Will ultrasonics damage the adhesive bonds of a stencil?
No! Studies have shown that there are two primary factors that can affect the adhesive bond of the screen to the frame and metal etched foil. Heat is the most common cause of adhesive breakdown. The adhesives used to construct the stencil are heat-cured at approximately 160 degrees F (70 C). If a stencil is washed in hot water or dried with hot air, the heat-cured adhesive can weaken and fail. Also, the metals used to construct the stencil (aluminum frame, stainless steel or polyester screen and stainless steel, brass or nickel metal etched foil) will expand and contract which stresses the adhesive bond. The second factor is long exposure to moisture. Adhesives are hygroscopic (absorb moisture). Long cleaning cycles or soaking times will cause the adhesive to swell and weaken. The Smart Sonic process cleans without heat and wash cycle times are less than 2 minutes. Stencils are cleaned safely and fast.
