powered sliding opening; and load and unload platforms that include optical sensors and basket positioning system.
The company also offers a full line of ultrasonic cleaning systems ranging from benchtop units with smaller tanks (1-52 gallons), standard cleaning systems of 39, 90 and 135 gallons, and custom consoles up to 1,600 gallons. Custom systems may incorporate automation and lifting gantries. All systems are crafted with stainless steel tanks and skirting.
The company’s Ten-Two warranty covers the company’s patented Vibra-Bar transducer modules and the bond to the radiating surface, which are unconditionally guaranteed not to crack, depolarize or detach from the radiating surface for 10 years from the date of shipment. The company’s generator is guaranteed to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of two years from date of shipment.
The company serves customers aerospace and aircraft; medical, surgical, pharmaceutical and orthopedics; computers and semi- conductors; and manufacturing and metal finishing, among others.