An ultrasonic cleaner can address a wide range of contaminants; it can handle cleaning of virtually any type of object.
Tool selection is always important; especially so with ultrasonic cleaning equipment. Not every ultrasonic cleaner is created equal and the right equipment should be selected to meet the specific needs of the company. Before purchasing an ultrasonic cleaner, buyers should identify their ultrasonic cleaning needs and goals.
Top 5 things to consider before choosing an Ultrasonic Cleaner
- Size of the parts/objects being cleaned
- Ultimate cleaning goal. Example (quality, production and costs)
- Utilize the correct baskets or racks required
- Ultrasonic frequency and power that best suits the application
- Generator adjustability and wave sweep
Size of the parts to be cleaned
Always consider the largest item or part that will be cleaned regularly in the machine. Full measurements of the largest item should be taken and given to the manufacturer so that the proper tank can be specified for the application.
Ultimate cleaning goals
Post cleaning results are of primary concern for people in manufacturing, rebuilding, restoration or the medical field. Ultrasonic is the most thorough process of cleaning known to science. Consequently this methodology is utilized for countless applications around the world today. The time to clean parts is greatly reduced when ultrasonic cleaners are used versus hand cleaning methods. As a result, production is dramatically increased while the cost of cleaning goes down.
Utilizing the correct baskets/racks
The items being cleaned must not touch the ultrasonic transducers located inside the tank. Parts baskets should be utilized and selected specifically for the cleaning application. Any parts or baskets making contact with the ultrasonic transducer packs will eventually cause the surface of the pack to etch or scratch. Even though the packs are constructed of stainless steel, once etching occurs erosion will follow and will over time destroy the integrity of the transducer pack. This damage cannot be repaired and the transducer pack will eventually need replacement.
Ultrasonic cleaners create heat energy as they run. The heat will rise during the cleaning process due to the friction of the cavitation activity being created within the cleaning vessel. The rise in temperature cannot be avoided. Heaters are required to bring the cleaning solution to the desired starting temperature. They are also a necessity when cleaning contaminants such as carbon oil and grease residue. High temperatures help break down these contaminants to better facilitate the cleaning process.
Generator adjustability and wave sweep
Wave sweep is utilized and recommended in virtually all cleaning situations. By dispersing various frequencies with different wave lengths, wave sweep effectively eliminates in active and dead zones in the cleaning tank. This results in more uniform and effective cleaning of all parts especially those of intricate detail. Ultrasonic cleaners equipped with wave sweep do not require degassing modes as engaging the wave sweep accomplishes accelerated degassing of solutions.
Ultrasonic frequency and power
Most ultrasonic cleaners operate between 28 and 120 KHz. The lower frequencies produce larger cavitation bubbles with more abrasive cleaning. These frequencies are recommended for coarse cleaning needs such as removal of lapping compounds from durable metal surfaces. For fine cleaning of very delicate items such as jewelry and soft metals with polished surfaces, higher frequency may be more suitable. The most commonly utilized frequencies are 38 to 40 KHz because they are ideally suited for the vast majority of both commercial and industrial cleaning applications. The power generated by an ultrasonic cleaner should be capable of dealing with the client’s most difficult cleaning applications. Controls on the ultrasonic generator allow the operator to dial down the power whenever more delicate cleaning applications are addressed. Because power can be dialed down there is no need to buy cleaners with minimal power capability. Even cleaning delicate items may require more energy when multiple parts are cleaned at one time.
For more than two decades, Ultrasonics International has helped businesses improve profitability by providing their clients with ultrasonic cleaning equipment that feature the latest advancements in wave sweep technology. Our ultrasonic cleaning equipment has a reputation for reliability and longevity. Utilizing the proper ultrasonic cleaning equipment saves money and improves cleaning processes. Cleaning results will be measurably better and less time will be required to complete the cleaning process. Production numbers go up and labor hours go down dramatically because multiple parts can be addressed simultaneously.
At Ultrasonic International Corp. we serve many industries including automotive, marine and government agencies and more. In addition to our wide selection of standard units we consistently and regularly custom-design equipment to suit the needs of the individual customer.
Contact our sales team today to see how our cleaning technology can help you maximize profits.
