Process and apparatus for the ultrasonic cleaning of a printing cylinder

A process and apparatus for carrying out the ultrasonic cleaning of printing cylinders of various sizes, including a cleaning tank which contains a liquid cleaning detergent into which the printing cylinder to be cleaned is immersed. Heaters are also included for heating and maintaining the temperature of the cleaning liquid at a temperature below 185 degrees F., preferably within the range of 110-160 degrees F. while the printing cylinder is cleaned. The cleaning of the printing cylinder within the cleaning tank of the apparatus is carried out by ultrasonic waves which are generated and radiated throughout the cleaning liquid for a period of time, generally, between 5-30 minutes. In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus and process, the printing cylinder is continually rotated within the cleaning tank during the period of time when the ultrasonic waves are radiating through the cleaning liquid. Adjusting means are employed so that various-sized cylinders can all be maintained an optimal distance from the transducers.