Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Ultrasonic cleaners for delicate parts?

motoproto wrote:

> The homing switches on my mill are failing sporadically, and a single
> switch is $327.00.

I wouldn't be surprised at the price if it is the mill maker who
is selling them as replacement parts. I see what may be similar
parts in my Newark Electronics catalog for less than half that
price. If you can identify the switch, it would be a help in
finding one rather than trying to clean it.

> I can't disassemble the switch without digging
> the glue out of the back (where the wire exits), so, I'm wondering if
> cleaning them in an ultrasonic tank will harm them?

It might not hurt any of the components, but if it can not be
disassembled and some fluid gets inside, how do you dry it out?
I would be a little wary of cleaning until I knew its
construction.

> The switch is quite small, and appears simple, but the price suggests
> otherwise. The switch is cylindrical, two wire, and looks to have a
> glass plunger about 1/16" dia. Must be some kinda super precision
> unit. The machine uses the switch to home/set limit, and to
> calculate backlash upon initialization.

Sounds like it might be a Baumer switch good to plus or minus one
micron. See http://www.jhlaas.com/mycom.htm for a picture.

So what you are saying is that the little glass plunger won't
just slide out so you can clean the contacts inside? If that is
the case then you may have to dig out the glue on the other end,
but that is probably quite iffy too.

Let us know a few more details - mill type, type of switch if it
has any label on it, or if it looks like the Baumer.

JerryK