How Ultrasonic Cleaners Provide Effective Cleaning Before Plating or Coating

Ultrasonic parts cleaners are the ideal choice for cleaning metal or plastic parts that will be plated or coated. Parts often have contaminants as a result of machining, buffing compound, or shop dirt. Surface parts that are contaminated will encounter problems with adhesion when they're being coated or plated. Ultrasonic cleaners provide a fast and thorough cleaning of part surfaces, saving time and ensuring complete adhesion. The use of ultrasonic cleaners is completely safe and does not require the use of chemicals to remove dirt or contaminants. The benefits include quicker processing, better throughput, and higher quality results.

How does an ultrasonic parts cleaner work in cleaning parts to be plated or coated? It involves the production of microscopic cavitation bubbles in the cleaning tank. An ultrasonic generator produces a high-frequency electric signal to a transducer, which converts the signal into sound waves as they encounter the cleaning solution.

These sound waves in the cleaning liquid have high-pressure peaks and low-pressure troughs. Cavitation bubbles are formed at low pressure and collapse at high-pressure peaks. The continuous cavitation action results in a mechanical cleaning action and scrubbing effect on the surfaces of the parts to be cleaned. Contaminants and particles are dislodged and carried away by the cleaning solution.


Choosing the appropriate frequency, power and cleaning system configuration is important for effective cleaning before plating or coating. The frequency depends on the structure of the parts as well as the nature of the surface contamination that needs to be removed. Kaijo’s experts work with customers to ensure the right frequency, power and system configuration is used to provide optimum results for their specific cleaning application. 

Kaijo’s ultrasonic parts cleaners provide fast and thorough cleaning of parts, ensuring total and effective adhesion of coatings and planting applications. To learn more about how ultrasonic cleaners work, read the complete article “How Ultrasonic Cleaners Provide Effective Cleaning Before Plating or Coating”. Call Kaijo for a free consultation or quote at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.