Introduction
Linx Printing Technologies, a global supplier of coding and marking equipment. Have incorporated an Ultrawave ultrasonic cleaning system into their new HQ in Cambridgeshire, UK.
The delicate and intricate components of the inkjet printers, manufactured by Linx. Which needed to be cleaned thoroughly and removed of any microscopic contaminants. The 4 stage system supplied by Ultrawave has improved reliability and quality, ultimately increasing productivity and eliminating rejects.
Challenges
Inkjet printers place extremely small droplets of ink onto a surface to create an image. The dots are very small, usually less than the diameter of a human hair. Which have to be positioned accurately to create an image.
For images to be created successfully, it is imperative that these components are free from any foreign objects. Which will affect the positioning or clarity of the dots of ink.
The contaminants that need to be removed are typically particles of skin and human hair or dust. Which are invisible to the naked eye. If any particles do remain, this will affect the quality of the finished product.
Linx previously cleaned the jewels, nozzles and other components using an old ultrasonic cleaning system. The age of the machine meant that it was unreliable and could cause delays in manufacturing if it failed.
The Solution
Analysing the existing process, Ultrawave provided some recommendations before undertaking a number of cleaning trials in combination with Linx. Initial results were good simply following the existing process but with updated technology. However, Chris Czyrko, Sales and Marketing Manager at Ultrawave, believed further improvements could be made.
“With high precision cleaning applications such as this, it is important to maximize the results in each stage. The old system that Linx were using did not use ultrasonic technology on the rinse tanks. Adding this extra action to the rinsing process, we were able to ensure that even the smallest contaminants were eradicated.”
The RDX21 ultrasonic cleaning system that Ultrawave designed and supplied included a wash tank, 2 rinse stages and a dryer. Incorporating an overflow weir and recirculation system meant that long term operating costs were kept to a minimum. Without compromising on quality.
Results
Linx have recently moved to new purpose built headquarters, incorporating all business functions under one roof. Ultrawave revisited Cambridgeshire to reinstall the system at the new site where production demands continue to increase.
“We only have one ultrasonic cleaning system and this has become business critical. Ultrawave’s solution has delivered consistent results as promised in the initial testing. They have provided continue After Sales and training support wherever required” says Chris Ward of Linx Printing Technologies. “Initial programming is simple while the operators find it easy to use with one button operation.”
Changes to the process. Including new baskets designed specifically for the components and to maximise ultrasonic activity in the tank. Have meant that results achieved in the Ultrawave system continue to be excellent, ensuring the highest quality results every time.
Find out more about Ultrawave Ultrasonic Cleaning For Printing Technology and Marking Equipment here