Ultrasonic cleaning is a very efficient form of cleaning where dirt particles are completely and rapidly removed from
a variety of objects. Items are submerged in a tank with liquid, which is then hit with high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves create a gentle yet powerful scrubbing brush action in the fluid that cleans all surfaces of the objects including deep pores and crevices.
How does ultrasonic cleaning work?
Ultrasonic energy causes the rapid formation and collapse of small bubbles in the liquid; known as cavitation. A huge burst of energy creates bubbles that quickly increase in size until they burst against the surface of the item.
Energy conversion through transducer
The conversion to ultrasonic energy is facilitated by a transducer, a key component of ultrasonic cleaners. Electrical energy is converted by the transducer into the high- frequency sound waves called ultrasonic energy.
The efficiency of a transducer determines both the time taken to clean and how thoroughly a surface is cleaned. A transducer of poor quality consumes more power and increases the length of a cleaning cycle.
Other variables that affect the efficiency of ultrasonic cleaning include power, heat, capacity, detergent and length of cleaning cycle.
Types of transducers
There are two types of transducers: magnetostrictive and piezoelectric.
Magnetostrictive transducers operate on the principle that iron-rich metals expand and contract when placed in a magnetic field. It is this expansion and contraction that causes the canister in the device to resonate and generate ultrasonic waves.
Piezoelectric transducers use crystals with electrical properties. The crystals change shape when electricity is passed through them and then resume their original shape when the system is switched off. The resulting vibration makes waves that generate ultrasonic energy.
Ultrasonic cleaning applications
Ultrasonic cleaners can also be customized to suit the specific needs of a factory, hospital or other businesses. With thousands of commercial and industrial cleaning applications, ultrasonic cleaning is widely used across many industries. Ultrasonic cleaners are tailored to the types of parts that they are cleaning. Table top and bench top cleaners, for example, are best for cleaning small or delicate parts like bearings, surgical instruments, optical parts, machined parts, small gears and carburetor components. Precision cleaning is used for cleaning and restoring delicate items that may have been damaged by traditional cleaning methods.
Benefits of ultrasonic cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning saves time and money:
- up to twenty parts can be cleaned at one time
- technology is simple to use and only requires one operator
- life of parts is extended due to gentle cleaning
- highly effective cleaning means all contaminants are removed in first round
For more than two decades, Ultrasonics International has helped businesses improve profitability by investing less time and fewer staff for their industrial cleaning needs. Our ultrasonic cleaners clean more thoroughly, efficiently and faster than other cleaning methods. We serve many industries including automotive, marine and government agencies. Contact our sales team today to see how our cleaning technology can help you maximize profits.