We need to stay objective and remind ourselves that ultrasonic polishing is not for everyone. Frequently, ultrasonic systems are perceived to take care of all polishing problems. This is not so. Ultrasonic polishing is not a cure-all for every mold and die shop that does in-house polishing.

There are many polishing professionals and/or mold shops—doing mostly mid-size to large work—that may not require an ultrasonic system. In many instances, the units are simply not practical for mid-size to large type work and ultrasonic systems are not recommended to be used on larger details and surfaces exceeding a 3/8-inch square.

Nevertheless, ultrasonic finishing has its place in a polishing environment and it is not overstated to say that in some instances the cost of one ultrasonic system may be recouped by polishing three to four multiple cavity/core molds. For instance, an experienced individual, when working with an ultrasonic polishing machine on very small details, may reduce finishing time by as much as 40 percent and up to 65 percent.

In the past, there have been several good, but very expensive ultrasonic systems on the market. The name of one system may differ from the other, yet they all practically evolved from one source. However, several new models, which have been recently developed and have proved to be highly effective, as well as very affordable for even the smallest mold shop or polishing house, are now available in the marketplace.