Elma Schmidbauer GmbH

Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems for High-Purity Applications

Highly specialized. Highly innovative. Simply Elma.

For over 75 years, Elma has been synonymous with continuous research and pioneering innovation in ultrasonic and process technology. Our expertise lies in developing and manufacturing high-precision cleaning systems – from compact ultrasonic and steam devices to modular cleaning lines and fully customized solutions.

To complement our systems, we offer tailor-made cleaning chemicals – developed, tested, and produced in our in-house Elma chemical laboratory. These integrated solutions empower our customers to tackle even the most demanding cleaning challenges in optics, photonics, and medical technology.

Elma exports cutting-edge cleaning technology to customers in over 80 countries worldwide. Wherever cleanliness and material sensitivity are paramount — for example, in optical manufacturing.

Cleaning “Ready for Inspection”

After mechanical processing of precision optics, ultrasonic cleaning is essential to enable reliable inspection and defect detection before further treatment.

Cleaning requirements vary depending on glass type, production process, and contamination – such as protective lacquers, centering oil, pitch, polishing residues, or wax.

Elma provides complete solutions for every stage, from pre-cleaning to final cleaning, using both solvent- and water-based processes combined with highly efficient drying systems.

Cleaning “Ready for Coating”

Before coating precision optics, a final cleaning stage is required. It ensures surface cleanliness, removes all particles, and prepares the substrate for optimal coating adhesion.

Elma systems are precisely tailored to the properties of each glass material – considering acid and alkali resistance as well as thermal expansion – and to the type of contamination. Our water-based final cleaning solutions include thorough rinsing and drying with hot air, infrared, or solvent technology.

Throughput requirements, component sizes, and the highest purity standards are flexibly met—for example, through advanced measurement technologies such as particle and TOC monitoring.

Elma is your trusted partner.

Competent. Innovative. With quality and service as our top priorities.