SYC Sycs SCQ-3201C Benchtop Ultrasonic Cleaner (6L Capacity)

Overview

The SYC Sycs SCQ-3201C is a precision-engineered benchtop ultrasonic cleaner designed for consistent, repeatable cleaning performance in laboratory, clinical, and light industrial environments. It operates on the principle of cavitation—high-frequency sound waves (25–60 kHz) generate microscopic vacuum bubbles in the cleaning solution; their rapid collapse produces localized high-pressure shockwaves that dislodge contaminants from surfaces without mechanical abrasion. This non-contact, solvent-efficient process ensures thorough removal of particulates, oils, flux residues, biofilms, and organic debris from complex geometries—including blind holes, crevices, and microstructures—making it indispensable for critical pre-analytical preparation and post-processing validation.

Key Features

• Full SUS304 stainless steel construction—including tank, basket, and lid—ensures long-term corrosion resistance and compliance with ISO 15190:2020 laboratory safety standards, outperforming common SUS201/SUS202 alternatives used in budget-grade units.
• Multi-frequency selection (25/28/40/60 kHz) enables optimization for diverse sample types: lower frequencies (25–28 kHz) deliver higher energy for robust particle removal from metals and heavy-duty parts; higher frequencies (40–60 kHz) provide finer, gentler cleaning ideal for delicate optics, microelectronics, and medical instruments.
• Continuously adjustable ultrasonic power (10–100% of 200 W nominal output) allows precise energy modulation to prevent sample damage or excessive foaming—critical when cleaning MEMS devices, coated lenses, or polymer-based labware.
• Integrated digital temperature control (ambient to 100 °C) with 600 W heating element supports thermally enhanced cleaning protocols, including enzymatic decontamination and low-surface-tension solvent activation—validated for use in ASTM D2603 and ISO 13485-compliant quality systems.
• Programmable timer (1–600 min) with automatic shutdown ensures protocol reproducibility and operator safety; memory retention preserves last-used settings across power cycles.
• Dual-layer sound-dampening lid reduces ambient noise to ≤55 dB(A) at 1 m—meeting WHO occupational exposure guidelines—and prevents solvent evaporation during extended cycles.
• Overload and overtemperature protection circuits comply with IEC 61010-1:2010 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SCQ-3201C accommodates a broad range of substrates and applications: glassware (vials, cuvettes, pipettes), stainless steel tools, silicon wafers, printed circuit boards (PCBs), dental prostheses, surgical instruments, optical components, jewelry, and polymer-based consumables. Its SUS304 tank and basket resist pitting and chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking—essential for compatibility with aqueous alkaline, acidic, and enzymatic cleaning solutions per USP and CLSI GP26-A4. The unit is suitable for GLP- and GMP-regulated workflows where audit-ready documentation is required; though not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, its deterministic timer and temperature logging support traceable SOP execution when paired with external validation records.

Software & Data Management

The SCQ-3201C features an embedded microcontroller with LED-based interface—no proprietary software or PC connectivity is required. All operational parameters (frequency selection, power level, temperature setpoint, timer duration) are displayed and adjusted via tactile membrane keys. While the device does not include built-in data logging or USB export, its deterministic digital controls ensure full repeatability across users and shifts—a prerequisite for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratories. For regulated environments, external thermal data loggers (e.g., compliant with NIST-traceable calibration) may be deployed to record bath temperature profiles during validation runs.

Applications

This ultrasonic cleaner serves cross-functional roles across analytical, biomedical, and manufacturing labs: degreasing metal parts prior to SEM imaging; removing PCR inhibitors from nucleic acid extraction tubes; sterilizing endoscopic accessories between uses (as part of multi-stage reprocessing per AAMI ST91); preparing HPLC vials to eliminate carryover; cleaning microfluidic chips prior to bonding; and performing routine maintenance of spectrophotometer cuvettes and refractometer prisms. Its 6 L capacity balances throughput and footprint—ideal for shared-core facilities where space efficiency and workflow flexibility are prioritized.

FAQ

What cleaning solutions are compatible with the SCQ-3201C?
Aqueous alkaline, neutral, and mild acidic solutions—as well as ethanol- and isopropanol-based mixtures—are compatible. Avoid halogenated solvents (e.g., chloroform, trichloroethylene) unless explicitly approved by the solution manufacturer for ultrasonic use.
Can the unit operate without heating?
Yes—the heater is independently controlled and can be disabled while maintaining full ultrasonic functionality at ambient temperature.
Is the tank depth sufficient for submerging tall glassware?
With a 150 mm internal height and recommended fill level of 100 mm, standard 100 mm test tubes and 50 mL centrifuge tubes can be fully immersed; taller items require custom rack support.
Does the unit meet CE or UL certification requirements?
The SCQ-3201C complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory equipment safety; CE marking is available upon request for EU-bound shipments with accompanying DoC and EMC test reports.
How often should the transducer array be serviced?
Under normal operation (≤4 hrs/day, aqueous solutions), no scheduled transducer maintenance is required. Visual inspection of the tank bottom for delamination or epoxy cracking is recommended annually.