Selecting the Best Frequency for Ultrasonic Cleaning Applications

The success and effectiveness of using industrial ultrasonic cleaners depend on matching the system frequency to the parts to be cleaned, and the type of contaminants being removed. An industrial ultrasonic equipment manufacturer with experience can help companies select the best frequency and ensure their ultrasonic cleaning performance is at an optimal level.
Ultrasonic cleaning depends on the generation of microscopic bubbles in the cleaning solution. The transducers in the ultrasonic cleaning system convert electric high-frequency signals into sound waves that travel through the cleaning bath. These sound waves turn into cavitation bubbles that do the cleaning and scrubbing action on the parts to be cleaned.
Low frequencies - Low frequencies for ultrasonic cleaning are usually below 40 kHz, while typical cleaning frequencies are 26 kHz and 38 kHz. Low-frequency waves produce comparatively large, energetic bubbles that deliver powerful scrubbing action. They deliver high-energy cleaning for robust parts with hard surfaces and for heavy contamination. These frequencies are suitable for metal, glass, or porcelain parts contaminated with oil and grease, uncoated glass components, jewelry coated with production residues, and some medical equipment.
Mid-range frequencies - Mid-range frequencies range from 40 kHz to 200 kHz, with typical frequencies being 78 kHz, 130 kHz, and 160 kHz. Mid-range frequencies produce bubbles that are for cleaning more fragile components, but they can still remove substantial surface dirt. These frequencies are suitable for hard disk drives, solar cells, LCDs, and parts made of ceramic and aluminum.
High frequencies - High frequencies range usually goes beyond 200 kHz, with typical frequencies being 200 kHz, 430 kHz, 950 kHz, and 1/6 MHz. High-frequency waves produce smaller bubbles for cleaning the most fragile and delicate components. The smaller size and the less robust energy of the bubbles ensure that the parts won't be damaged. These frequencies are suitable for cleaning semiconductor components, silicon wafers, LEDs, and delicate medical instruments.
Kaio provides expert help to customers in selecting the right industrial ultrasonic cleaner that meets their specific cleaning application requirements. Learn more by reading the complete article titled "Selecting the Best Frequency for Ultrasonic Cleaning Applications." Contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com for a free consultation or quote.

Is De-Ionized Water Needed for Ultrasonic Cleaning?

The use of de-ionized water can improve the performance of ultrasonic cleaning systems and for rinsing components that have been cleaned. The use of ordinary water is adequate for cleaning lightly contaminated parts or for parts that can withstand robust cleaning. A mild detergent or the application of heat may be needed when cleaning heavily contaminated parts or fragile parts. For parts that cannot withstand mild detergent or heat, the use de-ionized water is the best way to speed up the cleaning process and to ensure even and thorough cleaning.



Ordinary water naturally comes with traces of impurities. To turn ordinary water into de-ionized water, it is first filtered to remove organic matter. Then it is passed through an ion exchange bed. The ion exchange resins attract an remove the dissolved ions which produces very pure water.



De-ionized water helps the performance of ultrasonic cleaning systems in a number of ways. As it doesn't contain contaminants, ultrasonic cleaning applications using de-ionized water and detergents are more effective. The detergents maintain their cleaning power due to the absence of impurities of de-ionized water. Once the detergents are used, the cleaning solution has to be rinsed off after cleaning is done.



If the rinsing is done with de-ionized water, it doesn't leave any residue when dry. Ordinary water, on the other hand, leaves traces of impurities such as salts or organic films on cleaned parts.



Parts such as machined components or metal parts can have metallic dust on the surfaces. The microscopic cavitation bubbles produced by the ultrasonic cleaning systems can dislodge the dust particles and de-ionized water quickly absorbs all the metallic ions which dissolve in the cleaning solution. This type of cleaning application benefits from the use of de-ionized water but the detergents and heating are not needed.



Kaijo offers a free consultation to ensure that their ultrasonic cleaning systems meet a customer’s cleaning requirements.  For more details read the complete blog article, “Is De-Ionized Water Needed for Ultrasonic Cleaning?”  Contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com if you can questions or need a free consultation to discuss your specific ultrasonic cleaning needs.