Why Ultrasonic Cleaning Is Important to Automotive Manufacturers

Ultrasonic cleaning can remove impurities and contaminants from the surfaces of the machined components, sheet metal, and other items that are finished automotive parts. Such cleaning is required because many parts come out of the manufacturing process with oil, grease, or shop dirt on their surfaces.

There are traditional cleaning methods to clean automotive parts, such as heavy manual scrubbing, harsh cleaning chemicals, and extensive soaking. However, ultrasonic cleaning is the best method as it cleans automotive parts quickly and thoroughly. It’s also cost-effective and environmentally safe.

Ultrasonic cleaning uses microscopic cavitation bubbles to scrub surfaces and remove contaminants. The bubbles are generated by the action of ultrasonic waves in the cleaning solution, and their energy depends on the sound frequency. The automotive ultrasonic cleaners are configurable for the type of part, and contamination found.

In ultrasonic cleaning, the key to a successful cleaning of automotive parts is choosing the proper frequency. Low frequencies produce larger bubbles and more robust cleaning action, while higher frequencies produce smaller cavitation bubbles and gentler cleaning action. The bubbles are present anywhere in the liquid solution, which enables the cavitation bubbles to clean even inside holes, hollow curves, or inside bearings.

Low frequencies are better for cleaning rugged parts made of steel and other harder materials. High frequencies, on the other hand, are more appropriate for cleaning softer or delicate parts (such as aluminum or parts that are coated or treated), so that surface damage such as pitting can be avoided.

 When the right frequency is chosen, dirt and contaminants are entirely removed, leaving the machined parts, sheet metal parts, and other automotive assembly parts thoroughly clean. 

It is vital to have the automotive parts cleaned before assembly, which in turn can improve performance, durability, and resistance to failure. Some parts need to be cleaned before painting or coating. Automotive ultrasonic cleaners can be configured for the type of part and the kind of contamination to ensure quick and thorough cleaning before assembly or subsequent manufacturing steps.

The complete article, “Why Ultrasonic Cleaning is Important to Automotive Manufacturers,” goes into further detail. Contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com to get additional information or schedule a free consultation.

Can an Industrial Ultrasonic Cleaner Clean It?

An industrial ultrasonic cleaner can clean almost any item, as long as it can be immersed in a cleaning tank of water and then dried after cleaning.



Ultrasonic cleaners work by creating microscopic bubbles in water of a cleaning tank to dislodge particles of dirt and contaminants from the surfaces of the parts to be cleaned. Microscopic bubbles, also called cavitation bubbles, are formed when the ultrasonic sound waves travel through water. The sound waves form low-pressure troughs between the waves and high-pressure peaks. The bubbles form at low pressure and collapse at high pressure, releasing a jet of liquid that is powerful enough to dislodge the contaminants off the surfaces of parts that are being cleaned. This cycle repeats thousands of times per second, and the many microscopic jets of water can clean a wide variety of parts.



The great thing about industrial ultrasonic cleaners is that they use plain water for general cleaning of parts. Sometimes, a mild detergent or solvent is added when the parts are heavily contaminated with oil or grease or have contaminants that are difficult to remove.



Heat is also applied to parts contaminated with hard dirt and caked-on residues. In this case, the cleaning tank must have a heater and the ultrasonic transducers that generate the sound waves in the cleaning solution must withstand the high temperatures. The heated water softens the deposits and then the cavitation bubbles do the rest of the cleaning work.



Choosing the right frequency is one of the keys to a successful cleaning of the parts. Low frequencies are appropriate for cleaning rugged parts made of hard and resilient materials such as steel, brass, and cast iron. The comparatively large cavitation bubbles perform a robust cleaning action which is suitable for getting rid of heavy dirt and contaminants. High frequencies, on the other hand, are ideal for cleaning delicate parts, such as medical equipment. The bubbles created at higher frequencies are smaller and the cleaning action becomes gentler and less intense. These delicate parts would suffer surface pitting if the low frequency is used.



For more details read the complete article, “Can an Industrial Ultrasonic Cleaner Clean It?” If you would like a free consultation to discuss how an ultrasonic cleaner can be used to meet your cleaning requirements contact Kaijo at 408-675-5575 or mail info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

How Ultrasonic Cleaners Are Effectively Used in Healthcare Facility

Healthcare industry tools, devices, and equipment must satisfy exceptionally high standards of cleanliness. However, many of these things are usually hard to clean. Items that have been re-used may be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other undesirable contaminants.  Also these items are often delicate and have complex shapes.



Medical equipment usually has intricate shapes, parts, and dead-end holes and crevices. When equipment is used it can have traces of bacteria and other foreign matter that hide in places that are hard to reach and clean. Harsh chemicals and solvents can't be used because their handling might endanger medical personnel traces of them that have been left on the parts that may harm patients. Mechanical scrubbing, on the other hand, may damage the parts and may often miss hidden contamination.



Ultrasonic cleaning systems are an ideal solution since they provide a thorough and consistent cleaning action to remove surface contaminates. It uses either plain or distilled water for general cleaning of parts. Mild detergents and solvents are only added when cleaning more heavily contaminated parts. Ultrasonic cleaners act quickly to remove all foreign matter from an item surfaces, resulting in cleanliness to meet medical standards.



An ultrasonic cleaning system uses an ultrasonic generator to produce a high-frequency signal that is converted to sound waves by a transducer immersed in the cleaning solution. The sound waves create microscopic bubbles that scrub the surfaces of the items being cleaned. Particles of dirt or organic matter are dislodged from the surface of medical equipment, instrument, device, or piece of the equipment and are washed away by the cleaning solution.



The microscopic bubbles, called cavitation bubbles, work rapidly and their even distribution ensures complete and consistent cleaning of medical parts and equipment. The cavitation bubbles are so tiny that they can penetrate the smallest cracks and holes to clean out any debris. Since the cleaning is based on a mechanical action, no harsh cleaning chemicals are needed, and no rinsing or wiping is required.



Rapid cleaning is especially important for healthcare facilities especially those that are in areas hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ultrasonic cleaner's quick and rapid cleaning action to remove all foreign matter from the item's surfaces results in cleanliness to meet stringent medical standards. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that healthcare-associated infections are responsible for 4.5 infections per 100 hospital admissions. Medical equipment that is cleaned completely through the use of ultrasonic cleaning systems will reduce the chances of infections, and reduce risks to the medical personnel and patients.


The complete article, How Ultrasonic Cleaners are Effectively Used in the Healthcare Industry, provides more details. If you have questions or would like to discuss how your facility can use ultrasonic cleaning, contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

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.

Why Ultrasonic Cleaners Provide the Best Green Option for Industrial Cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning systems offer superior cleaning performance as well as a cleaner environmental footprint. Traditional cleaning involves the use of toxic cleaning chemicals and mechanical scrubbing. The chemicals have to be aggressive to clean the part surfaces completely in a reasonable time. However, some industrial cleaning applications take longer periods to complete. They involve other procedures such as prolonged soaking and the final step of mechanical scrubbing to remove leftover traces of contaminants. Mechanical parts are also labor-intensive and can damage the parts to be cleaned. 



Despite these procedures, some contaminants may remain on the part surfaces, and even more so in harder-to-reach places such as holes and crevices, along cracks and inside tanks and reservoirs. It results in poorly cleaned parts that may contaminate processing. Ultrasonic cleaning systems, on the other hand, do not require chemicals or mechanical brushing. They require only plain water, or plain water and mild detergent to clean the parts quickly and thoroughly.



In an ultrasonic cleaning system, the ultrasonic transducer creates high-frequency sound waves in the cleaning solution and the sound waves, in turn, produce microscopic cavitation bubbles in the low-pressure troughs. The bubbles collapse in the high-pressure peaks of the sound waves, releasing a jet of cleaning solution that strikes the part surface, removing the dirt particles. The cavitation bubbles even pass-through holes, crevices, and complex shapes, cleaning them thoroughly.



Ultrasonic cleaning systems don't require purchasing, storing, handling, and neutralizing chemicals. Thus, the work environment is safer for workers and free of aggressive chemicals that require protective measures.


Discover more about ultrasonic cleaners by reading the complete article, “Why Ultrasonic Cleaners Provide the Best Green Option for Industrial Cleaning.” Contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com to discuss your cleaning requirements. As environmental legislation and worker safety regulations have become stringent, ultrasonic cleaners are the wave of the future. They are environmentally friendly and do not require the use of caustic chemicals. Other benefits of ultrasonic cleaners include low operating costs, low capital costs, lower compliance costs, improved productivity and output, and safer work environment.

The Benefits of Using Ultrasonic Cleaners in Industrial Parts Washing

Industrial ultrasonic cleaning is an excellent alternative to traditional cleaning methods which involve mechanical scrubbing and the use of harsh chemicals and solvents. It delivers excellent cleaning performance that is fast and effective while considerably reducing costs.



The cavitation bubbles produced by the ultrasonic cleaning system delivers a powerful mechanical scrubbing action. The cavitation bubbles quickly and thoroughly remove contaminants from the surfaces of parts made of varying materials and with various shapes and sizes.



Industrial ultrasonic cleaners provide many different benefits that include:



1) Smaller environmental footprint – The use of ultrasonic cleaners reduces the environmental footprint as it uses only water or mild detergents that do not need special handling and disposal.



2) Increased worker safety – Harsh cleaning chemicals require special handling and can result in spills or exposing workers to hazardous fumes. Ultrasonic cleaners do not require the use of chemicals and can do the process automatically, leading to reduced human monitoring and increased safety.



3) Higher throughput – Ultrasonic cleaners operate more quickly compared to traditional cleaning methods. The right ultrasonic frequency, cleaning power, cleaning solution, temperature and detergent needs to be selected to achieve the optimum cleaning speed.



4) Improved cleaning performance – The microscopic cavitation bubbles produced by the ultrasonic cleaners appear everywhere in the cleaning solution, which leads to a thorough cleaning action. The bubbles can even clean hard-to-reach places, including parts that are delicate or have complex shapes.



5) Cost savings – Ultrasonic cleaners are cost-effective because they do not require the purchase, storing, handling and disposal of cleaning chemicals. Instead, ultrasonic cleaners use only water or water with mild detergents. There are also no compliance costs associated with the use and disposal of toxic chemicals.



6) Improved output and part longevity – When parts are cleaned completely through ultrasonic cleaning, they last longer and perform better. Traditional cleaning cannot reach inaccessible places and can leave contaminants behind on the surface, which leads to damage to the parts. Ultrasonic cleaners remove all dirt, even in inaccessible places, leaving the parts completely cleaned and free from contaminants.



For more details read the complete article, “The Benefits of Using Ultrasonic Cleaners in Industrial Parts Washing”. If you have any questions about the use of industrial ultrasonic cleaners for your application, contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaiijo-shibuya.com to schedule a free consultation.