Important Questions Customers Ask about Ultrasonic Cleaners (Part Two)

Do you have questions about using ultrasonic cleaners for your industrial cleaning application? Here are some more of the important questions customers often ask about using Kaijo Shibuya's industrial ultrasonic cleaners and our answers.

1) “Do I need to use a heater?”
It depends on your specific cleaning application. Ultrasonic cleaning systems do not normally use or require a heater but it can speed up the cleaning process.

2) “What does Sweep Mode do?”
As the ultrasonic waves spread through the cleaning tank, the parts to be cleaned interfere with the ultrasonic waves, creating spots where the waves become stronger and other areas where the waves become weaker. This can cause uneven cleaning. To avoid this, the sweep mode is used to automatically vary the ultrasonic frequency slightly, which causes the weak spots to move around. The result is a more even cleaning.

3) “Is the use of auto-tuning important?”
Yes, with auto-tuning the generator monitors and adjusts the power that is conducted to the transducer array. This allows the system to maintain the ideal calibration as the conditions change in the process tank during operation. This means any changes to temperature, water level, or chemical changes will not affect the power level in the cleaning tank. 

4) “What ultrasonic frequency should I use?”
Low frequencies result in larger cavitation bubbles that deliver an intense cleaning action – you should use this type of frequency when you clean robust parts such as metal parts. High frequencies, on the other hand, result in comparatively smaller cavitation bubbles that deliver a less energetic cleaning action. You should use the lowest frequency that will not damage delicate the parts that are being cleaned.

Our recent article has additional information for each of the questions above, as well as eight others. You can read them by going to the complete article “Important Questions Customers Ask About Using Ultrasonic Cleaners.” If you have questions not included in the list, or if you would like to set up a free consultation, call us at 408-675-5575 or send an email to info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

Important Questions Customers Ask about Ultrasonic Cleaners (Part One)

The following are some of the key questions that customers asked about selecting and using industrial ultrasonic cleaners, especially when they use them for their specific applications.

1) “When should I use an ultrasonic cleaner?”

You should use an ultrasonic when you want a quick, thorough and more efficient cleaning action without the use of harsh cleaning chemicals or mechanical scrubbing. It is important to choose the right power, frequency, type of transducer and the size of the unit to arrive at an ideal and desirable cleaning result. It also takes the right type of ultrasonic cleaning system to do it.

2) “How do ultrasonic cleaners work?”

The ultrasonic generator produces a high-frequency electric signal which is converted to ultrasonic waves in the cleaning solution by the transducer. The cavitation bubbles form in the ultrasonic waves. When the bubble collapse, they deliver a powerful scrubbing and cleaning action that dislodges dirt from the surfaces of the parts that are being cleaned.

3) “How do I select the right equipment?”

The best way for you to select the right industrial ultrasonic cleaning system is to discuss your requirements with your manufacturer/supplier. They should have extensive experience and be willing to offer advice on how to achieve your cleaning goals. Can existing tanks be re-used? Do you clean one kind of part or multiple parts? Do you need additional measures like heat or mild cleaning solvent? There are many factors that can influence your decision in choosing the best solution for you.

4) “How do I specify equipment size?”

Parts to be cleaned must be immersed within a cleaning solution in a cleaning tank large enough to hold the parts. Oddly shaped parts may require the use of a custom tank size depending on the size and shape of the part.  But if you clean mostly small parts or delicate parts that can easily break, you will need a parts basket to support them and to prevent them from touching the bottom and sides of the tank as the vibration might cause breakage. If you clean with many different types of parts of various sizes, the tank needs to accommodate the largest part.

See more answers to questions often asked by reading our complete article “Important Questions Customers Ask About Using Ultrasonic Cleaners.” If you have questions not included, or would like to set up a free consultation, call 408-675-5575 or send an email to info@kaijo-shibuya.com.