How Utility Companies Cut Grease, Grime and Costs with Ultrasonic Cleaners

The large compressors are usually used by utility companies to move natural gas through pipelines into storage. The compressors themselves, as well as the engines that drive them, are exposed to a lot of grease, grime and deposits and thus require extensive cleaning and maintenance.

Many utility companies use conventional methods of cleaning those heavily and hardened grease- and oil-based components. However, industrial ultrasonic cleaners now offer a better alternative solution to traditional cleaning methods. They use powerful ultrasonic generators and transducers to generate microscopic bubbles in the cleaning solution. These bubbles act as “scrubbers” which cleans parts quickly and thoroughly.

Traditional cleaning methods use strong cleaning chemicals which may corrode or damage the surface of the parts being cleaned. Using industrial ultrasonic cleaners on the other hand only requires a gentle water-based cleaning solution to clean parts. A mild detergent may also added, and/or the solution can be heated if needed for cleaning off grease and oil-based materials.

Unlike manual scrubbing, microscopic bubbles generated by ultrasonic cleaners can reach inaccessible interior surfaces (such as holes, bolt threads and deep crevices) of the parts being cleaned. The result? When a part is submerged in the ultrasonic tank all surfaces are cleaned equally and completely.

Using industrial ultrasonic cleaners will significantly reduce the need to soak soiled materials in a harsh cleaning solution. Not only will ultrasonic cleaning system will save you time, it will also save you money as well. When machine parts are cleaned down to the bare metal throughout, maintenance is more effective, easier to carry out and provides improved reliability for the compressors and engines. Parts that are completely clean will usually have a longer life and extend the lifetime of the corresponding machines. Overall facility operating performance will be more cost-effective and energy-efficient.

Kaijo can help utilities realize the benefits of using ultrasonic technology. For more details read the entire article, “How Utility Companies Cut Grease, Grime and Costs with Ultrasonic Cleaners”. For a free consultation or quote call Kaijo at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.  

The Power behind Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems

Ultrasonic cleaning systems offer an ideal alternative to the traditional cleaning methods, which apply substances or physical contact such as using harsh chemicals or mechanical scrubbing.

But an ultrasonic cleaning system, as the name implies, uses sound rather than substance or scrubbing. It utilizes the principle of cavitation in cleaning contaminated tools and parts.

The principle of cavitation refers to a phenomenon in which disturbances in liquids lead to the creation of short-lived cavities bubbles of gas or vacuum. When the bubbles reach high levels of energy, the bubbles implode and generate a considerable amount of force. The impact created by the imploding bubbles powers the ultrasonic cleaning method.

An ultrasonic cleaning system consists of a tank fitted with a special loudspeaker (transducer) which generates the high-energy ultrasonic waves. As the waves pass through a liquid of water, they reach a desired level of disturbance which leads to the formation of millions of tiny bubbles. As these bubbles form and implode many times each second, they create the cavitation energy needed to dislodge dirt, grease, and grime of the article immersed in the cleaning tank. Despite being tough and effective in removing dirt because of the cavitation energy, these bubbles otherwise will not damage even the most delicate tools.

Kajjo’s ultrasonic cleaning systems offer versatile cleaning ability which are also cost-effective and energy-efficient. A unit has a transducer which produces ultrasonic energy that range from 20 kHz to 1.5 MHz.  These systems employ piezoelectric transducer technology which promises – and delivers – superior cleaning performance over a wider range than other technologies. Piezoelectric transducer technology is far more suitable for ultrasonic cleaning because it has the ability to create ultrasonic sound energy at very high frequencies.

For more information read the complete article titled “The Power behind Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems”. If you would like to learn how ultrasonic cleaning can be effectively used for your application, contact Kaijo for a free consultation or quote at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

Using Ultrasonic Cleaning for Fuel Injectors

There are traditional methods of cleaning fuel injectors such as soaking them in harsh chemicals, forcing solvents through the injector at high pressure, or removing the deposits manually. These traditional cleaning methods do not guarantee the complete removal of deposits, and they may even damage the injector.

Ultrasonic cleaning systems, on the other hand, do not involve the use of harsh solvents or slow, manual cleaning. Furthermore, it is an excellent alternative that doesn't suffer from the same drawbacks and it cleans items -- even fuel injectors heavy with deposits -- quickly and thoroughly.

A fuel injector is placed in a cleaning tank that has an ultrasonic transducer installed at the bottom or on the walls (a portable transducer can also be used in the cleaning solution).

The ultrasonic transducer is powered by an ultrasonic generator that supplies the high-frequency electrical signal (the normal signal is usually 30 kHz). The ultrasonic cleaning system transducer generates ultrasonic waves in the cleaning solution, causing them to produce cavitation bubbles. These bubbles act as cleaning agents for hard metal surfaces like those of fuel injectors. When the bubbles collapse, they dislodge contaminants and deposits from the surface of fuel injectors.

The bubbles travel wherever the cleaning solution is present, so ultrasonic cleaning works outside, inside and in every part of fuel injectors. It even cleans hard-to-reach places, something that traditional cleaning cannot do. As a result, the deposits are removed from inside fuel injector holes, from threads, and from couplings. All foreign material is removed and cleaned down to the bare metal. Ultrasonic cleaning is also fast, taking from 10 to 20 minutes for the cleaning cycle.

If you would like to learn more about the Kaijo’s ultrasonic cleaning systems and how they are effective for cleaning fuel injectors, read our complete article “Using Ultrasonic Cleaning for Fuel Injectors.” You may also call us at 408-675-5575 if you have questions or would like addiitional information.

3 Big Cost Savings Benefits of Using Ultrasonic Cleaners vs. Spray Washers

If there's one thing that business and facilities owners want when they're considering a cleaning solution, it should be cost-effective.

Ultrasonic cleaners provide an excellent cleaning alternative to other traditional methods of cleaning, like spray washers. Ultrasonic cleaners can clean anything from delicate medical parts to machine parts, and everything in between.

But there are also other ways that business owners can benefit from using ultrasonic cleaners as opposed to spray washers, in relation to the cost:

1. Save on materials
Spray washers rely on large amounts of chemicals to clean stains and require operators to use protective equipment. These concerns are non-existent with ultrasonic cleaners. Cleaning with high-frequency pressure waves does not require chemical action to loosen stains. While it requires a mild detergent to help loosen the most stubborn stains, it is otherwise inexpensive when compared to the number of chemicals used in spray washers.

2. Save on labor costs
The ultrasonic waves generated by these cleaners do not need to be directly aimed at surfaces to be cleaned. The microscopic bubbles travel in every nook and cranny of the tools and parts being cleaned, assuring thorough cleaning. With ultrasonic cleaning, the parts become cleaner with less effort.

3. Save on maintenance
Spray washers may require lots of energy to operate. It has moving parts as well that require expensive maintenance -- if they cannot be maintained regularly, they would eventually lose their usefulness. Customized ultrasonic cleaners do not require much maintenance -- they don't come with moving parts -- all you have is a transducer and a bath of liquid. With very little maintenance, ultrasonic cleaning systems are guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Our complete article “3 Big Cost Savings Benefits of Using Ultrasonic Cleaners vs. Spray Washers” explains in more detail. After you read the article, if you have questions, contact us by calling 408-675-5575 or email us at info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

Cleaning Brass and Stainless Steel Using Ultrasonic Parts Cleaners

Ultrasonic parts cleaners use transducers and ultrasonic frequency generators to produce microscopic bubbles in water (or a mild cleaning solution). These tiny bubbles act as “scrubbers” that are highly effective in lifting away dirt and impurities from the parts being cleaned.

Ultrasonic parts cleaners are an excellent alternative to the traditional cleaning methods that use intense scrubbing and harsh cleaning chemicals that can leave deposits or cause damage to these parts.

Tools that are made of brass and stainless steel can also be cleaned using ultrasonic parts cleaners. These are considered “robust” parts. Ultrasonic cleaners operating at the lower ultrasonic frequency ranges are the most effective for cleaning such parts. Ultrasonic generators for 26 kHz or 38 kHz create large, energetic bubbles that form and collapse in time with the cleaning frequency. When these bubbles collapse at the surface of the brass or stainless steel, they release bursts of energy that dislodge dirt and impurities, while never causing damage to the solid metal surface.

For parts covered in heavy dirt like oil and grease, the effectiveness of ultrasonic cleaners can be improved by adding only a mild detergent to the water bath and by slightly heating the cleaning solution. The heat will help melt the oil and grease away from the surface while the detergent dissolves them. The ultrasonic bubbles penetrate wherever there is cleaning solution, leaving the brass and stainless steel parts thoroughly cleaned. Ultrasonic cleaners also make cleaning these parts quick and efficient as well.

If you have questions about how Kaijo’s ultrasonic parts cleaners can be used to clean your brass and stainless steel parts, read the complete article entitled “Cleaning Brass and Stainless Steel Using Ultrasonic Parts Cleaners”. You may also contact Kaijo by phone at 408-675-5575 or by emailing at info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

Should De-Ionized Water Be Used with an Ultrasonic Cleaning System?

De-ionized (DI) water is plain water that lacks ions or particles because of the purification process. It is used to remove contaminants like metals and salts (ions).

Should DI water be used with an ultrasonic cleaning system? The answer is yes, depending on the parts being cleaned or the degree of their contamination. When DI water is used in the ultrasonic cleaning system, it can improve the cleaning performance. Such cleaning performance is especially important for parts that cannot tolerate detergents, solvents or other cleaning solution.

Ultrasonic cleaning systems can also use plain water – a mild detergent can be added to enhance the cleaning process. However, delicate tools and parts could not tolerate these detergents, that’s why cleaning them with DI water is often recommended. For parts contaminated with heavy, stubborn dirt and grease, a mild detergent or cleaning solvent (that do not cause damage to the parts themselves) can be added to the DI water for more effective and quick cleaning.

When an ultrasonic cleaning system has removed dirt from the parts to be cleaned, the cleaning solution is drained away but they still must undergo thorough rinsing. Plain water has dissolved minerals the parts and other impurities so that rinsing can leave a deposit. When the parts are dried, spots or films left over from the evaporated plain water can remain in these parts – even the tiniest spot or impurity left over can lead to the malfunction of these parts. That’s why the use of DI water is often recommended for rinsing them since it contains no impurities, leaving these parts spotless and clean.

Learn more about using de-ionized water for ultrasonic cleaning by reading the complete article entitled “Should De-Ionized Water Be Used with an Ultrasonic Cleaning System?”. You may also send an email to info@kaijo-shibuya.com if you have questions or want a free consultation.

Why Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems Are Used by Aerospace Manufacturers

Aerospace industry manufacturers need to provide high-precision parts and also maintain and repair parts in production that are used in complex engines and machinery. Production parts and parts from maintenance and repair operations are usually contaminated by grease, dirt, soot, and lubricants as a result of the normal operation.

These parts and tools are traditionally cleaned by either manually washing or scrubbing, or by using harsh solvents. But there’s a better alternative to the traditional cleaning methods – the use of ultrasonic cleaning systems, which saves both time and money along with providing an environmentally friendly process that cleans parts fast and efficiently.  

Ultrasonic cleaning systems are made up of an ultrasonic generator, transducer and a cleaning tank. The ultrasonic generator is the “heart” of an ultrasonic cleaning system. The Ultrasonic transducers are installed inside the cleaning tank and convert electric signals from the generator into sound waves in the cleaning solution of the tank. These sound waves create microscopic bubbles that do the cleaning and scrubbing action, lifting away contaminants from the surfaces of the items (such as tools) in the cleaning solution. It leaves the items completely cleaned with no particles left over.

More aerospace manufacturers have transitioned to using ultrasonic cleaning systems from old traditional cleaning methods, for a number of reasons:

·         The cleaning of parts is more effective, efficient and thorough – the microscopic cleaning bubbles have the ability to penetrate and clean even in crevices, holes, and other more complicated and harder-to-reach areas of the tools being cleaned.

·         The cleaning fluid may consist of plain water or only a mild cleaning solution. No harsh and toxic cleaning chemicals needed.

·         It is faster.

·         It doesn’t require manual or mechanical scrubbing.

·         It is cost-effective.

·         It is safer to use compared to using harsh chemicals.

·         The frequencies of the signal can be adjusted to allow appropriate cleaning of robust or delicate tools and items.

If you have questions about how the Kaijo’s Ultrasonic cleaning systems can be used in your application, read the complete article entitled “Why Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems Are Used by Aerospace Manufacturers”. You may also contact Kaijo by phone at 408-675-5575 or by emailing at info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

Kaijo’s New Phenix Hyper Ultrasonic Generator Provides Optimum Cleaning Results

Kaijo’s new Phenix Hyper cleaning generator, along with the Hyper immersible transducer, deliver improved cleaning performance using the latest ultrasonic technology.

The generator features the usual ultrasonic controls, operates at 78 kHz and can deliver up to 1200 W output power. Kaijo’s Phenix Hyper ultrasonic cleaning generator can be used with the standard sweep frequency mode but also features the new Hyper mode which allows more effective cleaning that provides a uniform ultrasonic pattern that totally fills the process tank.

It has a user-friendly operator interface and has various alarm, display, and interlock functions which guarantee reliable and safe operation.

The Hyper immersible transducer is designed to work specifically with the Phenix Hyper generator. This high-polish stainless steel transducer is ideal for immersion in cleaning solutions (such as mild detergents) up to 80 degrees C.

This new system also represents a user-friendly turn-key solution for applications with an existing tank.

The Phenix Hyper Ultrasonic Generator together with the Hyper immersible transducer provide improved and more effective cleaning, ease of operation and reliable performance. This new system addresses problems pertaining to poor or incomplete cleaning and reduces surface damage to cleaned parts. Parts made from metal, glass and ceramics can be cleaned effectively on all sides, even if they have complex shapes with hard-to-reach places. The Hyper ultrasonic cleaning technology works wherever the cleaning solution can penetrate by removing fine contaminants quickly and completely throughout the cleaning tank.

Learn more about the new Phenix Hyper Ultrasonic Generator by reading the complete article entitled “Kaijo’s New Phenix Hyper Ultrasonic Generator Provides Optimum Cleaning Results”. You may also send an email to info@kaijo-shibuya.com if you have questions or want a free consultation.

Time Vs. Money: How an Ultrasonic Cleaning System Saves Both

Ultrasonic cleaning systems can clean parts and components quickly and thoroughly and provide a superior option compared to traditional methods that use harsh chemicals and mechanical brushing. Plus, these systems help reduce cleaning costs considerably, they also save time and increase the efficiency of many production lines or manufacturing processes.

Ultrasonic cleaning process works by placing the items to be cleaned in a cleaning liquid of a cleaning tank. The sound waves generate cavitation bubbles in the cleaning liquid. These microscopic bubbles dislodge contaminants from the surfaces of the items being cleaned.

Ultrasonic cleaning saves time because the items do not need to be soaked in the cleaning liquid in order to soften the dirt. Subsequent manual scrubbing with pressure sprays is also no longer needed. In ultrasonic cleaning, the bubbles do the cleaning and scrubbing action, and they could clean even the more complicated parts, shapes, holes, and crevices of the items, resulting in quick but thorough cleaning.

The cost savings come from various sources. Because of the high performance of the ultrasonic systems, the need for water and power are reduced and the use of harsh chemicals is eliminated. Depending on the cleaning chemicals previously used, various chemical handling equipment and processing may no longer be needed.

High performance ultrasonic cleaning systems save on power usage since a typical system uses up to 1200 Watts, lower than the power used by conventional cleaning systems. Water use is also reduced because only one tank is needed for cleaning. These reductions translate into bigger savings.

You can learn more about Kaijo’s ultrasonic cleaning systems by reading the complete article titled “Time Vs. Money: How an Ultrasonic Cleaning System Saves Both.” Contact Kaijo for a free consultation or quote at info@kaijo-shibuya.com or call 408-675-5575.

How an Ultrasonic Generator Works

The ultrasonic generator is the heart of an ultrasonic cleaning system. It generates the high-frequency signal, which the ultrasonic transducers convert to sound waves of the cleaning solution within a cleaning tank. In addition to generating the signal, the ultrasonic generator controls the frequency and the power levels to produce several or a range of frequencies as part of an integrated, turnkey solution or independently to power separate transducers.

As the sound waves go through the cleaning liquid, the cavitation bubbles start to emerge in the low-pressure troughs of the waves, then collapse in high-pressure peaks. This action of the microscopic bubbles leads to a powerful scrubbing action that helps dislodge the dirt and particles off the surfaces of parts (in the cleaning liquid of the cleaning tank). The bubbles can even clean hard-to-reach places like holes and crevices, leaving the item thoroughly cleaned. Ultrasonic cleaning systems are generally considered superior to other traditional methods that use chemicals or mechanical scrubbing.

Apart from producing the high-quality signal, Kaijo’s ultrasonic generators provide the frequency needed to optimize cleaning performance for the specific cleaning application. Setting the right frequency is the key factor for an effective cleaning:

·         Low frequency (26 kHz to 38 kHz range) - This frequency produces large, energetic cavitation bubbles, making them suitable for cleaning machined parts, glass, and wires.

·         Mid-range frequency (78 kHz to 160 kHz) - The bubbles become smaller and the cleaning action is gentler. Suitable for cleaning hard disk drives, solar panels, and ceramic parts.

·         High frequency (450 kHz to 950 kHz) - The bubbles become even smaller and the cleaning action is at its most delicate. Suitable for cleaning semiconductors, LED's and fragile medical components.

If an Ultrasonic generator is used with a single process to always clean the same parts, selecting a single-frequency model is a good choice. For general-purpose usage, where the ultrasonic cleaning system may be used in a wide variety of cleaning applications, a generator that can produce a range of frequencies is the best option.

Read the complete article titled “How an Ultrasonic Generator Works” for additional information. If you have questions, want a free consultation or quote, contact Kaijo at 408-675-5575 or send an email to info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

How to Design an Ultrasonic Cleaning System for Your Application

Ultrasonic cleaning systems are an ideal solution for many industrial cleaning applications although the various components need to be selected according to the specific application they are used in. Both the operating frequencies of the system and the tank size are critical factors in selecting the right system. In addition, the power of the system, and the type of transducers used will impact how the system performs for a specific application.

Choosing the right type of ultrasonic cleaning system is important. Ultrasonic cleaning systems are made up of an ultrasonic generator which produces the ultrasonic signal and the transducers that convert the signal into sound waves in the cleaning solution of the cleaning tank. The components can be purchased separately or as a complete turn-key ultrasonic cleaning system that incorporates three components into one integrated package. Transducers can either be immersible units that can be moved or versions that are mounted or bolted onto the cleaning tank.

The size and shape of the parts determine the size of the cleaning tanks and the type of basket needed. The bigger the cleaning tank and part being cleaned, the more power will be required. Large numbers of smaller components may also need a bigger cleaning tank. A large tank need more power and may require several ultrasonic transducers to cover the whole tank.

The type of part material being cleaned and the nature of the contaminant determine the level of the frequency needed for the cleaning application. Low frequencies (20 kHz to 40 kHz) are best for cleaning heavy dirt from rugged parts (like metals and glass), while high frequencies (100 kHz) are ideal for removing dirt from delicate components (like solar cells, and fragile machine parts). Choosing the wrong frequency can result in either slow or ineffective cleaning, or even damage to the parts being cleaned.

Kaijo can help you choose the best system for your needs. Read the complete article “How to Design an Ultrasonic Cleaning System for Your Application” for more details. If you have questions or want a free consultation or quote call 408-675-5575 or send an email to info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

How Cleaning Ultrasonic Tanks Work

Ultrasonic cleaning tanks hold the water or cleaning solution that cleans parts and components through the action of cavitation bubbles produced by the ultrasonic sound waves. The sound waves come from the ultrasonic generator that is mounted inside the tank.

The cavitation bubbles provide the intense scrubbing and cleaning action through the liquid and can lift dirt even in hard-to-reach places such as tiny holes and crevices of the components being cleaned.

Kaijo's ultrasonic cleaning tanks are made of thick gloss polished stainless steel. They're specifically designed to withstand the cleaning action and vibrations generated by the transducers. Usually mounted on the tanks, the transducers convert the electric signal (from the ultrasonic generator) into sound waves, which produce the cavitation bubbles that provide the cleaning action. The ultrasonic tanks are specifically designed to withstand the cleaning action and vibrations created by ultrasonic transducers and are constructed to satisfy many different cleaning requirements.

Ultrasonic cleaning tanks are designed for use in a wide variety of industrial cleaning applications. They come in various sizes depending on the cleaning power required for a specific cleaning application. With over 60 years of experience in ultrasonic cleaning technology, Kaijo can help analyze your cleaning requirements and offer solutions to your specific needs.

Kaijo’s ultrasonic cleaning tanks are available with mounted transducers and generators that operate at either 26 kHz, 38 kHz or 78 kHz. These cleaning tanks are complete systems that deliver robust cleaning performance that clean most part in about 10 minutes. Kaijo’s Phenix III generator can be combined with these ultrasonic cleaning tanks and mounted transducers to provide a cost-effective and complete turn-key system.

The complete article titled “How Cleaning Ultrasonic Tanks Work” explains in more detail. If you want a free consultation or quote, contact info@kaijo-shibuya.com or call at 408-675-5575.

Can My Parts Be Cleaned Using Ultrasonics?

Can your manufacturing parts, tools and equipment be cleaned using ultrasonics? The answer is definitely yes. Ultrasonic cleaning works by the action of microscopic bubbles in a cleaning bath usually filled with water (or water with a mild cleaning solvent). As the ultrasonic waves travel through the bath, the waves produce crests of high and low pressure. This generates cavitation bubbles which create an intense cleaning action, leading to the thorough removal of contaminants from the surface of parts, tools or equipment being cleaned.

Ultrasonic cleaning systems deliver an optimum cleaning performance compared to traditional cleaning methods like mechanical scrubbing and harsh chemicals, which are not as effective in cleaning parts and also time-consuming and expensive.

An Ultrasonic cleaning system can increase production facility efficiency by reducing cleaning time, however the right characteristics need to be used for a specific cleaning application. Choosing the right frequency and power level is needed for optimal results in a particular cleaning application.

Systems with low frequencies (26 kHz to 38 kHz) create comparatively large bubbles, ideal for robust cleaning of certain hard surfaces (like steel, copper, and glass). Systems operating at higher frequencies (100 kHz and above) generate smaller bubbles that create a gentle cleaning action for delicate surfaces (such as medical tools and solar cells).

Kajio's Phenix turkey ultrasonic cleaning system proves to be versatile and able to meet a variety of requirements in many typical cleaning applications. The system includes:

·         the ultrasonic generator (which generates the electric signal)

·         the transducer (which converts the electric signal into the ultrasonic waves, from which the cavitation bubbles are ultimately formed)

·         the cleaning tank (which holds the parts to be cleaned, the transducer and the cleaning solution).

The system offers different tank sizes and can operate in sweep or fixed frequency modes. It also provides up to 1200 watts or power at 26kHz or 38 KHz.

For more information read complete article titled “Can My Parts Be Cleaned Using Ultrasonics?” Contact Kaijo’s staff of experts to get a free consultation to determine what Ultrasonic cleaning system will work best for your cleaning application by emailing info@kaijo-shibuya.com or by calling 408-675-5575.

Ultrasonic Cleaning 101: What Are Ultrasonic Waves and How Do They Clean?

How does ultrasonic cleaning work? Ultrasonic cleaning systems use ultrasonic waves to clean parts, tools, and equipment quickly, thoroughly and effectively. Typical features of the ultrasonic cleaning system include an ultrasonic generator, a transducer, and a cleaning tank.

The ultrasonic generator generates an electric signal at the required ultrasonic frequency, which ranges from 26 kHz to 200 kHz; it may be designed for a single frequency or a frequency range.

The transducer is usually submerged in the cleaning solution. Once it receives the electric signal from the ultrasonic generator, it converts the signal into ultrasonic waves in the cleaning solution. When this happens, the transducer's metal plate vibrates at the ultrasonic frequency and fills the liquid with the ultrasonic waves.  High performance industrial ultrasonic cleaners use plain water to clean but adding a mild detergent and heating the solution can assist with some contaminants.

The cleaning tank holds the items to be cleaned, the cleaning liquid and the transducer. It may include a basket to keep the items from touching the tank's walls and bottom, and may also include a heater to warm the liquid.

While all industrial ultrasonic cleaners work in the same way, the operating frequency will influence what kinds of parts can receive the most effective cleaning. Generally lower frequencies are good for heavy dirt and contamination on harder surfaces while higher frequencies are most effective for delicate cleaning applications on softer surfaces.

The ultrasonic waves effectively and thoroughly remove contaminants from the surface of the being cleaned through the action of the cavitation bubbles. The ultrasonic waves produced by the generator travel in the cleaning solution, the peaks, and troughs becoming areas of high and low pressure. The bubbles form and the collapse under low and high pressure, respectively, creating the scrubbing action that lifts the impurities from the surface.

Low frequencies (26 kHz to 38 kHz) create comparatively large bubbles that provide a more intense and robust cleaning action for certain items like glass and metal tools. High frequencies (100 kHz and higher) gives off a gentler cleaning action -- ideal for cleaning delicate tools and parts such as solar cells and medical equipment. Choosing the correct frequency and other features in the ultrasonic cleaning system is critical to ensure optimal cleaning performance.

For more details read the complete article titled “Ultrasonic Cleaning 101: What are Ultrasonic Waves and How Do They Clean?” If you have questions or would like a free quote, send an email to info@kaijo-shibuya.com or call 408-675-5575.

Why You Need an Ultrasonic Cleaning System for 3D Printed Parts

Thanks to the advances in 3D printing this new technology has become widely accessible with broad manufacturing capabilities. The 3D printers work by depositing tiny drops of material (usually a type of resin or plastic in liquid form) in thin layers according to the digital design. 3D printers can create objects with complex shapes and sizes that are samples or prototypes and they can also be used to make test pieces before starting actual production.

3D printing often involves creating several complex items using different material and there may be overhangs, gaps or complicated structures. To make sure that the printed parts won't collapse and or won't stick together, the 3D printer deposits supporting and separating material underneath. When the printing of the item is finished, these extra supporting materials must be removed from the printed item before use. 

An ultrasonic cleaning system is an ideal alternative to the traditional methods of cleaning 3D printed parts. It works by using ultrasonic waves to produce cavitation bubbles in a cleaning liquid. The bubbles form and collapse in time with the frequency of sound waves, and this particular action of the bubbles scrubs and cleans even the most inaccessible parts of a 3D-printed item being cleaned. It leaves the item completely clean and free of residues and unwanted extra material. An ultrasonic cleaning system proves to be quicker and more efficient in removing the extra parts from the 3D-printed material compared to the traditional cleaning methods like scrubbing and using solvents.

Kaijo's ultrasonic cleaning systems can clean 3D printed parts and remove unwanted filler material quickly and more effectively. The Phenix III turnkey system requires a minimum of installation and set up work and is ideal to clean the most typical 3D printed items. For cleaning bigger printed items, Kaijo's ultrasonic generators, transducers, and tanks can be used to set up special solutions depending on the client's specific cleaning requirements.

For more detailed information read the articled titled “Why You Need an Ultrasonic Cleaning System for 3D Printed Parts”. If you have questions or would like a free consultation to help you choose an ultrasonic cleaning system, email Kaijo Shibuya at info@kaijo-shibuya.com.