How Ultrasonic Cleaners Reduce Labor Costs and Improve Employee Safety

Ultrasonic cleaning technology is a fast and safe way to clean various parts without heavy mechanical brushing or harsh cleaning chemicals. By using ultrasonic cleaners, the cleaning process is faster, more thorough, and efficient – even complicated shapes and hard-to-reach areas can be cleaned effectively. 

Ultrasonic cleaning technology involves the generation of microscopic cavitation bubbles by channeling ultrasonic sound waves through water. When the bubbles burst, they direct small but powerful jets of liquid at the part's surface to be cleaned. These jets dislodge foreign material from the part surfaces and deliver highly effective cleaning action.

The use of ultrasonic cleaning technology provides a significant reduction in costs and labor. Ultrasonic cleaners only require a cleaning solution of water or solution with mild detergent, so there's no need to use harsh cleaning chemicals. There's also no need for mechanical scrubbing or soaking of parts in chemicals which provides a significant reduction of labor.

With ultrasonic cleaners, the operator places the parts to be cleaned in the cleaning tank, sets a timer, and leaves the machine to do its work. Ultrasonic cleaners are completely safe and do not need monitoring. In addition to reduced costs of human resources, there are also big savings from the elimination in the handling, and disposal of toxic and hazardous cleaning chemicals. The elimination of chemicals also results in a much more environmentally friendly operation.

A mild detergent added to the water will speed up the cleaning process for cleaning parts with oily or greasy residues. For cleaning parts with heavy contamination (such as hard, baked-on grime), heating the solution can soften the contaminant and make cleaning more comfortable and faster. These methods are still safer and more efficient compared to traditional cleaning.

Kaijo’s ultrasconic parts cleaners are designed to provide both safety and low cost of ownership. For more details read the complete article, “How Ultrasonic Cleaners Reduce Labor Costs and Improve Employee Safety.” For a free consultation or a quote, contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com

Cleaning Aluminum Engine Parts in an Ultrasonic Cleaner

Aluminum engine parts may require routine cleaning or removal of contaminants before re-building. Because aluminum is softer than steel, scrubbing it or scraping it to remove contaminants may damage the surface of the part. While manual or mechanical scrubbing is the typical cleaning procedure for aluminum, soaking parts in strong solvents to soften hard deposits is another procedure.

Ultrasonic parts cleaners can clean and remove deposits faster and more thoroughly, efficiently, and safely than traditional cleaning methods. What's more, an ultrasonic cleaner delivers superior cleaning results and reduces costs.

Ultrasonic cleaners rely on the generation of microscopic cavitation bubbles in the cleaning solution. As the ultrasonic sound waves pass through the liquid, these bubbles form, and collapse, producing high-energy jets. The jets strike the surface of the aluminum and dislodge deposits and films.

Two of the significant advantages of using ultrasonic cleaners are complete one-step cleaning and a safer working environment. There is no need for manual or mechanical scrubbing or the use of harsh and toxic cleaning chemicals. Just place the parts to be cleaned in the cleaning solution inside the tank and let the ultrasonic system work without supervision. The tiny cavitation bubbles penetrate wherever cleaning solution is present and clean even inside dead-end holes, inside threads, in nozzles, and around intricate shapes. The result is completely cleaned surfaces.

The chosen frequency is also the key to proper cleaning of aluminum engine parts, which use different alloys, coatings, and metal treatments depending on the characteristics needed for the part. The resulting metal surfaces can vary in hardness, which can be damaged by the cleaning action that is too robust. Kaijo can recommend the correct frequency for cleaning aluminum engine parts with different characteristics. Low frequency ultrasonic settings that include the commonly used 40kHz frequency for industrial cleaning will erode aluminum parts. Kaijo assists customers in choosing the proper frequency to safely cleaning critical engine parts.

The size of cavitation bubbles generated by the ultrasonic system depends on the frequency. Low frequencies produce larger bubbles and jets with enough energy to damage soft and delicate surfaces. Higher frequencies, on the other hand, generate smaller bubbles with less jet energy. The lowest frequency delivers extremely powerful and robust cleaning action, which is ideal for cleaning hard surfaces and surfaces with heavy contamination. If the surface of the part to be cleaned is softer, a higher frequency has to be used to avoid pitting of the metal surface.

The complete article, "Cleaning Aluminum Engine Parts in an Ultrasonic Cleaner", provides more detail about how Kaijo's ultrasonic cleaners thoroughly clean aluminum engine parts. For a free consultation or quote contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

Top Automotive Parts Cleaned with an Ultrasonic Cleaning System

Most automotive parts can be cleaned quickly and effectively using an ultrasonic cleaning system. Automotive parts are usually contaminated with oil, grease, and other heavy deposits. The top automotive parts suitable for ultrasonic cleaning include cylinder heads, fuel injectors, carburetors, brake cylinders, and differentials.



Traditional cleaning uses manual or mechanical scrubbing or harsh cleaning chemicals to remove heavy deposits and contamination from automotive parts. Parts may also need to be soaked for extended periods before being subjected to scrubbing, which would take a long time. Chemicals and manual or mechanical scrubbing can damage parts and surfaces. The use of chemicals is expensive as is the manpower needed to clean the parts.



On the other hand, an ultrasonic cleaning system is a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective alternative in cleaning automotive parts. The microscopic bubbles created in the cleaning solution by the ultrasonic waves deliver a powerful scrubbing action that removes contaminants from part surfaces and dislodges residues.



With ultrasonic cleaners, there is no need to add harsh cleaning chemicals or to do manual scrubbing. Just submerge the parts to be cleaned in the cleaning solution inside a tank and leave it unattended. Cleaning the components can be completed in as little as ten or fifteen minutes, and after that, the parts will come out completely clean and free from residues.



For cleaning automotive parts with heavy deposits (such as caked-on grease), heating the solution will soften the deposit and helps speed up the cleaning process. For cleaning excessively oily parts, only a mild detergent is added to remove the oil.



With ultrasonic cleaning, automotive parts will be properly and thoroughly cleaned while leaving them intact, making them ready for assembly.



Read the complete article, “Top Automotive Parts Cleaned with an Ultrasonic Cleaning System,” to learn why Kaijo’s ultrasonic cleaning systems are an ideal solution for cleaning automotive parts. Email Kaijo Shibuya at info@kaijo-shibuya.com or call 408-675-5575 to discuss your cleaning requirements or to schedule a free consultation.

Why Medical Equipment Manufactures Use Ultrasonic Cleaning

Medical equipment used for testing and analysis has to be free from dirt and contamination if the results are to be accurate. Thus, it has to be cleaned thoroughly and to the highest standards, while making sure that the cleaning process would not cause structural damage to them. Commonly used sterilization techniques such as steaming will cause electronics failure, while mechanical scrubbing can damage delicate parts.



That's why specialized medical ultrasonic cleaners are the best solution to remove all surface contaminants quickly and effectively. Ultrasonic cleaning also complements other sanitary medical practices and provides an all-purpose method of cleaning manufactured medical components.



The ultrasonic cleaning method works by the cavitation bubbles created in the cleaning solution from ultrasonic sound waves generated by a medical ultrasonic transducer. The bubbles form in low-pressure areas and collapse at pressure peaks. As the bubbles collapse, they produce a tiny energetic jet of cleaning solution that dislodges surface dirt when it comes in contact with the surface of the part that is being cleaned.



Aside from the correct power, the key to a successful ultrasonic cleaning of medical parts is using the right frequency. Low frequencies generate comparatively large bubbles, high-energy jets, and robust cleaning action. High frequencies, on the other hand, generate smaller bubbles and more gentle cleaning. Depending on the level of surface hardness and the type and level of contamination, users can choose the frequency to clean as quickly as possible without damaging the part surface.



The microscopic cavitation bubbles and the jets that they create are active wherever the cleaning solution is present. That is why they can clean areas that mechanical scrubbing usually cannot reach – complex shapes, dead-end holes, and interior hollows. These jets dislodge and remove all dirt particles and contamination, resulting in a completely clean part surface.



Read the complete article, “Why Medical Equipment Manufacturers Use Ultrasonic Cleaning,” for more details on medical ultrasonic cleaners that Kaijo supplies to the medical manufacturing industry. Contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com to discuss your cleaning requirements.

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.