Why Are Higher Ultrasonic Cleaning Frequencies Required?

Choosing the right high frequency ultrasonic cleaner is the key to successfully cleaning parts that have a delicate physical structure. However, if the ultrasonic cleaning system frequency is set too high, cleaning could take longer and become less effective. If the frequency is set too low, it could damage the more delicate parts. Ultrasonic cleaning systems are extremely versatile and effective in most cleaning applications, but only if the operating frequency matches the tasks to be performed.

Ultrasonic cleaning systems generate a high-frequency electric signal that is converted into sound waves by an ultrasonic transducer. The transducer is submerged in the cleaning tank filled with water and generates sound waves in the liquid. Microscopic cavitation bubbles appear wherever the cleaning solution can penetrate. They form in the low-pressure troughs and collapse in high-pressure peaks.

This collapse of the bubbles is responsible for the cleaning action of an ultrasonic cleaning system. The bubbles can clean inside hollow tubes, in the thread of bolt holes, inside dead-end holes, and in cracks.

Low frequency — have longer cycle times and the wave troughs are wider resulting in bigger bubbles. Typical candidates for low-frequency cleaning include automotive parts such as cylinder valves and carburetors.

High frequency — have smaller bubbles because there is less time for them to grow in the comparatively narrow troughs. Using a high frequency ultrasonic cleaner is required for cleaning delicate parts such as medical instruments, semiconductor components, and computer parts. The selection of the ultrasonic frequency has to balance between the need for reduced cleaning power due to the fragility of the parts and the type of contamination that is being removed.

Kaijo has a full product line of industrial ultrasonic cleaning equipment and has extensive experience in the field of ultrasonic cleaning. For more information read the complete article “Why Are Higher Ultrasonic Cleaning Frequencies Required?”. If you have questions or would like to set up a free consultation to discuss your industrial cleaning requirements, contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408–675–5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

Why Ultrasonic Cleaners Are the Best Alternative to Cleaning with Toxic Solvents

Traditional industrial cleaning methods involve cleaning parts using toxic chemicals and mechanical scrubbing to dissolve and remove surface contaminants and residues. However, the cost of the cleaning chemicals, as well as their handling and disposal, continues to rise. The best alternative to traditional industrial cleaning methods is the use of Industrial ultrasonic cleaners. Ultrasonic cleaning effectively removes surface contaminants from a wide variety of parts made from different materials but does not require the use of toxic chemicals and intense scrubbing.

How does ultrasonic cleaning equipment work? It uses the scrubbing effect of microscopic cavitation bubbles produced by ultrasonic waves in the cleaning solution. The cavitation bubbles are formed in the low-pressure regions of the ultrasonic sound waves and they collapse in the high-pressure peaks. The continuous formation and collapse of the microscopic bubbles create the powerful cleaning and scrubbing action where they effectively dislodge dirt and contaminants from the surfaces of the parts being cleaned.

Kaijo’s ultrasonic cleaning equipment is a cost-effective alternative to traditional cleaning methods. There is no need to soak the parts or wash them in aggressive cleaning solvents. Since it uses only water and sound waves, ultrasonic cleaning is safe. Plus, ultrasonic cleaning is faster and much more efficient. It can dislodge contaminants without damaging the parts being cleaned when the right frequency and power is applied. For cleaning more stubborn deposits, a mild detergent is sometimes used along with the use of a tank heater to heat the cleaning solution.

Ultrasonic cleaning does not also need special storage or handling facilities and does not have regulatory oversight of for waste disposal.

Read our complete article “Why Ultrasonic Cleaners Are the Best Alternative to Cleaning with Toxic Solvents” to learn more about the benefits of using ultrasonic cleaners. Call 408-675-5575, or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com if you would like to discuss how Kaijo’s equipment can be used in your cleaning application.

How Long Will Ultrasonic Cleaning Take to Clean My Parts?

The amount of time required for an ultrasonic cleaning system to clean a part depends on the system, the material the part is made of and the nature of the contaminants. Typically, industrial ultrasonic cleaners can complete common cleaning tasks between ten and twenty minutes.

While cleaning time depends on the power of the system, the material the parts are made from and the degree of contamination also impact the cleaning time. For a light cleaning action, it may take just a few minutes. When cleaning parts that are covered with substantial deposits of hardened grease or carbon, cleaning will take much longer.

Frequency is also a factor that determines how quickly some industrial ultrasonic cleaners can take to clean. A high frequency (100 kHz and above) is ideal for cleaning delicate parts such as semiconductors, while a lower frequency (20 to 40 kHz) is ideal for cleaning more robust components like greasy machine parts. Cleaning parts under high frequency (which produces smaller cavitation bubbles and a gentler cleaning action) will take longer. On the other hand, a low frequency (which produces bigger cavitation bubbles and a more robust cleaning action) allows for quicker cleaning.

The power provided by a high-performance ultrasonic cleaner is another factor that affects the system's cleaning speed. A power that's too low generates fewer cavitation bubbles and thus, cleaning time will take longer. Providing the right level of power for the specific size bath will produce the most cavitation bubbles, leading to the fastest cleaning action.

You can learn more about the length of time required for ultrasonic cleaning parts by reading our complete article “How Long Will Ultrasonic Cleaning Take to Clean My Parts.” If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Kaijo at (408) 675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

What Is the Definition of Ultrasonic and Megasonic Frequency?

Sound exists at much higher frequencies, which includes both ultrasonic and megasonic ranges. While these may not be audible to human hearing, these frequencies can be used in practical applications in megasonic and ultrasonic cleaning systems.

So how do megasonic and ultrasonic cleaning systems work? When liquids and gases are subjected to high-frequency sound at powerful energy levels, it leads to the formation of microscopic tears in these mediums.

When megasonic or ultrasonic sound energy goes through these mediums, it causes the microscopic tears to form into bubbles every second, and these bubbles collapse quickly. This process is known as “cavitation.”

Cavitation bubbles are high-energy bubbles. As each of these bubbles forms and collapses quickly, it generates shockwaves. When you place an object into these cavitation bubbles, it tends to be subjected to the energy of these implosions. These cavitation bubbles are so powerful that they can dislodge dirt or other contaminants off the surface of the object exposed. This is the kind of phenomenon which both the megasonic and ultrasonic cleaning system approach utilizes.

The megasonic and ultrasonic cleaning approach is revolutionary. This cleaning approach is faster, more thorough and more efficient. Since megasonic and ultrasonic cleaning systems are contactless cleaning systems, they do not require the use of harsh cleaning chemicals or mechanical scrubbing as conventional cleaning methods do.

The ultrasonic andmegasonic cleaning system approach are also environmentally friendly, since neither use cleaning chemicals. In conventional cleaning methods, they require the application of an involved chemical disposal system to meet compliance with environmental laws.

Kaijo has been a global leader in the development and use of megasonic and ultrasonic technology for industrial applications for over 60 years. To learn more about their megasonic and ultrasonic cleaning systems, please read the complete article titled “What Is the Definition of Ultrasonic and Megasonic Frequency”. If you have questions, or would like a free consultation, contact Kaijo by phone at 208-675-5575 or by sending an email to info@kaijo-shibuya.com. 

How Industrial Ultrasonic Cleaners Enhance Aerospace Safety

Aerospace parts and components used in rockets and aircraft need to withstand the extreme temperatures and operating conditions in which they are normally used. Part of the maintenance requires that they are cleaned from contaminants and checked regularly to maintain their functionality. Cleaning needs to be thorough to ensure that they won't malfunction during operation and put the passengers' and crew's safety at risk. Industrial ultrasonic cleaners are the better alternative in cleaning aerospace parts and components because they provide a more thorough and more efficient cleaning solution.

Ultrasonic cleaning systems work by generating an electric signal and converting it into sound waves inside the cleaning tank, which usually contains water (or water added with only a mild cleaning solution) and the part or component to be cleaned is immersed in it. With the ultrasonic sound waves travel through the cleaning solution, they produce pressure peaks and troughs.

Microscopic bubbles form in the pressure troughs and collapse in the peaks. These are called cavitation bubbles – high-energy bubbles that produce a powerful jet which removes contaminants from the surface of the object being cleaned. These bubbles can even clean inaccessible areas as well as irregular curves, holes and crevices of the contaminated aerospace parts, something which mechanical brushing cannot do. The result is a more complete and thorough cleaning action of these industrial parts.

Ultrasonic cleaning systems do not use harsh chemicals, intense mechanical brushing and pressure washing which are typical in conventional cleaning methods. With heavy contamination, conventional cleaning methods may not remove all the contaminants completely, and aggressive cleaning may damage parts or reduce their useful life.

High-Performance industrial ultrasonic cleaners deliver quick, thorough and comprehensive cleaning action that makes them suitable for a wide variety of cleaning applications. Since ultrasonic cleaning tanks do not involve the use and disposal of harsh chemicals, they are a safer and more environmentally-friendly choice for cleaning industrial parts.

Kaijo has a complete line of industrial ultrasonic cleaners and also provides expert help and assistance in helping customers use the right system for their specific application. For more details read the complete article, “How Industrial Ultrasonic Cleaners Enhance Aerospace Safety”. Call Kaijo at 408-675-5575 if you have questions or would like to get a free consultation.

How Ultrasonic Waves Are Produced for Industrial Cleaning Applications

Industrial ultrasonic cleaners deliver cleaning performance that is faster, safer, and more efficient than traditional cleaning methods that use chemicals. Along with being more effective, this method is more environmentally friendly since cleaning doesn't require the use of harsh chemicals or mechanical scrubbing. Tiny cavitation bubbles generated by the ultrasonic system do the removal of impurities from a variety of parts and components, which range robust metal and ceramics to delicate semiconductors.

The three main components of the ultrasonic cleaning system consist of the ultrasonic generator, the transducer, and the cleaning tank.

The cleaning tank holds the cleaning solution as well as parts to be cleaned. It must be heavy and durable enough to withstand the cleaning action of the ultrasonic waves, and big enough to contain the biggest parts to be cleaned.

How doultrasonic cleaners work? The ultrasonic generator produces the electric signal which, in turn, generates the ultrasonic waves via the transducer.

The function of the transducer is to handle the frequency and power produced by the generator to create the ultrasonic waves in the cleaning solution. When the ultrasonic waves travel through the cleaning solution, it creates compression peaks and troughs. The tiny cavitation bubbles form in the troughs where there is low pressure and collapse in the peaks because of high pressure.

When the bubbles collapse, each of them releases a small but powerful jet of liquid, which produce an intense cleaning action on the surfaces of the parts being cleaned. This effectively dislodges any contaminants and any other impurities from the surface of the part being cleaned. The microscopic bubbles can clean even intricate shapes and hard-to-access holes and crevices. Result is fast and thorough cleaning.

Kaijo Shibuya offers a complete line of industrial ultrasonic cleaning equipment. Read the complete article “How Ultrasonic Waves Are ProduceHow Ultrasonic Waves Are Produced for Industrial Cleaning Applicationsd for Industrial Cleaning Applications” to discover how Kaijo Shibuya’s industrial ultrasonic cleaners can be used in your cleaning application. For a free consultation or quote call Kaijo at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.