Thoughts on ultrasonic cleaning?

[bobcam1]

I am thinking of buying an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to clean conventional jewelry. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with these devices, in terms of cleaning medals and other TR items?
I'm led to believe that these would simply remove encrusted and surface dirt and grime, but not the patina.
Have any of you ever used one of these for this purpose?

Thanks,
Bob.

[Paul R.]

Bob, Caution! First off. If you use the jewelers solutions they are a bit harsh. Remember gold, silver, platinum are a harder material than zinc, tombac, or aluminum . Also when you place the whole medal into the solution the jewelers solution can weeken silver wash or other finishes. If there is a small pin prick hole in the finish. The harsh solution can rust the medal material below the coating.
Also even if you cut the solution to a 16th of the original strength they are still harsh. Paul

[Lenny W]

not a good idea to wash away 60 years of history,patina,etc

[Stahlhelm]

I would also personally never put a medal in any such type of cleaning machine for fear of what it may remove that I would not want removed. The unknown factor here, when dealing with so many types of metals and finishes, is way to scary for me.

However, if you insist on attempting such a thing, I will tell you something that may be helpful. I have seen ultrasonic cleaning machines which are said to require NO chemical, cleaning solutions of any kind--only water is necessary. Since they clean ultrasonically, it is the ultrasonic vibration process that does the cleaning more so than any chemical solutions. I think the chemical solutions may just help the process to occur faster and with even more cleaning effect--which you surely would not want. When I looked at these machines, I was planning on using it only on jewelry. However, since I never bought one or used one, I cannot tell you the true effects.

I hope this information helps you at least a little bit. Let us know what you may do and what happens. Good luck!

Chris

[bobcam1]

Chris,
Thanks.....Two of the ones that I have seen, only use water, and not cleaning solution. A friend owns one, and has put some 90 year old antique jewelry with lots of nooks and crevices (one piece with enamel) with impacted dirt inside. He added a minute amount of dishwashing liquid to the water.
After two treatments with this device, nearly all the dirt and grime had been shaken loose, but the tarnish and patina were still present.
It just seemed an ideal way to clean the dirt without washing away the history...
I may buy one and make some tests with some smaller pieces that I'm not too concerned with......I'll post any results here.

Cheers,
Bob.

[Stahlhelm]

You're welcome, Bob! I'm glad I could help.

Chris

[Bob Hritz]

I remember a friend using one to cle4n a German Cross. It came out sparkling, but all the enamel fell out into tiny pieces!

Bob Hritz

[Stahlhelm]

I remember a friend using one to cle4n a German Cross. It came out sparkling, but all the enamel fell out into tiny pieces!

Bob Hritz

Thanks for providing that very eye-opening example, Bob! That's exactly what I'm talking about, when I say the "unknown factor". There's all sorts of unforseeable scary things that could happen. Bob has just pointed out one of the disastrous things that could happen when you ultrasonically vibrate 60+ year-old things.

So, when you consider such possibilities, it's obvious that these things are far better off with their original grime and dirt than...in pieces.

Chris

[Tim B.]

Ah, time for the old Sonicare--just use the wife's toothbrush though!
Tim

[Norm F]

It's been over 2 years since this thread. Has anyone since then dared to try an ultrasonic cleaner on badges with various finishes. Any stories to tell?

Best regards,
---Norm

[juoneen]

Do not do it under any circumstances on TR items EVER. Nuff said.

[Norm F]

Do not do it under any circumstances on TR items EVER. Nuff said.

Point taken but I was hoping for some more scientific and objective findings?

Cheers.
---Norm

[jiipee76]

I have had ultrasonic cleaner many years now.

It is good for cleaning ground dug relic items but definetly not for cleaning medals.Patina/dirt belongs to these medals.

It is also good for cleaning gun parts with proper liquids.

[bobcam1]

I have had ultrasonic cleaner many years now.

It is good for cleaning ground dug relic items but definetly not for cleaning medals.Patina/dirt belongs to these medals.

I'll agree about the patina, but certainly not about the dirt.

[Niblet]

I use an industrial ultrasoic cleaner daily to clean turbine engine parts,,,
we use only hot water,,,if you want me to clean something for ya just sent
it to me,,,,

I would be ok with trying it on a PAB or IAB but not anything with glt or enamel
and the EK core would be completely cleaned of all black,,,,,

I would like to try it on a silver wound badge...bet it would be fine