[R-390] Ultrasonic cleaning

[rbethman]

It is dependent upon the "strength" of the ultrasonic bath itself.

The stronger the movement, the more things will essentially *beat* 
against each other.

That is the reason I brought up the issue of bearings.

During the period that they are in this cleaning solution, the lubricant 
WILL be removed.

A bearing is either a ball, roller, or needle type of construction.

Once the lubricant is gone, then the balls, rollers, or needles will be 
vibrating against each other, the cage if such is used, and the inner 
and outer races.

The result WILL be something that has an significantly increased 
clearance than it started with.

At that point, you would be *much* better off with simply getting the 
sizes, dimensions, and clearances *before* they go into the ultrasonic 
cleaner.

The reason is simple.  You *WILL* be trying to order new ones from an 
outfit such as Boca Bearings.

If your numbers do NOT match what is off the shelf, then they will have 
to make "custom" ones to fill your order.

Custom anything results in the moniker - "BOHICA".  Interpreted, "Bend 
Over Here It Comes Again".

Bob - N0DGN


On 7/31/2014 9:53 AM, Barry wrote:
> I don't have access to an ultrasonic cleaner so it's a bit of a moot point for me, but just curious what happens when cleaning things that touch in an ultrasonic bath.
>
> I assume the advice to not clean the split gears is only when they're assembled (e.g. disassembling them and cleaning them separately is fine), but what does that do to the mating surfaces when they are cleaned when assembled?
>
> Just curious...
>
> Thanks,
> Barry - N4BUQ
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "rbethman" <rbethman at comcast.net>
>> To: r-390 at mailman.qth.net
>> Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2014 6:46:06 AM
>> Subject: [R-390] Ultrasonic cleaning
>>
>> If the split gears shouldn't be cleaned by an ultrasonic cleaner, the
>> I
>> would have even more reservations to placing the bearings in one!
>>
>> In my mind, I see the bearings eating themselves!  Not a good idea.
>>
>> Bob - N0DGN