Smart Sonic
Smart Sonic Corporation, founded in 1990 and based in Cleveland, Ohio, manufactures EPA-certified ultrasonic stencil cleaning equipment, proprietary 440-R SMT Detergent, and wastewater treatment systems sold to electronics SMT assemblers globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersCleveland, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Smart Sonic does
Smart Sonic Corporation is a privately held, Cleveland, Ohio-based company founded in 1990 that provides a turnkey ultrasonic stencil cleaning solution for the SMT (Surface Mount Technology) electronics assembly industry. Its product portfolio comprises five ultrasonic stencil cleaner models (ranging from the entry-level Model 529 to the fully automatic Model 6000 and ErgoSonic), the proprietary 440-R SMT Detergent (a Zero-VOC, mild alkaline chemistry unchanged since introduction in 1990), and three wastewater treatment systems (Model EZ-0 and SE-1 evaporators plus the EnviroGuard closed-loop filtration system). The core technology relies on modular side-mounted sweep-frequency ultrasonic transducers that direct low-power, low-temperature cavitation energy at stencils, pallets, and misprinted PCBs, paired with 440-R chemistry to clean any solder paste type without heat, high pressure, or VOC emissions. The combined solution is the only stencil cleaning process certified by both the U.S. EPA (Environmental Technology Verification, 1999, permanent) and the California EPA (1999), granting users exemption from AQMD Rule 1171 and Rule 1122 record-keeping and emissions fees.
The company generates revenue through three streams: one-time hardware sales (new ultrasonic cleaners, wastewater treatment systems, and used/refurbished equipment with published pricing of $30K–$50K per unit), recurring consumable revenue (440-R SMT Detergent consumed at 1.5–5 gallons per machine per month plus replacement filters, liners, and heat transfer oils), and supplementary water treatment system sales. Go-to-market is sales-led and consultative, executed through a network of domestic manufacturing representatives covering all 50 US states and territories plus international distributors spanning 50+ countries across Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. The customer base consists of high-volume SMT electronics assemblers, with named relationships spanning Intel, Lockheed Martin, Flex, Jabil, IBM, Motorola, Sony, Benchmark Electronics, Nokia, and Temic. With over 1,000 systems installed worldwide since 1990, the company is described as the most widely used stencil cleaning process in North America and has earned the SMT Vision Award, Global Technology Award, Canadian High Technology Award, Nepcon's Milton S. Kiver Award, and a U.S. Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award nomination.
Smart Sonic firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Smart Sonic
- Legal name
- Smart Sonic Corporation
- Website
- https://smartsonic.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Smart Sonic Corporation, founded in 1990 and based in Cleveland, Ohio, manufactures EPA-certified ultrasonic stencil cleaning equipment, proprietary 440-R SMT Detergent, and wastewater treatment systems sold to electronics SMT assemblers globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Smart Sonic industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial SMT Cleaning Equipment and Chemistry
- NAICS
- Soap, Cleaning Compound, and Toilet Preparation Manufacturing (3256)
- SIC
- Specialty Cleaning, Polishing And Sanitation Preparations (2842)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Parts Washing & Degreasing Equipment (IMAHALAD)
Keywords
Where Smart Sonic is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cleveland
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Smart Sonic business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Ultrasonic Stencil Cleaning Equipment: Sale of ultrasonic stencil cleaning machines including Model 6000 (fully automatic), ErgoSonic (front loading fully automatic), Model 1550 (semi-automatic), Model 2003 (dual tank), and Model 529 (entry-level). Machines range from entry-level to high-volume production models with various automation levels.
- 440-R SMT Detergent: Proprietary stencil cleaning chemistry sold in concentrated form. Users dilute to 10-15% concentration for cleaning solder paste. Bath life can extend up to 6 months with filtration. Monthly consumption varies by model (2-5 gallons depending on machine).
- Water Treatment Systems: Sale of EnviroGuard closed-loop filtration systems and Model EZ-0/SE-1 wastewater evaporators for treating wastewater from stencil cleaning processes. EnviroGuard uses replaceable carbon and resin filters lasting 1-3 months under normal operations.
- Used/Refurbished Equipment: Sale of pre-owned Smart Sonic equipment including used Model 6000 and ErgoSonic cleaners at reduced prices, with reconditioning services available.
- Replacement Parts and Accessories: Supply of Quick Kleen liners, filters, heat transfer oils, and other consumable/replacement parts for Smart Sonic equipment.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Used Model 6000 - Fully Automatic Stencil Cleaner |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Used ErgoSonic - Fully Automatic Stencil Cleaner |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | 440-R SMT Detergent Operating Cost - Model 1550 |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | 440-R SMT Detergent Operating Cost - Model 6000 |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | 440-R SMT Detergent Operating Cost - Model 529 |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | 440-R SMT Detergent Operating Cost - ErgoSonic |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Smart Sonic product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Smart Sonic manufactures and sells a turnkey ultrasonic stencil cleaning system for SMT (Surface Mount Technology) electronics assembly, consisting of five models of ultrasonic stencil cleaners, the proprietary 440-R SMT Detergent (a Zero-VOC, mild alkaline chemistry), and complementary wastewater treatment systems (EnviroGuard closed-loop filtration plus Model EZ-0 and SE-1 evaporators). The system cleans solder paste from stencils, misprinted PCBs, and pallets at low temperature without high pressure, and is the only cleaning process certified by both the U.S. EPA and California EPA.
Product overview
Smart Sonic provides a complete turnkey ultrasonic stencil cleaning solution consisting of five models of ultrasonic stencil cleaners (Model 6000, ErgoSonic, Model 1550, Model 2003, and Model 529), the 440-R SMT Detergent chemistry, and wastewater treatment systems (Model EZ-0 and SE-1 evaporators, and EnviroGuard closed-loop filtration). The cleaners apply the 440-R detergent using ultrasonic technology to clean solder paste from stencils and pallets, while the water treatment systems provide zero-discharge closed-loop solutions for wastewater management.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- 440-R SMT Detergent: Award-winning zero-VOC stencil cleaning chemistry for SMT assembly applications.
- EnviroGuard
- Model 6000
- ErgoSonic
- Model 1550
- Model 2003
- Model 529
- Model EZ-0
- Model SE-1
Products and services
- Model 6000 Fully Automatic Ultrasonic Stencil Cleaner Fully automatic, programmable ultrasonic stencil cleaner that washes and rinses a 29-inch (750mm) stencil in less than 2 minutes; targeted at high-volume SMT assemblers cleaning more than 20 stencils per day and at users requiring rapid cycle time.
- ErgoSonic Front-Loading Fully Automatic Stencil Cleaner Fully automatic, front-loading ultrasonic stencil cleaner with enclosed process chamber and ergonomic loading, recommended for SMT operations cleaning fewer than 20 stencils or pallets per day.
- Model 1550 Semi-Automatic Ultrasonic Stencil Cleaner Most popular semi-automatic ultrasonic stencil cleaner, cleans stencils up to 29 inches with an adjustable temperature heated wash tank; positioned as an affordable, lower-volume alternative to fully automatic systems.
- Model 2003 Dual-Tank Ultrasonic Stencil and Pallet Cleaner Semi-automatic dual-tank ultrasonic stencil and pallet cleaner configured with two ultrasonic wash tanks (one ambient, one heated) for cleaning solder-paste stencils, adhesives, and flux residues.
- Model 529 Entry-Level Ultrasonic Stencil Cleaner Most economical entry-level ultrasonic stencil cleaner, designed to clean stencils up to 29 inches and positioned for smaller SMT operations and entry-level ultrasonic-cleaning adoption.
- 440-R SMT Detergent Zero-VOC, environmentally safe mild alkaline detergent specifically formulated to clean all types of solder paste (RMA, no-clean, water-washable, lead-free) used in SMT assembly; the core chemistry of the Smart Sonic Process, introduced in 1990.
- EnviroGuard SMT Water Treatment System 100% closed-loop stencil cleaner filtration system that filters both rinse and wash water using carbon resin tanks, mixed-bed resin tanks, micron filtration, and UV light; provides zero-discharge closed-loop operation when paired with Smart Sonic stencil cleaners.
- Model EZ-0 Wastewater Evaporator Thermal-jacket-design wastewater evaporator for use with Smart Sonic stencil cleaners, evaporating stencil-cleaning wastewater at 3-5 gallons per hour to achieve zero liquid discharge and convert liquid waste to disposable solids.
- Model SE-1 Wastewater Evaporator Traditional-style electrical-fired stainless-steel wastewater evaporator, fully automatic and compatible with any Smart Sonic stencil cleaner; evaporates stencil-cleaning wastewater at 4-6 gallons per hour.
Quantifiable outcome
- Cleans 29-inch (750mm) stencils in 3-4 minutes total cycle time
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Smart Sonic
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Smart Sonic technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Smart Sonic partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered major and minor.
- QuiptechmajorPrimary international distributor for United Kingdom, Ireland, and multiple Eastern European countries including Ukraine, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Czech Republic, and Hungary. Manages regional sales and support for Smart Sonic products across these territories.
- Maxim SMT (India)majorExclusive distributor for India. Contact: Alok Bathla, +91-124-4354974-75, [email protected]
- Systest Pte LtdmajorDistributor for Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. Systest provides sales and support for Smart Sonic products across Southeast Asia. Contact in Vietnam: Mr. Lee Tuck Weng, [email protected]
- GR-SYS (Brazil)majorDistributor for Brazil. Contact: Giovanni Pereira, 55 15 9 9123 6380, [email protected]
- Mektronix (Canada)majorDistributor for Canada. Contact: Joe Trigiani, (905) 791-9977, [email protected]
- IDTG Cobra (Mexico)majorDistributor for Mexico. Contact: Jim Villalvazo, 956-682-5061, [email protected]
- Jeren (Argentina)majorDistributor for Argentina. Contact: Arturo Kobilsky, (+5411) 4788 0566, [email protected]
- Core-EMTmajorDistributor for Denmark and Norway. Contact: Steen Haugbølle, +45 30 17 82 10, [email protected]
- ODEOM (Turkey)majorDistributor for Turkey. Contact: Ferit Selcuk, +90 (232) 441 1510, [email protected]
- Darlas (Greece)majorDistributor for Greece. Contact: Kostas Kassioumis, (210) 59.86.179, [email protected]
- Cabiotec (Italy)majorDistributor for Italy. Contact: Carla Fiorentino, +(39) 02-6431832, [email protected]
- Kikuden (Japan)majorDistributor for Japan. Contact: Boon Kikuchi, 045-474-2205, [email protected]
- SMTek (Korea)majorDistributor for Korea. Contact: S.D. Bang, [email protected]
- Titan Technologies (Belgium/Netherlands)majorDistributor for Belgium and Netherlands. Contact: Serge Tuerlings, +32(0)475/65 15 36, [email protected]
- MJB (France)majorDistributor for France. Contact: Thierry Blanche, +33 (0)1 64 62 68 00, [email protected]
- Rubroeder (Germany/Switzerland/Austria)majorDistributor for Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Contact: Wolfgang Riedel, +49 (0) 2622-943730, [email protected]
- Zetech (South Africa)majorDistributor for South Africa. Contact: Zalman Orlianski, +27(0)11 609 1244, [email protected]
- Teknis Tunisia (Tunisia/Algeria)majorDistributor for Tunisia and Algeria. Contact: Anis Boukraa, (+216) 71 451 110, [email protected]
- Head-Tech (Israel)majorDistributor for Israel. Contact: Sigal G. Cohen, +972-3-6288000, [email protected]
- New-Comp (Poland)majorDistributor for Poland. Contact: Stawomir Florian, +48 58 6822224, [email protected]
- EPBS Solutions (Spain/Portugal)majorDistributor for Spain and Portugal. Contact: José Madureira, +351 219 184 261, [email protected]
- RTS Engineering (Russia)majorDistributor for Russia. Contact: M.V. Staroverov, +7 (495) 964-96-70, [email protected]
- Senney EnterprisesminorReferenced on website footer, relationship appears minor or historical.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Smart Sonic competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Zestron: Zestron is a direct competitor in electronics cleaning chemistry and cleaning process technology, providing stencil, PCB, and precision cleaning chemistries widely used across SMT assembly operations globally.
- Crest Ultrasonics: Crest Ultrasonics manufactures precision ultrasonic cleaning equipment for electronics, medical, and industrial applications including stencil and PCB cleaning, comparable in technology and target customers to Smart Sonic's equipment portfolio.
- Kyzen: Kyzen is a direct competitor in SMT cleaning chemistries and aqueous cleaning equipment, offering a broad portfolio of cleaning solutions including stencil and PCB cleaners used by the same EMS and OEM customers Smart Sonic targets.
- BlueWave Ultrasonics: BlueWave Ultrasonics manufactures ultrasonic cleaning systems for stencil, PCB, and industrial cleaning applications, overlapping directly with Smart Sonic's ultrasonic stencil cleaner product line and EMS/OEM customer base.
Regional players
- Kolb Cleaning Technology: Kolb is a European-based industrial cleaning equipment manufacturer offering aqueous cleaning systems used in electronics and precision cleaning, competing regionally with Smart Sonic's ultrasonic solutions for SMT stencil cleaning.
Emerging players
- EMC Global: EMC Global (Electronics Manufacturing and Cleaning) provides SMT cleaning equipment and chemistries; their stencil and PCB cleaning systems overlap with Smart Sonic's core product line for EMS and OEM customers.
- Stoelting Cleaning: Stoelting Cleaning is an industrial parts washer and cleaning equipment manufacturer whose aqueous cleaning technologies compete for industrial cleaning spend in electronics-adjacent manufacturing applications.
Broad incumbents
- ITW EAE: ITW EAE (Electronics Assembly Equipment) is a broader SMT assembly equipment manufacturer whose portfolio includes solder paste printing and related process equipment; stencil cleaning complements their offerings to the same EMS/OEM base.
- Emerson Branson Ultrasonics: Branson Ultrasonics (Emerson) is a broad-line incumbent in industrial ultrasonic cleaning equipment across multiple verticals, including electronics, automotive, and medical, serving as a larger alternative for SMT cleaning equipment customers.
- Miele Professional: Miele Professional is a broad-line industrial cleaning equipment manufacturer whose industrial washer/disinfector systems serve electronics, laboratory, and medical customers; they compete for industrial cleaning spend adjacent to Smart Sonic's SMT focus.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Smart Sonic compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Smart Sonic financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Smart Sonic leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Smart Sonic funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Smart Sonic M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Smart Sonic
What does Smart Sonic do?
Smart Sonic manufactures and sells a turnkey ultrasonic stencil cleaning system for SMT (Surface Mount Technology) electronics assembly, consisting of five models of ultrasonic stencil cleaners, the proprietary 440-R SMT Detergent (a Zero-VOC, mild alkaline chemistry), and complementary wastewater treatment systems (EnviroGuard closed-loop filtration plus Model EZ-0 and SE-1 evaporators). The system cleans solder paste from stencils, misprinted PCBs, and pallets at low temperature without high pressure, and is the only cleaning process certified by both the U.S. EPA and California EPA.
Is Smart Sonic a public or private company?
Smart Sonic is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Smart Sonic founded?
Smart Sonic was founded in 1990. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Smart Sonic based?
Smart Sonic is headquartered in Cleveland, United States, in the North America region.
How does Smart Sonic make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Ultrasonic Stencil Cleaning Equipment is the primary driver. The others are 440-R SMT Detergent, water Treatment Systems, used/Refurbished Equipment and replacement Parts and Accessories.
Who are Smart Sonic's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Zestron, Crest Ultrasonics, Kyzen and BlueWave Ultrasonics. Kolb Cleaning Technology is listed as a regional player. Emerging players are EMC Global and Stoelting Cleaning. Broad incumbents are ITW EAE, Emerson Branson Ultrasonics and Miele Professional.
Does Smart Sonic have an API?
No public API is recorded for Smart Sonic.
What industry is Smart Sonic in?
Smart Sonic's product category is Industrial SMT Cleaning Equipment and Chemistry. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHALAD, Parts Washing & Degreasing Equipment. Its NAICS code is 3256 and its SIC code is 2842.