Can an Ultrasonic Cleaner Effectively Clean Aluminum Engine Parts?

An ultrasonic cleaner can clean all types of engine parts no matter how contaminated they are, as long as they are adapted carefully for a specific cleaning action. For automotive parts made from hard metals, such as steel or cast iron, ultrasonic cleaners operating at low frequency (19.5 to 26 kHz) can deliver fast, robust, and effective cleaning to such parts.

Since aluminum is a highly reactive metal with relatively soft surfaces, cleaning with an ultrasonic system must be carefully adapted to the properties of the parts and their contaminants. For aluminum parts ultrasonic cleaners must be used at higher frequencies and combined with special cleaning agents to deliver excellent cleaning performance.

Ultrasonic cleaners remove contaminants from the surface of the parts by producing microscopic cavitation bubbles in water within a cleaning tank. The bubbles form and collapse in tune with the ultrasonic frequency. When the bubbles burst, they release a powerful jet that strikes the part surface. The scrubbing action of the bubbles dislodges dirt and contaminants from part surfaces, allowing them to be rinsed away.

Low frequencies produce comparatively large bubbles that produce jets that are powerful enough to wear tiny holes on soft materials. That is why this type of frequency is ideal for cleaning parts with hard and durable surfaces but are not recommended for cleaning parts with soft and delicate surfaces.

High frequencies, on the other hand, produce smaller bubbles that produce less energetic jets that are too weak to cause pitting, even on the most delicate surface of parts to be cleaned, but still powerful enough to dislodge dirt and contaminants. The gentler cleaning action of the small bubbles produced by this type of frequency is deal for cleaning engine components with soft or delicate parts.

Customizing ultrasonic cleaners can help with cleaning of aluminum engine parts. For cleaning hard and more robust engine parts, customization may not be needed because the cleaning action is already very intense.

For cleaning aluminum parts an ultrasonic cleaner must be used at higher frequencies at or above 38 kHz to prevent damage. The use of neutral detergents can help remove traces of films and contaminants. For hardened greasy or oily deposits, heat can help soften the contaminants and make them easier to remove. Ultrasonic cleaning tanks can be fitted with heaters to warm the cleaning solution which helps remove oil and grease.

For more information read the complete article, Can an Ultrasonic Cleaner Effectively Clean Aluminum Engine Parts? If you have questions, or would like to set up a free consultation, contact Kaijo Shibuya at Info@kaijo-shibuya.com or call 408-675-5575.