The ALMCO PW-125 is a heavy-duty ultrasonic immersion parts washer designed for thorough cleaning of precision components, assemblies, and production parts weighing up to 125 pounds. Combining 3,000 watts of ultrasonic cleaning power with a mechanically agitated immersion process, the PW-125 delivers exceptional cleaning performance on both internal and external surfaces while providing a highly automated and repeatable cleaning cycle.
Part Washing Equipment
PW-125 Ultrasonic Agitation Immersion Parts Washer
OVERVIEW
PW-125 System Overview
The ALMCO PW-125 combines ultrasonic cleaning technology with mechanical agitation to provide a powerful immersion cleaning solution for industrial manufacturing environments. Designed for precision cleaning of machined, fabricated, cast, and assembled components, the system utilizes a combination of ultrasonic cavitation and controlled vertical agitation to remove oils, coolants, chips, particulate, and other manufacturing contaminants from part surfaces and difficult-to-reach features.
At the heart of the PW-125 is a heavy-duty agitation system that moves the workload through sixty four-inch vertical strokes per minute. This continual surging motion allows cleaning solution to circulate through passages, cavities, blind holes, and recessed geometries while improving overall cleaning effectiveness. When combined with the machine’s ultrasonic system, contaminants are removed from areas that are often difficult to clean using conventional immersion processes.
The ultrasonic system consists of thirty-six piezoelectric transducers powered by two 1,500-watt generators, providing a total ultrasonic output of 3,000 watts. These transducers generate high-frequency cavitation throughout the cleaning bath, producing microscopic cleaning action across all exposed surfaces.
Operation is fully automated. With the push of a button, the pneumatic lift system lowers the workload into the heated cleaning solution while simultaneously closing the tank cover. Once the cleaning cycle is complete, the agitation system stops, the cover automatically opens, and the workload is raised above the solution for draining and unloading.
Built for long-term industrial use, the PW-125 features a stainless steel tank with a 12-gauge bottom, 14-gauge sidewalls, insulated construction, integrated filtration, oil skimming, digital cycle controls, and a machine-mounted NEMA 12 electrical enclosure.
For manufacturers requiring consistent and repeatable cleaning of high-value components, the PW-125 provides a robust, automated solution capable of supporting a wide range of production cleaning applications.
KEY ADVANTAGES
- Heavy-duty stainless steel construction
- Powered lid lift for improved ergonomics
- Timed cycle operation
- Heated wash tank capability
- Designed for single-part or batch cleaning
- Can be integrated into automated production systems
- Optional ultrasonic cleaning technology for enhanced cleaning performance
COMMON APPLICATIONS
- CNC machined components
- Castings and forgings
- Aerospace components
- Automotive parts and assemblies
- Defense and military hardware
- Hydraulic and pneumatic components
- Medical device components
- Precision-manufactured parts requiring enhanced cleanliness
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length, Overall | 46″ (approx., less options) |
| Width, Overall | 40″ (approx., front to back, less options) |
| Height, Overall | 60″ (approx. top of mast) |
| Load Capacity | 125 lbs. |
| Liquid Capacity | 60 Gallons (approx.) |
| Carrier Load Height | 32″ (approx.) |
| Carrier Length x Width | 31-1/2″ x 16″ |
| Fluid Height Above Carrier | 13.5″ min., 16.5″ max. |
| Tank Heat | 6 kW |
| Drive Size | 1 HP |
| Tank Insulation | 1″ thick, with stainless steel sheet metal jacket |
| Bag Filter System | Model 4×12 Stainless Steel housing, polypropylene circulation pump |
| Cycle Timer | Digital |
| Oil Skimmer | Belt Type |
| Ultrasonic Power Output | 3000 Watts total |
| Ultrasonic Generators | 2 @ 1500 Watts |
| Ultrasonic Transducers | (36) piezoelectric |
| Electrical Enclosure | Machine-mounted NEMA 12 enclosure with main disconnect switch, wired to NFPA 79 electrical standards |
| Incoming Electrical Power | 480 Volts / 3 Phase |
| Control Circuit Voltage | 120 Volts / 1 Phase |
SYSTEM DETAILS
Wash Basin
How It Works
The machine is built to heavy industrial standards with a 12-gauge stainless steel tank bottom and 14-gauge stainless steel tank walls.
Ultrasonic cleaning is a result of high frequency sound waves introduced into a cleaning liquid by means of a series of “transducers” mounted to the cleaning tank. The sound travels throughout the tank and creates waves of compression and expansion in the liquid. In the compression wave, the molecules of the cleaning liquid are tightly compressed together. Conversely, in the expansion wave, the molecules are rapidly pulled apart. The expansion is so dramatic that the molecules are ripped apart, creating microscopic bubbles. The bubbles are not seen by the naked eye since they are so small and exist for only a split second of time. The bubbles contain a partial vacuum while they exist. As the pressure around the bubbles becomes greater, the fluid around the bubble rushes in, collapsing the bubble very rapidly. This violent collapse, combined with the liquid jets velocity, provides a very intense cleaning/scrubbing action in a minute area. This scrubbing action exists throughout the cleaning bath. When utilizing detergents designed for a specific application, a synergistic cleaning action is produced.
Pneumatic Lift
Pneumatic Lift
Pushbutton control activates the unit’s Pneumatic System, which automatically lowers the workload into the immersion chamber while simultaneously closing the tank cover before agitation begins. Agitation stops when the cleaning cycle is complete, and the cover opens automatically as the workload rises up and out of the solution, flush with the top of the cabinet for draining and product removal.
Wash Metering
Agitation System
Ultrasonic agitation / immersion washer uses a heavy-duty gearmotor drive to move the product to be cleaned through 60 four-inch vertical strokes per minute. Ultrasonic energy combined with the surging action created by the agitation cleans the product inside and out.
PW Control Panel
Electrical Controls
Electrical controls are housed in a Hoffman (or Saginaw) brand NEMA 12 enclosure mounted on the side of the wash cabinet (as room permits, otherwise enclosure is free standing). Components within the enclosure are finger-safe and are Allen-Bradley brand unless noted otherwise. Components include a main disconnect switch, Littelfuse fuse holders and branch circuit fuses, terminal strips, a
G.E. (or equal) transformer to provide a 115 Volt control circuit, master control relay, Minarik 90 Volt DC motor controller (for the turntable drive), heating system contactor, and an IEC-style motor circuit protector with thermal overload and short circuit protection.
An equipment power on pushbutton, an emergency stop pushbutton are provided on the front door of the main electrical enclosure, along with the reservoir heating system’s Watlow digital temperature controller. Machine start/stop controls are provided on the side of the enclosure facing the front of the machine. Buttons and lights are Allen-Bradley brand.
The machine is wired per NEC (NFPA 70) and NFPA 79 electrical standards, ready for connection to your electrical service.
Auto Lid
Automatic Lid
Pushbutton control activates the unit’s Pneumatic System, which automatically lowers the workload into the immersion chamber while simultaneously closing the tank cover before agitation begins.
Bag Filtration
Bag Filtration
Consists of a floor-mounted bag filter housing and a filter bag rated at 50 microns. The 4″ diameter by 12″ tall stainless-steel housing is over-sized for less frequent filter change-outs, and the unit is piped between the spray pump and the spray nozzles in the Washer. The housing includes a stainless-steel internal basket for holding one filter bag, and the hinged stainless-steel cover is held in place with three eyebolts. Inlet and outlet pressure gauges are also provided.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I get the machine to my facility?
ALMCO can help arrange a truck shipment to get the machine to your facility. You may need to work with a local machine rigging company to place the machine properly in your facility.
How do I get the machine installed and set up to run at my facility?
After the purchase of a machine, ALMCO will provide installation, unloading and set-up instructions. You can also pay to have an ALMCO representative on site during the installation to ensure the machine is running properly and your operators are trained on using the system.
Do I need to purchase special cleaning chemical compounds to run in the system?
ALMCO carries a line of chemicals including cleaning compounds and rust inhibitors that are sold separately. It is highly recommended that you send in sample parts for testing prior to issuing a purchase order to ensure we find the right cleaning solution for your parts depending on the material and the dirtiness of the parts.
Do I need parts baskets, fixtures, racks or any other accessories to hold my parts?
In some cases parts are too small to stay on the conveyor on their own. ALMCO can help make recommendations for fixtures or baskets used in other customer applications.
What are other facility considerations needed to run this equipment?
You may need an exhaust fan, stack, ducting or a roof opening to allow mist to make its way out of the building where the unit is running. ALMCO offers mist and vapor collectors that integrate into the system and are sold as optional equipment.
How are the tanks cleaned out?
ALMCO provides threaded fittings on the rinse and collection tanks. These are ready for drain valves or piping from tank drain fittings to your wastewater collection system. There is also access doors on the tanks to allow for cleanout.
What if I need a different size machine to accommodate my parts?
If one of ALMCOs stock size units don’t work for your application, our engineers can put together a custom solution built specifically to your requirements. The cost and lead time are also increased with custom modifications.
OPTIONS & UPGRADES
Vapor and Mist Collection
ALMCO will recommend the right system to collect the vapor or mist generated by the cleaning process to ensure the humidity level of your facility is not affected by running the washing system.
PLC Touch Screen
Add processing control and ease of cycle time adjustments with this touch screen human machine interface. Gain access to machine diagnostics and parameter controls.
Preheating Timer
Have your machine solution tank heated up before the shift starts with a seven day programmable timing unit.
Oil Skimming and Wastewater Treatment
For applications involving cleaning oil-based residue off parts, ALMCO offers an oil skimming solution.
REQUEST A QUOTE
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Tell us about your parts and process. Our team will follow up to discuss the equipment and your application.