How to Select the Right Type of Ultrasonic Cleaner

Industrial ultrasonic cleaners come in various types with different configurations and characteristics that are determined by the cleaning application. The size, power, frequency, and controls of each ultrasonic cleaner will influence its cleaning capabilities. It’s important to choose the right type of ultrasonic cleaner to achieve the best (and the most desirable) cleaning performance possible.

Ultrasonic cleaners come in different types which include:

• Desktop system – suitable for cleaning small parts of one type with the same contaminants.
• Bench top system – a larger system that can be an integrated turnkey system or assembled from individual components. It can clean a wide array of parts and remove different kinds of contaminants.
• Large industrial system – consists of tanks that can accommodate large or bulky products. In this system, ultrasonic generators are mounted separately, and several transducers may require filling the tank with the ultrasonic sound waves.

The cleaning frequency is essential for the removal of dirt and contaminants. Low frequencies deliver robust cleaning action but can damage delicate parts. High frequencies, on the other hand, deliver provide gentler cleaning but may take a longer time to remove contaminants.

In order to insure that the industrial ultrasonic cleaner works as expected for a specific cleaning application, the right frequency and power must be provided. For existing cleaning tanks, a separate immersible transducer is typically the easiest solution. For new cleaning tanks, a built-in transducer is mostly preferred to avoid problems with transducer placement and vibrations.

Optional measures such as using heat and/or using mild cleaning chemicals can help in dissolving and removing more difficult contaminants. Heat is often useful in cleaning applications that involve heavy contamination that include grease and oil since higher temperatures soften these contaminants so they are easier to remove.

For more details on this topic read the complete article “How to Select the Right Type of Ultrasonic Cleaner”. For help with selecting the right ultrasonic cleaner for your application contact Kaijo for a free consultation or quote at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

How Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems Are Used to Clean Industrial Lenses

Ultrasonic cleaning systems can effectively clean glass lenses, however due to the special characteristics of lenses, selecting the correct ultrasonic frequency, power and bath is critical.

Industrial lenses that are made of pure glass are ideal candidates for ultrasonic cleaning. The ultrasonic generator produces high-frequency electronic signal, and the transducer immersed in the ultrasonic bath converts that signal to ultrasonic waves within the liquid.  The waves within the cleaning bath generate cavitation bubbles in the pressure troughs, and then they collapse in the pressure peaks. The action of the cavitation bubbles produces a powerful scrubbing and cleaning action against the hard surfaces of the lenses, dislodging contaminants from the surface.

While glass itself would not be affected by ultrasonic cleaning systems, it may have been treated with a special coating or surface treatments that can be damaged at certain frequencies, in heated baths or when used with added detergents.

Lower frequencies – Produce larger cavitation bubbles with a more robust cleaning action.

High frequencies – Produce smaller cavitation bubbles with a gentler cleaning action.

The power produced by the ultrasonic system affects the cleaning time. If the power is too low, too few bubbles are generated, and the cleaning process will take longer. The power level should be exactly enough so that it can produce the maximum amount of cavitation bubbles that will allow the quickest and most thorough cleaning action on industrial lenses.

Robust cleaning with the addition of detergents and/or heat will speed up the cleaning process on pure glass lens. However, if the lens has any coating, the same cleaning measures may damage the lens coating. Thus, the required frequency for cleaning coated glass lenses must be high enough to avoid damaging coatings that are softer than pure glass.

The complete article, “How Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems Are Used to Clean Industrial Lenses” goes into more detail. If you would like additional information, or have questions, please contact Kaijo through email at info@kaijo-shibuya.com or call (408) 675-5575.

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.

Using Ultrasonic Cleaners in Disaster Restoration

Items recovered from disasters (like floods, hurricanes, and fires) are often covered with dirt, soot and mold. There are traditional cleaning methods for cleaning recovered items such as wiping, soaking in harsh chemicals or rough mechanical scrubbing. These methods may leave residue or cause damage to these items, while there's little assurance that they would come out completely cleaned.

Ultrasonic cleaning system is the ideal alternative to the traditional methods in cleaning these items.

This system works by generating ultrasonic waves and the tiny cavitation bubbles in the water (or water mixed with a mild detergent). The bubbles form and collapse in time with the frequency of ultrasonic waves. When these bubbles collapse against the surface of the items being cleaned, they create a strong cleaning and scrubbing action, knocking off and loosening dirt and contaminants from the surface.

One of the greatest advantages of ultrasonic cleaning over traditional cleaning methods is that the former cleans the items thoroughly – even items with complicated shapes and hard-to-reach holes and crevices. It cleans effectively and precisely, without the risk of damage to the items being cleaned.

Choosing the right frequency is the key for successful cleaning. For robust items with hard surfaces, opt for the low frequency (26 to 38 kHz) which produces large, energetic cavitation bubbles for the robust cleaning action. For cleaning delicate items, choose higher frequencies (450 to 950 kHz) which generates smaller bubbles for gentler cleaning.

Adding mild but specific solvents to the cleaning solution is required only for cleaning more stubborn dirt and contaminants. This is to ensure rapid and complete cleaning of the items.

Do you need to restore items after a natural disaster? Read the complete article “Using Ultrasonic Cleaners in Disaster Restoration” to learn how ultrasonic cleaners can help. If you have questions, or would like more information, you may contact Kaijo Shibuya by calling 408-675-5575 or by sending an email to info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

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.