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Ultrasonic not heating

#1

Greetings,

I just found out that my ultrasonic is not heating, likely the
element went bad and it will cost $120 to fix it.

The ultrasonic part still works.

If I choose to not fix it and use it without heat will I still get
the kind of cleaning benefits that I need for jewelry? Should I
bother to heat the solution in a pan and then pour it into the pan?

Maybe I could get one of those coffee cup heaters that is placed in
the cup - and put it in the ultrasonic to keep the solution hot (of
course take it out when turning on the vibration).

Thanks for any suggestions.
Margaret
Happy Losar (Tibetan New Year, Feb 25)

#2

You might also consider a fish tank heater (removing it of course
before turning on the ultrasonic) or possibly pouring hot water in
there to begin with.

#3 
Maybe I could get one of those coffee cup heaters that is placed
in the cup - and put it in the ultrasonic to keep the solution hot
(of course take it out when turning on the vibration).

If you use an immersion heater i would make sure it is not resting
on the bottom of the sonic whilst heating. This is where the
transducers (sp) are and the cement that holds them on could be
affected.

Cheers

#4

Margaret,

I just found out that my ultrasonic is not heating, likely the
element went bad and it will cost $120 to fix it.

This happened to me too. Unheated, the ultrasonic doesn’t work nearly
as well. I tried heating the solution in the microwave and then
putting it into the ultrasonic - PITA. I also purchased one of the
coffee cup heaters (by mail order because I couldn’t find one
locally). It was very slow to heat the volume of liquid and the
solution “burned” onto the heating element with fume problems. My
ultrasonic’s going to be repaired.

Jamie

#5

Hi Margaret,

Most brands of ultrasonic cleaners used by the bench jeweler are
supposed to heat the water to about 135 - 145 degrees F. The warm
water does help for many cleaning jobs. A fish tank heater won’t
heat enough. One of those coffee cup heaters may work. Remember, to
much heat will cause the epoxy that holds the transducers to the tank
to soften and may break loose. Pouring hot water into the tank may
cause the epoxy to soften and may cause the transducers to crack due
to thermal shock. If you want the heater to work and don’t have the
money to have it repaired, you may be able to replace the heating
element yourself for a lot less money. If you email me about your
machine, I can tell you where you can buy the replacement parts and
offer technical advice for doing the work yourself.

John
The Jewelry Equipment Dr.

#6

Another consideration is how often you are using the machine.

If once a day, it may be worth filling with hot tap water and
solution on a daily basis right before you clean. I used to work in
batches and did this for years. I only cranked up the steam and
ultrasonic right before I was ready to use them.

If you are in and out constantly all day long the immersion heaters
would keep it warm for you but that can be a pain in the neck.

Another consideration is if you need the machine available at all
times… which I do in a retail store… then get another machine and
use this one as a backup. I know they are expensive but not as
expensive as they used to be. $2-250.00 for a small unit. I have a
new spare at the store and an old one at home (which has a dead
heater too).

FYI, once the machine is turned on, the water will stay hot or get
hotter from the ultrasonic itself.

Mark

#7

Heat (hotter than an aquarium, hotter than coffee) does at least
fifty percent of the work. You can try to jerry rig something with an
external heat source but in the end fixing or replacing the unit will
give you less anxiety. Pouring in hot water will last about a few
minutes only. Any kind of real production will not work well with
that solution.

Not wanting to sound like some kind of snob here but, if you look at
the pros (in any field really, not just jewelry) there are reasons
certain things are done or equipment used. Results and efficiency.
Personally, if I was faced with the choice of $120 to fix or double
that to replace…I’d replace. If the unit is old enough for the
heater to go you have to doubt the transducer has a lot left in it
too. And you get a warrantee on the whole thingadoober.

#8 
Not wanting to sound like some kind of snob here but, if you look
at the pros (in any field really, not just jewelry) there are
reasons certain things are done or equipment used. Results and
efficiency. Personally, if I was faced with the choice of $120 to
fix or double that to replace...I'd replace.

You do not sound like a snob, unfortunatley, for full time jewelers,
ultrasonics are quite the necessity. Ive had one heater go out and
had to replace the machine. We replaced it with the same unit.

The entire diamonback series that Rio offers are all sub $200 USD.
Ill probably pick up one of these just to have as a back up, and to
see how good they are over the long haul.

P@
www.patpruitt.com

#9

Orchidland,

I think it’s appropriate to praise John Cranor, “The Jewelry
Equipment Dr” What a generous thing to share his very unique
knowledge so openly and even offer to provide technical assistance to
Margaret.

Thank you John - and that’s for your past help as well!

Just a satisfied client.
Judy in Kansas

#10

Orchid,

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions regarding my ultrasonic
not heating. I will contact John, The Jewelry Equipment Dr. and see
if he can help me to replace the element.

I have learned so much by repairing my equipment and making some
tools - it really does change the way I think about all aspects of
jewelry making and in other facts of my life. What better way to be
green (as in reuse of resources).

I do resist tho’ when it seems out of my experience!

Best Wishes,
Margaret