Ultrasonic precision cleaning systems for photonics

Highly specialized and innovative – this is Elma. Nearly 75 years constant research and permanent product innovation in ultrasonic and process technology are the core competence of Elma.The product range contains various ultrasonic and steam cleaning units, modular cleaning lines and special custom-made cleaning systems. Cleaning chemicals, developed, tested and produced in the Elma chemical laboratory round off the Elma product range and help to solve the most difficult cleaning tasks in optics.

Elma exports customized state-of-the-art cleaning technology to numerous customers in the photonic industry into more than 80 countries all over the world. Thus Elma is the partner when it comes to cleaning sensitive optics. Highly competent. Highly innovative. And with quality and service enjoying top priority!

Cleaning “Ready for inspection”

After the mechanic treatment of the precision optics, ultrasonic cleaning is necessary to allow the detection of optical defects or damages prior to any further treatment. There are different cleaning requirements depending on different glass qualities, production technologies and the kind of contamination to be removed such as protection lacquers, oil from centering, pitch, polishing materials and wax. Elma provides systems from pre- to final cleaning with

  • solvent and water-based processes
  • including hot air or IR drying systems.

Cleaning “Ready for coating”

Before coating precision optics a final cleaning stage is required. That guarantees cleanliness and absence of particles and provides a conditioning of the surfaces for the coating. The cleaning process is adjusted to the different glass materials (depending on acid and alkali resistance as well as Alpha values) and contamination. Elma cleaning systems are designed with

  • water-based processes for final cleaning
  • including rinsing
  • and hot air, IR- or solvent drying.

The different through put requirements as well as the sizes of optical components are taken into account with e.g. spinning disk technology.