Alphasonics, Liverpool, UK, has launched Betasound, a simultaneous application of both high and low ultrasonic frequency pairings, combined with wide frequency sweeps and multiple sweep rates to, in the words of the company’s managing director David Jones, “Deliver a quantum leap in anilox cleaning technology as we move into the high definition era.”

The company says this latest Alphasonics development is set to change how ultrasonics is applied to its entire product range, being born out of its R&D in the medical industry in particular, where complete and even cleanliness is a pre-requisite and absolutely essential. The application of two frequencies into the tank at the same time is nothing new. However, Alphasonics have taken this one step further by enabling the operator to select two of four separate frequencies in high and low formats. This means the cleaning action is even more searching and increasingly consistent than previously with Alphasound, but is gentle enough to cause zero damage to rolls, which is guaranteed by the company. 

“In academic circles, there is debate as to which delivers the more even ultrasonic distribution when applied to fluid — a frequency sweep, or two separate frequencies without sweep,” says Jones. “Alphasonics’ expertise is in the development and application of ultrasound and not with the theory per say. While we are not academically qualified to say which method is most fruitful, with our technology, we are capable of delivering both options at the same time.” 

The core of Alphasonics’ technology over the last twelve years has been a dual frequency generator that, in this case, has been tuned to be able to deliver either 55 or 98 khz individually.  However, by changing the frequencies in half of the generators in any tank to say frequency A and frequency B in the first half of the generators and frequencies C and D in the second half, it is possible when Low frequency is selected; frequency A and frequency C will be applied together.  Likewise, when high frequency is selected, B and D will be applied simultaneously.  All of these frequencies are individually “Supersweeping,” meaning that the even distribution of this new and improved ultrasonics is assured.

“This is as good as it gets,” adds Jones. “It’s a game changer. There is only one more step for us to take and this is subject to a patent application for use within the medical and surgical industries. Bringing medical grade ultrasonics to this industry means that high definition flexography is nothing to be scared of. Rolls of a screen count that previously were unthinkable or seemed light-years away are now here. The good news is they can be safely cleaned to the very highest standards available, whenever required regardless of the roll’s delicacy using Betasound.  We’re delighted to have the technology that can keep up with the industry.”   

Betasound will be offered at the quotation stage to new customers as an additional upgrade and also to existing customers as a refurbishment option. The aim is to eventually roll the technology out as standard across all systems.