Wednesday, February 21, 2018

How Medical 3D Printing Benefits from Ultrasonic Cleaning

Hospitals, medical research centers and facilities produce 3D printed models of human body parts or internal organs to create prosthetics for the purposes of surgical procedure, diagnosis, or for educational purposes. Industrial ultrasonic cleaners are now being used to ensure that parts manufactured for medical use are ready for use.

3D-printed models of human body parts and organs are made with build material. The support material, on the other hand, holds the build material until the latter has hardened and self-supporting, and then the support material must be removed to ensure model accuracy. This is where industrial ultrasonic cleaners are used to provide precise cleaning without damaging the material being cleaned.

The ultrasonic cleaning system uses a generator that produces ultrasonic electrical signal. The transducer, then, converts this signal into ultrasonic waves that travel through the cleaning solution inside the tank. Microscopic cavitation bubbles form from the waves, and then collapse in the pressure peaks.

The cavitation bubbles encounter the support material and effectively dislodge it from the build material. The great thing about ultrasonic cleaning is that it doesn't cause any damage to the build material that is being cleaned.

Depending on the 3D model being cleaned, Kaijo’s industrial ultrasonic cleaners can operate at frequencies delivering the precise cleaning strength. Lower frequencies (26 kHz or 38 kHz) produce larger cavitation bubbles which perform a more robust cleaning action on typical 3D models. For more cleaning delicate models or models with fragile material, higher frequencies (450 kHz or 950 kHz) are used to produce smaller bubbles which deliver a gentler cleaning action.

Medical 3D models benefit from ultrasonic cleaning. First, it does rapid and thorough cleaning of support material. Second, it is free from human errors. Third, no harsh chemicals or scrubbing is involved. And fourth, disposal of wastes doesn't require additional measures.


Kaijo can help hospitals and medical facilities realize the benefits of using ultrasonic technology with 3D printing. For more details read the entire article, “How Medical 3D Printing Benefits from Ultrasonic Cleaning”. For a free consultation or quote call Kaijo at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com

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