Friday, March 15, 2019

Tuning into the Right Frequency for Your Ultrasonic Cleaning Application

Ultrasonic cleaning is an excellent solution for removing contaminants from a variety of components and parts without the use of strong, corrosive cleaning chemicals or mechanical brushing. It provides a faster, safer and a more effective solution for many different cleaning applications.

The key to successful ultrasonic cleaning is choosing the right operating frequency. This is to avoid damage of the parts to be cleaned and for rapid and complete removal of contaminants.

An 
ultrasonic cleaning generator produces the selected frequency for the system. When the ultrasonic waves pass through the cleaning solution, they produce cavitation bubbles that form and collapse quickly. As these bubbles collapse, they produce a powerful jet that dislodges dirt, contaminants and other foreign matter from the surface of the parts that are being cleaned. It is important to choose the right ultrasonic generator for the application to optimize the cleaning power but avoiding damaging the part being cleaned.

Low frequency (25 kHz) – the lowest ultrasonic frequencies produces bigger cavitation bubbles, stronger jets, and a powerful cleaning action. This is used for removing heavy contaminants from parts with hard and durable surfaces. This frequency is not recommended for delicate parts as they could be damaged and soft surfaces could suffer pitting.

Intermediate frequency (40 kHz) – suitable for any common cleaning applications, the bubbles are smaller compared to those generated by low frequency and therefore this frequency is suitable for cleaning glass, jewelry, and machined parts.

High frequency (80 kHz) – this frequency produces smaller cavitation bubbles and a gentler cleaning. This is ideal for cleaning more delicate parts with a fragile surface finish, such as hard disc drives, LCD's and aluminum parts. The gentle cleaning action avoids pitting or roughening of softer parts.

Highest frequencies (130-160 kHz )- the highest frequencies are used for very fragile parts or parts that have soft surfaces. The cleaning action is light but effective for applications that include electronic components, semiconductors, and delicate medical instruments.


The complete article titled “Tuning into the Right Frequency for Your Ultrasonic Cleaning Application” provides more details on choosing the ultrasonic cleaning generator. Contact Kaijo at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com if you have questions or would like to discuss your particular cleaning requirements.

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