The role of a transducer in an ultrasonic
cleaning system is converting the electric high-frequency signal (produced by
the ultrasonic generator) into physical sound waves in the cleaning solution. Ultrasonic
cleaning transducers can work at different frequencies and
produce enough power to fill the cleaning tank with ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic
cleaning transducers consist of a thick metal plate and active
parts that vibrate when an electric signal is applied. When the ultrasonic
waves pass from the transducer's metal plate through the cleaning solution, the
wave troughs create low-pressure regions that generate cavitation bubbles. The
bubbles form in the wave troughs and collapse in the ensuing wave peaks,
releasing jets of energy. The collapse of the bubbles dislodges the dirt and
contamination from the surface of the parts being cleaned.
In this way, the transducer turns the
electric signal from the generator into physical scrubbing and cleaning action.
There are two types of transducers
according to materials:
• Piezoelectric transducer – Historically,
they were constructed from delicate materials and thus had a relatively short
useful lifespan when used in ultrasonic cleaning applications. The active parts
consist of piezoelectric material that changes shape in tune with the vibration
of the electric signal. However, recent advancements in piezoelectric materials
have contributed to the re-emergence of the piezoelectric transducer. The newer
materials are more rugged and can resist even the highest megahertz
frequencies.
• Magnetostrictive transducer – These consist
of metal plates and coils of wire that are not easily damaged. The metal plates
vibrate in tune with the high-frequency magnetic field created by the electric
signal. The use of higher frequencies require
shorter plates, however, there is a limit on reducing the size of the plates. As
a result, magnetostrictive transducers can only be used for the lower
frequencies.
There
are different types of transducers can be used:
• Immersible
transducer – an independent unit with a sealed case
and waterproof cable attached. As the name implies, it is usually immersed in
the cleaning solution and can be placed into an ultrasonic tank to produce the
required ultrasonic sound waves.
• Bolt-on transducer – the most appropriate
for new installations with a new cleaning solution tank. It can be bolted onto
the sides or the bottom of the cleaning tank.
· Permanently mounted transducer – used with
turnkey ultrasonic cleaning systems that are ready to operate as a self-sufficient
system.
The complete article titled “How
Ultrasonic Transducers Work and Are Used in Industrial Cleaning Applications”
provides more details on this topic. For a free consultation or quote contact
Kaijo at 408-675-5575 or email to info@kaijo-shibuay.com.
