Fuse Table (North America Models, input operating voltage 120V) Fuse Table (Europe Models, input operating voltage 230V) Operating Your Ultrasonic Bath UC 300 Models: Before You Begin UC 300 Models: Explanation of Controls UC 300 Models: Operating Your Unit UC 350 Models: Before You Begin...
Safety Precautions Before using your Ultrasonic Bath, please read and thoroughly understand these safety precautions. Failure to follow them may result in serious personal injury or property damage. To avoid electrical shock: • Do unplug from power source before filling or emptying the tank. •...
Page 4
To prevent damage to the unit: • Do change your solution regularly. • Do not cover vents on the cover. • Do not operate the unit dry. • Do not place parts or containers directly on the bottom of the tank; use a tray or wire to suspend items.
1-½, 2-½, 5-½ gal. have built in drains and are supplied with tank drain kits. Each model can be purchased in four different configurations: • with a Mechanical Timer (UC 300); • with a Mechanical Timer plus Heat (UC 350);...
Accessories For Your Unit As parts cannot be placed on the tank bottom, accessories include beaker positioning covers, solid and perforated insert trays, mesh baskets, beakers, and support racks. NOTE: Tank covers are included with every unit. Unpacking Your Unit Please check your unit and its carton carefully for any external or internal damage.
Page 7
• During the low pressure stage, millions of microscopic bubbles form and grow. This process is called CAVITATION, meaning “formation of cavities”. • During the high pressure stage, the bubbles collapse, or “implode” releasing enormous amounts of energy. • For ultrasonic cleaning applications, these implosions act like an army of tiny scrub brushes.
Page 12
NOTE: • All models have a frequency of 40 kHz. • In CPXH models, the temperature readout accuracy is ± 3 °C (± 5.4 °F). • Models available for 120 V ± 10%, 50/60 Hz and 220 V ± 10%, 50/60 Hz operation.
If this is the first time you are using the ultrasonic bath, please read this whole section before operating your unit. UC 300 Models: Before You Begin • Do not place parts or containers directly on the bottom of the tanks; use a tray or wire to suspend items.
UC 300 Models: Explanation of Controls Control Function MAIN POWER This switch is located on the back of the unit, next to the power cord receptacle. SWITCH • Press the (on) side to power on the unit. • Press the (off) side to power off the unit.
UC 300 Models: Operating Your Unit Degassing For initial cleaning solution degassing. Step Action Turn Main Power switch on. Turn the Timer Knob clockwise to 5–10 and let the unit run to allow the solution to “degas.” NOTE: Refer to page 39 for information on degassing.
UC 350 Models: Before You Begin • Do not place parts or containers directly on the bottom of the tanks; use a tray or wire to suspend items. Direct placement can cause the units to fail. • Do not allow the solution to drop more than 3/8 inch (1 cm) below the operating level line with heat or ultrasonics on.
UC 350 Models: Explanation of Controls Control Function MAIN POWER This switch is located on the back of the unit, next to the power cord receptacle. SWITCH • Press the (on) side to power on the unit. • Press the (off) side to power off the unit.
UC 350 Models: Operating Your Unit Degassing For initial cleaning solution degassing. Step Action Turn Main Power switch on. Turn HEAT switch on. Turn the Timer Knob clockwise to 5–10 and let the unit run to allow the solution to “degas.” NOTE: Refer to page 39 for information on degassing.
UC 400 Models: Before You Begin • Do not place parts or containers directly on the bottom of the tanks; use a tray or wire to suspend items. Direct placement can cause the units to fail. • Do not allow the solution to drop more than 3/8 inch (1 cm) below the operating level line with ultrasonics on.
UC 400 Models: Explanation of Controls Control Function MAIN This switch is located on the back of the unit, next to the power cord receptacle. POWER SWITCH • Press the (on) side to power on the unit. • Press the (off) side to power off the unit.
Control Function SONICS Press to activate ultrasonics. If running in Timed Mode, a timer will begin to count down and ultrasonics will stop at 0 minutes. In Constant Sonics Mode ( and “- -” on the display), timer has no function.
UC 400 Models: LCD Description Item Function Displayed for 15 s only during power-up, shows the current ultrasonic output power selection. Press the SONICS or DEGAS key to go into normal operating mode. Power Level Press key to change between high (HI) and low (LO) power ultrasonics.
UC 400 Models: Operating Your Unit Degassing For initial cleaning solution degassing. NOTE: To stop degassing at any time, press the DEGAS key. Step Action Turn Main Power switch on. Press the On/Standby key ( ) to turn on the unit. Press DEGAS key once to start the degas process.
Step Action Place the items into a basket, perforated tray, or beakers in a positioning cover. If using beakers or a solid tray, add cleaning solution to beakers or tray to cover the items. Slowly lower the tray or beakers into the tank. Do not allow items to contact the tank bottom.
UC 450 Models: Before You Begin • Do not place parts or containers directly on the bottom of the tanks; use a tray or wire to suspend items. Direct placement can cause the units to fail. • Do not allow the solution to drop more than 3/8 inch (1 cm) below the operating level line with heat or ultrasonics on.
UC 450 Models: Explanation of Controls Control Function MAIN This switch is located on the back of the unit, next to the power cord receptacle. POWER SWITCH • Press the (on) side to power on the unit. • Press the (off) side to power off the unit.
Page 27
Control Function HEAT Press to turn heater on/off. Heater will shut off when set temperature is attained. SONICS Press to activate ultrasonics. If running in Timed Mode, a timer will begin to count down and ultrasonics will stop at 0 minutes. In Constant Sonics Mode ( and “- - -”...
Control Function FUNCTION Press the Fn key to access less-frequently used functions. Ready State (Set Sonics Time) Fn 1x Fn 6x Set Degas Set Target Time Temp. Fn 2x Fn 5x Sel. Temp. Set Constant Units Sonics Fn 4x Fn 3x Set Power Level The appropriate icon will flash to indicate which option is selected.
Page 29
Control Function FUNCTION • Timed/Constant Sonics: Press key to select Constant Sonics Mode ( and “- - -” on the display). Press key to select Timed Sonics Mode. Indicates (2x) Blinking • Full/Low Power: Press key to select full power ultrasonic output.
Page 30
Control Function FUNCTION • Degas Time: Press keys to increase/decrease degas time (hold for quick increments/decrements). Time values are circular, pressing from 99 minutes takes you to 1 minute. Pressing from 1 minute takes you to 99 minutes. Indicates (5x) Blinking 28 Operating Your Ultrasonic Bath...
UC 450 Models: LCD Description Item Function Sonics/ Displays the set time for a timed ultrasonic or degas cycle. Degas Press keys to adjust ultrasonic or degassing cycle Set Time time (adjustable from 1 to 99 minutes). In Constant Sonics Mode, “- - -” is displayed. Displays the target temperature.
Page 32
Item Function Auto Indicates the unit is in Auto Mode. In Auto Mode, the following actions are carried out automatically by the controller: • Heater is turned on to bring bath to set temperature. • When set temperature is reached, ultrasonics are activated. The unit will abort the auto cycle and flash the icon if set temperature is not reached within a 120-minute period.
UC 450 Models: Operating Your Unit Degassing For initial cleaning solution degassing. NOTE: To stop degassing at any time, press the DEGAS key. Step Action Turn Main Power switch on. Press the On/Standby key ( ) to turn on the unit. Default degas time is 5 minutes.
Page 34
Cleaning Items (Treating Samples) in Timed Sonics Mode NOTE: To stop ultrasonics at any time, press the SONICS key. Step Action Turn Main Power switch on. Press the On/Standby key ( ) to turn on the unit. If it’s necessary to degas the liquid, see page 31 for instructions. Set the amount of time you wish the items to be cleaned: •...
Page 35
Cleaning Items (Treating Samples) in Constant Sonics Mode NOTE: To stop ultrasonics at any time, press the SONICS key. Step Action Turn Main Power switch on. Press the On/Standby key ( ) to turn on the unit. If it’s necessary to degas the liquid, see page 31 for instructions. Change sonics mode: •...
Page 36
Cleaning Items (Treating Samples) in Auto Mode NOTE: To stop ultrasonics at any time, press the SONICS key. Step Action Turn Main Power switch on. Press the On/Standby key ( ) to turn on the unit. If it’s necessary to degas the liquid, see page 31 for instructions. Set the amount of time you wish the items to be cleaned: •...
Page 37
UC 450 Temperature Calibration The UC 450 unit temperature measurement is factory calibrated. Use the following instructions to perform periodic calibrations: Step Action The ultrasonic bath liquid may be at room temperature or may be heated-up to a desired operating temperature (e.g. 40 °C). Press the Fn key 4 times until the Current Temperature icon ( starts blinking.
Draining Your Unit Do not immerse the unit in water. Unplug the unit from the power source. Models with ½ gal and ¾ gal tank capacity do not have a drain. To empty, use the indented side of the rim to pour the used solution into a waste disposal unit, rinse the tank thoroughly and refill with new solution.
Page 39
Step Action Hand tighten the drain valve onto the drain pipe over the white Teflon sealing tape. Finish tightening the valve in place using an adjustable or a 21mm wrench. Tighten the valve no more than one full turn when using the wrench until the handle is on top.
Optimizing Your Ultrasonic Bath Tanks Cleaning - check the tank for contamination whenever you change solution. If necessary, remove contaminants with a nonabrasive cloth and water. Emptying - always unplug the unit before emptying the tank. Empty the solution into a waste disposal unit. Filling - always unplug the line cord before filling the tank.
Page 41
Solution Temperature Measurement The following instructions provide an accurate method to obtain consistent thermal measurements using a calibrated temperature measurement instrument. These readings can be used for cleaning process control or to verify the accuracy of the UC 450 temperature readings. Step Action Ensure that sonics and heaters are off.
Application Hints • Never clean novelty or inexpensive jewelry in the ultrasonic bath. The combination of heat and vibration may loosen a cement-held setting. • Never clean gemstones such as emerald, amethyst, pearl, opal, coral, turquoise, peridot or lapis lazuli in the ultrasonic bath. First time cleaning - first experiment with one piece, then proceed with the remainder.
Cleaning Methods There are two methods of cleaning - direct and indirect. Each has advantages and disadvantages. When in doubt, run test samples using both methods to decide which one produces the best results for you. Direct Cleaning Method ITEMS IN PERFORATED ITEM INSERT TRAY SUSPENDED...
Indirect Cleaning Method BEAKER POSITIONING COVER SOLID INSERT TRAY BEAKERS How it works: • Fill the tank with warm water and a cleaning solution. The tank can be filled with any amount of diluted solution as long as it reaches the water level line once the items to be cleaned and accessories are placed into the tank.
Non-Cleaning Application This method can be used for sample preparation, which includes degassing liquids, mixing, homogenization, dissolving solids, cell lysing and dispersion of particles. BEAKER POSITIONING COVER INSERT TRAY BEAKERS How it works: • Fill the tank with water and wetting agent. The tray or beakers can be filled with any amount of solution as long as the water in the tank outside the tray or beakers reaches the water level line.
Cleaning Solutions Do not use alcohol, gasoline, bleach, mineral acids, solutions with a flash point, semi-aqueous or combustible liquids in ultrasonic tanks, or you will void the warranty. Only use non-flammable solutions and water-based solutions. Solution Types Water-based solutions can be either slightly acidic or alkaline. They include detergents, soaps and industrial cleaners designed to remove specific soils.
Change the cleaning solution periodically. Cleaning solutions can become contaminated with suspended soil particles which coat the tank bottom. This coating dampens the ultrasonic action and reduces cleaning efficiency. Certain solutions will cavitate better than others. Contact your local distributor for further information.
DO NOT attempt to disassemble or repair the unit. Problem Cause What to do Plug into functioning electrical Unit not plugged in properly. outlet. UC 300/UC 350 - Mechanical Turn timer clockwise. timer not ON. Unit will not UC 400/UC 450 - POWER start. Press power switch ON.
Page 50
High voltage inside - dangerous shock hazard. DO NOT attempt to disassemble or repair the unit. Problem Cause What to do Err on actual temp and alarm Icon is on. Malfunctioning sensor Sonics and Call for service. components. degas operate. Auto and Heat are inactive.
Page 51
Glass Slide Test Check your ultrasonic bath periodically to test the level of activity of the ultrasonic cavitation. Frequency of testing will depend on your use of the unit, however, Cole- Parmer suggests running this test monthly. You will need the following equipment: •...
Information for Users on Disposal of Equipment This symbol indicates separate collection of waste electrical and electronic equipment in the EU-countries and EEA (European Economic Area). Please do not dispose the product with the general household waste. Please use the return and collection system in your country for the disposal of this product.
Limited Warranty Subject to the limitations outlined below, the manufacturer warrants that the Ultrasonic Baths will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and regular service and maintenance for a period of twenty four (24) months from the date of shipment. The manufacturer does not warrant that the operation of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the UC 300 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers