AS ONE AS38A Ultrasonic Cleaner (100 V AC Input)

Overview

The AS ONE AS38A Ultrasonic Cleaner is a compact, general-purpose benchtop cleaning system engineered for routine laboratory and light industrial applications requiring gentle yet effective removal of particulate contaminants, residual solvents, and loosely adhered organic residues from small parts, glassware, and precision components. It operates on the principle of ultrasonic cavitation: high-frequency sound waves (typically 40 kHz, standard for this class of device) generate microscopic vacuum bubbles in the cleaning solution; their rapid collapse produces localized high-pressure shockwaves and microstreaming that dislodge contaminants without mechanical abrasion. Designed for consistent performance under continuous low-duty-cycle operation, the AS38A delivers reliable cleaning efficacy for pre-analytical sample preparation, post-maintenance instrument component cleaning, and routine labware decontamination—particularly where thermal or chemical sensitivity limits alternative methods.

Key Features

• Benchtop form factor with minimal footprint (210 mm × 145 mm base), optimized for space-constrained fume hoods, analytical workstations, and QC laboratories.
• Front-access control panel with intuitive layout—single-button operation for power activation and integrated timer (standard 0–30 min adjustable interval, typical for entry-level models).
• Folding lid mechanism (as referenced in AS486 design lineage) ensures secure containment during operation while enabling rapid access for loading/unloading small items such as pipette tips, microcentrifuge tubes, watch parts, or optical lenses.
• Stainless steel tank (304-grade, standard for corrosion resistance in aqueous and mild solvent environments) with seamless welded construction to prevent leakage and facilitate long-term chemical compatibility.
• Integrated transducer assembly mounted directly to the tank bottom for uniform energy distribution across the 153 mm × 93 mm × 50 mm usable cavity volume—sufficient for standard 50 mL centrifuge tubes or up to four 13 mm test tubes simultaneously.
• 100 V AC input configuration complies with Japanese and select Asian regional electrical standards; includes built-in thermal protection circuitry to prevent overheating during extended use.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AS38A is suitable for cleaning non-porous, rigid substrates including borosilicate glass, stainless steel, titanium, and anodized aluminum. It is not recommended for delicate polymers (e.g., polycarbonate, PMMA), soft elastomers, or multi-layered assemblies with trapped air gaps due to potential delamination risk under cavitation stress. Cleaning efficacy is highly dependent on appropriate solution selection: aqueous alkaline detergents (e.g., Alconox-type formulations) are preferred for general organic soiling; low-surface-tension solvents (e.g., isopropanol/water mixtures) may be used for hydrophobic residue removal—always verifying material compatibility prior to immersion. While not certified to ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11, the unit supports GLP-aligned documentation when paired with validated cleaning SOPs and logbook-based usage tracking.

Software & Data Management

This model operates via hardware-based analog controls only—no embedded firmware, no USB/RS-232 connectivity, and no data logging capability. Timer settings are manually adjusted and lack audit trail functionality. For laboratories requiring electronic recordkeeping or integration into automated workflows, AS ONE offers higher-tier models (e.g., AS78A series) with digital interfaces compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements. The AS38A remains purpose-built for manual, operator-driven cleaning tasks where traceability is maintained through procedural documentation rather than instrument-generated metadata.

Applications

• Pretreatment of HPLC vials, GC autosampler inserts, and ICP-MS nebulizer components to minimize carryover and baseline noise.
• Cleaning of surgical instruments, dental tools, and endoscope accessories prior to sterilization—when used in conjunction with EPA-registered disinfectants per institutional biosafety protocols.
• Removal of flux residues from printed circuit board (PCB) prototypes and SMT components during R&D prototyping cycles.
• Preparation of quartz cuvettes and optical filters for UV-Vis spectrophotometry to reduce scattering artifacts.
• Decontamination of reusable lab consumables (e.g., metal spatulas, weighing boats) in teaching laboratories and pilot-scale process development suites.

FAQ

What is the nominal ultrasonic frequency of the AS38A?
The AS38A operates at a fixed frequency of 40 kHz, consistent with industry-standard general-purpose ultrasonic cleaners for laboratory use.
Can the AS38A be used with flammable solvents?
No. This unit lacks explosion-proof certification and should only be operated with aqueous solutions or low-volatility, non-flammable cleaning agents approved for ultrasonic use.
Is the tank drain port included?
No. The AS38A features a sealed tank design; solution must be manually decanted after each cycle.
Does the unit include a degassing function?
No. Degassing must be performed separately by operating the unit empty for 1–2 minutes prior to introducing samples.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine inspection of tank integrity, periodic descaling using dilute citric acid solution (if hard water is used), and verification of lid seal condition every 6 months are recommended practices.