Why Ultrasonics Are Used in Automotive Parts Cleaning?

Automotive parts are subject to heavy and hard-to-remove oil, grease, and other carbon-related contamination. There are traditional ways of cleaning contaminated automotive parts, such as removing deposits manually as well as, soaking, spraying, brushing, and scraping the parts. These cleaning methods are time-consuming and require the use of chemicals that can damage the part surfaces.



Ultrasonic cleaning systems are the ideal alternative to traditional cleaning methods. Ultrasonic cleaning of the automotive parts is quicker and delivers better cleaning performance. This method involves no scrubbing, prolonged soaking, spraying, scraping, and using harsh cleaning chemicals.



With ultrasonic cleaning, sound waves are generated by ultrasonic transducers immersed in the cleaning solution. The sound waves produce tiny cavitation bubbles that deliver a scrubbing action on the surface of the parts that are being cleaned.



One of the keys to effective and thorough cleaning parts using Ultrasonic cleaning is choosing the right frequency.

1) High ultrasonic frequencies produce smaller bubbles that clean gently, which is ideal for cleaning more delicate equipment such as medical instruments, semiconductor components, and computer parts, most of which have some soft surfaces or structures that require gentle cleaning.

2) Low ultrasonic frequencies produce larger bubbles that do robust cleaning, which is ideal for removing contamination rapidly but can damage surfaces of delicate parts. Therefore, this frequency is ideal for cleaning parts that have hard surfaces, such as automotive parts made of steel. These parts can be exposed to the robust cleaning of low ultrasonic frequencies in the 20 kHz range.

For basic ultrasonic cleaning of automotive parts, an ultrasonic generator powers the ultrasonic transducers that are immersed in a cleaning tank. The contaminated automotive parts are placed in a tank filled with water. The bubbles produced in the cleaning tank by the ultrasonic system dislodge dirt on the part surfaces.

Cleaning automotive parts with heavier and harder-to-remove dirt and contamination (such as hardened oil and grease), can be enhanced by heating the cleaning solution and/or by adding a mild detergent. For automotive cleaning applications, Kaijo can supply ultrasonic cleaning systems that operate at frequencies from 20 kHz range for heavy-duty cleaning, and up to 2 MHz for delicate parts such as sensors or electronics.



Read the complete article, “Why Ultrasonics Are Used in Automotive Parts Cleaning,” for more details on using ultrasonic cleaners for automotive parts. For a free consultation or quote contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

How Ultrasonic Cleaners Are Used in Biotechnology Applications

Biotechnology companies have special requirements for cleaning tools, parts, and equipment and for cleaning applications that do not contaminate biotechnology processes. Parts such as containers, tanks, sieves, sensors, and tubes must be completely cleaned before use. These items need to be free of contamination before being used in a biotechnology application. Mechanical cleaning by hand is time-consuming and cannot reach inaccessible places and may damage parts and equipment. Using harsh chemicals, on the other hand, may leave deposits that can harm the biological process.

Industrial ultrasonic cleaners can clean parts and equipment quickly and thoroughly without mechanical scrubbing or the use of harsh chemicals. It is the ideal — and much better — alternative to the traditional cleaning methods. It serves as the best solution to many of the biotechnology industry cleaning needs.

Ultrasonic cleaners work by generating microscopic cavitation bubbles in the cleaning solution. The bubbles form and then collapse in time with the frequency of the ultrasonic system. A bubble bursting near the surface of a part to be cleaned releases a tiny but powerful jet that dislodges surface contaminants. High frequencies generate smaller bubbles with a gentle cleaning action, while lower frequencies produce larger bubbles and robust cleaning.

The key to successful cleaning is choosing the right ultrasonic frequency to use based on the materials to be cleaned and nature or level of contamination. Parts with hard surfaces (such as those made of stainless steel or glass) that have severe contamination can be cleaned using lower-frequencies (in the 20 kHz range). Parts with softer surfaces (such as aluminum or plastic) can suffer pitting if the frequency is too low. Instead, these types of parts should be cleaned using higher-frequencies (in the 40 kHz range), so they are not damaged.

The highest frequencies (up to 100 kHz) are used to clean delicate parts and components such as sensors or electronic devices. Such parts are more fragile; thus, they have surfaces that can be easily damaged. They also have delicate microscopic structures or fragile connections. High frequency is the best frequency because it will gently clean and remove the contaminants without damaging the parts.

Kaijo, one of the leading ultrasonic cleaner manufacturers, builds their ultrasonic cleaners in-house and can customize them for your company’s needs. For more details read the entire article, “How Ultrasonic Cleaners Are Used in Biotechnology Applications.” Contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408–675–5575 for a free consultation or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.