In the jewelry industry, the cleaning of precious metals is an essential step in ensuring the brilliance and quality of the pieces. Among the various methods employed, ultrasonic cleaning stands out for its efficiency and ability to reach hard-to-reach areas. It is particularly crucial after treatments such as tribofinishing or manual polishing, where polishing paste and abrasive residues must be carefully removed.
Why choose ultrasonic cleaning?
Jewelry is exposed to various factors that can alter its shine: skin contact, chemicals, abrasives, heat, glues, etc…. Ultrasonic cleaning effectively removes impurities without damaging the parts.
The advantages of ultrasonic cleaning :
- Removes polishing paste and crimping cement residues.
- Removes impurities left after tribofinishing.
- Thoroughly cleans areas inaccessible by hand, especially under set stones.
- Speeds up the cleaning process with minimum effort.
- Does not alter precious metals.
How does ultrasonic cleaning work?
This method is based on the use of a tank filled with a cleaning liquid. High-frequency ultrasonic waves create micro-bubbles that implode, producing a cavitating action that dislodges encrusted dirt.
Cleaning steps :
- Bath preparation: Fill the tank with a detergent solution. We recommend GALVEX 20.02, HELIT 2022 and RODACLEAN 1018.)
- Immersion of jewels: Place the pieces in a basket to avoid direct contact with the bottom of the tank.
- Ultrasonic activation: Ultrasonic waves trigger cavitation and clean within minutes.
- Rinsing and drying: Jewelry is carefully rinsed with distilled water and dried to avoid deposits.
Process example:
Ultrasonic cleaning after tribofinishing
Tribofinishing is a process commonly used to smooth and polish jewelry, but it often leaves behind abrasive residues. Thorough ultrasonic cleaning is essential for :
- Remove abrasive particles that could dull the metal.
- Ensure a perfectly clean surface before further finishing treatments.
- Reduce the risk of chemical alteration due to residual deposits.
This process guarantees a jewel of optimum quality, ready to be marketed or showcased.
What jewelry and metals can be ultrasonically cleaned?
Ultrasonic cleaning is ideal for many types of jewelry:
- Gold and silver.
- Platinum and other precious metals.
- Set stones (diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds).
- Some of our products can also be used on semi-precious stones (mother-of-pearl, turquoise, malachite, etc.).
Please note that some stones are fragile, so contact NGL before trying them out.
Precautions to take
- Always check the compatibility of jewelry with ultrasound.
- Use a suitable cleaning solution.
- Do not prolong cleaning time unnecessarily, to avoid damage.
Conclusion
Ultrasonic cleaning is the solution of choice for jewelers seeking to optimize the cleanliness and finish of their creations. It is particularly essential after tribofinishing to ensure impeccable results. Fast, efficient and safe, it guarantees lasting brilliance while preserving the integrity of jewelry and precious metals. By adopting this technology, jewelry professionals can guarantee their customers pieces of incomparable quality.
