Process and apparatus for the ultrasonic cleaning of a printing cylinder

An apparatus for cleaning a printing cylinder with a cleaning liquid using ultrasonic waves, said printing cylinder having an outer face comprising:

• a cleaning tank capable of containing therein the printing cylinder to be cleaned, and for receiving the cleaning liquid into which the printing cylinder is immersed during cleaning;
• means for heating the cleaning liquid to be contained within said cleaning tank when the printing cylinder is being cleaned;
• means for generating the ultrasonic waves;
• means for maintaining a desired distance between said ultrasonic generating means and the outer face of the cylinder, said maintaining means including means for positioning the printing cylinder within said tank including adjusting means for raising and lowering said positioning means and the printing cylinder so that said means for generating is maintained at a distance of, at least, approximately three inches from the outer face of the printing cylinder to be cleaned;
• non-magnetic means for rotating the printing cylinder within the cleaning liquid, within said cleaning tank, during cleaning;
• said means for rotating the printing cylinder rotates the printing cylinder at a velocity of between 1-4 rpm.