Introduction
Ultrawave supplied submersible ultrasonic transducers and generators to Tecvac Ltd. As a result, Tecvac now cleans components in high vacuum equipment more efficiently. Consequently, the new system reduced downtime and cut costs.
Tecvac Ltd is part of the Wallwork Group. The group specialises in hard coatings, heat treatment, and vacuum brazing. In addition, it offers other services. In recent years, the group has invested in new equipment and staff training. Therefore, it delivers high-quality, competitive services. It serves the aerospace, motorsport, and medical industries.
Tecvac is based in Cambridge. Here, the company manufactures high vacuum equipment. In particular, it focuses on bespoke machines for vacuum coating, medical use, and research and development.
Challenges
Previously, Ultrawave replaced an older system that often failed. Tecvac had bought the original generators and transducers with an Italian cleaning line. However, after a few years, the generators became unreliable. At the same time, repairs were costly.
Graham Scott from Tecvac explained:
“We had intermittent overheating in the generators. In addition, the transducers were expensive and slow to replace. As a result, downtime increased. Consequently, costs became a problem.”
The Solution
Rising costs pushed Tecvac to find a better solution. They contacted Ultrawave for support. Ultrawave built transducers to match Tecvac’s exact needs. The design ensured the right size and power for effective cleaning.
Graham was pleased with the new parts from the onset, “Fitting Ultrawave’s submersible transducer has increased our cleaning performance without the costs of installing a new system.”
The submersible transducers provided excellent ultrasonic activity and were easily controlled through Ultrawave’s generator without the cost of a brand new system.“The best feature is being able to fit a higher wattage transducer into the existing tank. Additionally, we can easily match it with the right ultrasonic generator; consequently saving even more time” says Graham.
The Bottom Line
By using Ultrawave’s generators and transducers, Tecvac has reduced downtime and cut costs. “The parts are much more reliable and I have total confidence in them. We can keep matched generators and transducers on the shelf as spares, reducing downtime by 10-15%. Our aim is to eventually replace all old generators with Ultrawave units” says Graham.