FINISHING AND COATING MAGAZINE:
Vacuum Cycling Nucleation Agitation Cleaning Benefits
VCN can be much more effective than ultrasonics especially for small delicate parts or complex parts with difficult to reach
internal surfaces. Below is a comparison of some areas where VCN can be more effective.
Ultrasonics |
VCN |
||
Internal Cleaning |
NO |
YES |
Ultrasonics can’t penetrate solid surfaces. |
Damage to Delicate Parts |
YES |
NO |
Ultrasonic bubbles are small and aggressive to shock contaminant from a surface. VCN bubbles are large and gentle to move fluid throughout a part. |
Load Dependent |
YES |
NO |
Solid surfaces adsorb ultrasonic energy. The larger the load, the greater the energy dissipation and the more energy required. |
Uniform Treatment |
NO |
YES |
Ultrasonics is adsorbed on the surfaces closest to the transducers. Parts located on the inside of a basket can receive little to no ultrasonic energy. |
Targets Contaminant |
NO |
YES |
Vapor needs a solid surface to begin forming. Vapor nucleates in regions of high surface area to fluid volume. VCN likes to create vapor in tight areas. |
Chemical Delivery to Surface |
NO |
YES |
When a fluid has been loaded with contaminant, the cleaning process either slows or ceases. VCN replenishes all areas with fresh cleaner in seconds. |
Effectiveness With Solvents |
LOW |
HIGH |
Ultrasonics likes to operate at temperatures low enough to make sure vapor formed collapses as opposed to evaporating. Solvents are often used at the boiling point. |
Concentrations Required |
HIGH |
LOW |
Since VCN continuously replenishes cleaner at a surface, lower concentrations of surfactant is required to accomplish effective cleaner. |
Effective Rinse Method |
NO |
YES |
At the end of cleaning, surfactants are now the contaminant. Using VCN with your rinse water removes surfactants from your surface quickly and efficiently. |