Why Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems Are Used in the Metal Finishing Industry

Metal finishing involves applying coatings or other kinds of treatments to metal parts surfaces. This is to change the metal part's characteristics, harden the surfaces, or preventing corrosion. Ultrasonic cleaning systems are able to clean these metal surfaces quickly and completely.

These metal finishes include electroplating, which uses an electrode in applying a thin metal film to metal parts; plating using a chemical process; and plating which involves pressing a foil of metal onto part surfaces at high temperature and pressure.

For these metal finishing processes to be successful, the underlying metal surfaces have to be completely clean. Otherwise, the coatings may not adhere properly if the contaminants (such as grease or oil) remain on the metal surface.

Clean and contamination free surfaces allow for the proper adhesion of metal coatings, that's why metal parts must be cleaned completely for the coatings and claddings to adhere. Ultrasonic cleaning systems effectively clean metal surfaces quickly and thoroughly.

In ultrasonic cleaning process metal parts to be coated are immersed in a bath of pure water (or water mixed with a mild detergent). A high-powered ultrasonic generator transmits an electrical signal to an ultrasonic transducer that is placed in the bath and produces ultrasonic waves in the liquid at a selected frequency. The sound waves generate tiny cavitation bubbles that produce a strong scrubbing and cleaning action against the metal surfaces in the bath, dislodging particles and removing contaminants.

Other cleaning methods that use chemicals or mechanical cleaning are often used in metal applications. However, the use of ultrasonic cleaning systems and equipment is faster and does not require the use of harsh cleaning chemicals or intense mechanical scrubbing. Since ultrasonic cleaning requires no chemicals costs are reduced and it is more environmentally friendly.

Read our complete article, “Why Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems Are Used in the Metal Finishing Industry” to learn more. If you have questions or would like to set up a consultation, contact Kaijo Shibuya at info@kaijo-shibuya.com or call 408-675-5575.

How Ultrasonic Cleaners Are Used in Flat Panel Glass Processing

The flat panel glass is used in many products including flat screen products. The manufacturing steps in flat panel glass processing involve the application of coatings, adding semiconductor functions and special treatments of the glass. Manufacturing processes also often leave residues and the glass itself can pick up dirt and contaminants from the shop environment. Before it can be processed further, flat panel glass must be effectively and completely cleaned. Industrial ultrasonic cleaners used in these applications only require the use of mild detergents is safe for workers and the environment.

After flat glass sheets have been cut, the edges need to be polished and the corners rounded. The resulting flat panel glass that has a specific size and shape will then go through additional processing.

The additional process steps can include the addition of color or polarizing filters, layers for liquid crystal displays or chip on glass applications. For each of these process steps, having a clean glass surface is essential. Industrial ultrasonic cleaners are essential to the cleaning process to ensure surface contamination is removed and ensure quality flat panel glass products are produced.

While each of the process steps requires cleaning glass panels, the actual cleaning requirements needed for each steep may be different. For rough cleaning and removal of heavy contamination from the glass itself, the strong cleaning action from a low-frequency ultrasonic system may be appropriate. For filter coatings and chip on glass cleaning requirements, however, higher-frequency systems delivering gentle cleaning without damaging delicate films and components may be required. Since there are many cleaning applications in flat panel manufacturing specific requirements and customized ultrasonic systems may be required.

Kaijo can help flat panel manufacturers effectively use ultrasonic cleaning systems in their production lines to ensure high-quality products are produced. For more information read the complete article titled “How Ultrasonic Cleaners Are Used in Flat Panel Glass Processing.” For more information on Kaijo’s complete line of industrial ultrasonic cleaners and equipment including their turn-key industrial ultrasonic cleaning systems, call 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com for a free quote or consultation.

What Provides the Best Results – Agitation or Ultrasonic Cleaning?

While both agitation cleaning and industrial ultrasonic cleaners work on the same basic principle, their applications and level of efficiency are otherwise different.

Agitation cleaning is best suited for hard metal objects and machine parts that are made of steel or brass. In agitation cleaning, parts are placed in a chemical bath on a moving platform. As the platform moves, the agitation action circulates the cleaning agent so that it comes to contact with the bulk of the parts to remove dirt and contamination.

In ultrasonic cleaning sound waves are utilized to agitate the cleaning liquid at an ultrasonic frequency range created by ultrasonic generators. When such high-frequency waves pass through the liquid, the agitation gives rise to millions of microscopic cavitation bubbles. These bubbles form and collapse quickly, with each implosion sending forth shockwaves over narrower, minute areas. Upon contact with the surface of the parts being cleaned, these shockwaves emit so much power and force that they efficiently remove surface contamination. The cleaning action makes ultrasonic cleaning systems ideal for cleaning a wide variety of parts made of different materials.

What is the most effective cleaning method? The answer depends on several factors including what kind of part is being cleaned. Agitation cleaning is suitable for cleaning hard and heavy parts, but typically it takes more time to clean and can’t be used on more delicate parts. Ultrasonic cleaning can clean a much wider variety of parts from hard and robust parts to more delicate ones much faster without the use of chemicals.

While agitation cleaning usually costs less, there are other expenses that need to be considered such as the use of chemicals, production cost, energy cost and employee time spent, etc. An ultrasonic cleaning system may be more expensive upon purchase, but in the long run, it will save you more money but cutting down production time and use of chemicals and detergents. When all things are considered, industrial ultrasonic cleaning systems will clean parts more effectively in less time which provides the best cost-effective option for most business operations.

Read the complete article, “What Provides the Best Results - Agitation or Ultrasonic Cleaning?” for more details on comparing ultrasonic cleaning with agitation cleaning. Contact Kaijo from a free quote or consultation at info@kaijo-shibuya.com or 408-675-5575 to discuss your requirements.

How an Ultrasonic Cleaner is Configured for Different Cleaning Application

From delicate parts to large machined components, the job of an industrial ultrasonic parts cleaner can be challenging and complicated largely due to different cleaning needs. The best manufacturers offer both standard and customized solutions, with components which can be mixed and matched to any specific needs.

The essential components that are selected for configuring ultrasonic parts cleaners consist of:

1) Generator – creates and amplifies an ultrasonic signal;
2) Transducer – creates physical ultrasonic sound waves from the signal created;
3) Cleaning bath – holds the parts or items that need to be cleaned.

Each of these parts is selected at the configuration stage. Custom features can also be added to these standard components as well in order to meet specific customer’s needs.

When configuring an ultrasonic cleaner, the first step is to look at the cleaning requirements which are usually described by the customer. Then, the design personnel determines the specific equipment needed to meet those requirements, depending on the various factors that include the nature of the contamination and the material of the part being cleaned. Other variables including the size of the parts being cleaned are also considered. For instance, for a single-use application, a low-frequency generator may be used; in the case of larger cleaning baths, multiple transducers can be installed to achieve optimum cleaning performance.

Once the design characteristics are determined, the designers start to look at the kind of transducers to use – there are immersible, mounted and bolt-on varieties – which can be used for different cleaning needs. For example, if the bath to use is an existing tank at the customer's own facility, an immersible transducer is ideal to use. There are also other customizable options which include mounts, a heater and the use of the resonance system, among others.

Companies that need either standard or customized ultrasonic parts cleaners should read the complete article titled “How an Ultrasonic Cleaner Is Configured for Different Cleaning Applications.” Contact Kaijo Shibuya at 408-675-5575 or info@kaijo-shibuya.com for a free quote or consultation to discuss your specific cleaning application.

How Ultrasonic Cleaners Provide Green Industrial Cleaning

As chemicals and their safe handing have increased in cost, industrial ultrasonic cleaners provide an ideal alternative that offers substantial savings while reducing negative environmental effects. Ultrasonic cleaners rely on the mechanical scrubbing action of microscopic cavitation bubbles to remove contaminants from the surfaces of the parts being cleaned rather than using harsh chemicals. This cleaning method is completely and does not require the use of harsh or toxic chemicals.

Traditional industrial cleaning methods are costly and time-consuming. In addition, they are generally not environmentally-friendly because they rely on the action of harsh cleaning chemicals to clean parts and components. Various acids or strong solvents are used in the cleaning process, depending on application requirements. After the cleaning application is completed, the chemical wastes need to be neutralized and disposed of in an acceptable manner. Adding to the cost of the traditional industrial cleaning processes are stringent health and safety measures (such as ventilation standards).

The advantages of Industrial ultrasonic cleaners include rapid and effective cleaning and the ability to clean inaccessible places. The use of ultrasonic cleaning also provides a safer, healthier workplace and a more environmentally friendly operation. These aspects provide additional cost advantages.

Since chemicals no longer are required, the extensive chemical handling infrastructure for traditional industrial cleaning methods is eliminated. Toxic and harsh chemicals also have special storage requirements and spills can be expensive. In addition, chemical mixing and delivery to cleaning tanks can are hazardous and the systems that provide this are expensive to set up and maintain. After use, the chemical waste must be neutralized and safely disposed to meet requirements which have become increasingly costly.

Kaijo’s ultrasonic cleaners provide a flexible solution which allows customers to meet the needs of a wide variety of cleaning applications. Using their complete line of ultrasonic cleaning systems and equipment, Kaijo can provide recommendations on a specific system or combination of system components to meet the specific needs of a customer.


The complete article, “How Ultrasonic Cleaners Provide Green Industrial Cleaning” explains more about the benefits of using ultrasonic cleaners. For a free consultation or quote call 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.

How Ultrasonic Cleaners Provide Effective Cleaning Before Plating or Coating

Ultrasonic parts cleaners are the ideal choice for cleaning metal or plastic parts that will be plated or coated. Parts often have contaminants as a result of machining, buffing compound, or shop dirt. Surface parts that are contaminated will encounter problems with adhesion when they're being coated or plated. Ultrasonic cleaners provide a fast and thorough cleaning of part surfaces, saving time and ensuring complete adhesion. The use of ultrasonic cleaners is completely safe and does not require the use of chemicals to remove dirt or contaminants. The benefits include quicker processing, better throughput, and higher quality results.

How does an ultrasonic parts cleaner work in cleaning parts to be plated or coated? It involves the production of microscopic cavitation bubbles in the cleaning tank. An ultrasonic generator produces a high-frequency electric signal to a transducer, which converts the signal into sound waves as they encounter the cleaning solution.

These sound waves in the cleaning liquid have high-pressure peaks and low-pressure troughs. Cavitation bubbles are formed at low pressure and collapse at high-pressure peaks. The continuous cavitation action results in a mechanical cleaning action and scrubbing effect on the surfaces of the parts to be cleaned. Contaminants and particles are dislodged and carried away by the cleaning solution.


Choosing the appropriate frequency, power and cleaning system configuration is important for effective cleaning before plating or coating. The frequency depends on the structure of the parts as well as the nature of the surface contamination that needs to be removed. Kaijo’s experts work with customers to ensure the right frequency, power and system configuration is used to provide optimum results for their specific cleaning application. 

Kaijo’s ultrasonic parts cleaners provide fast and thorough cleaning of parts, ensuring total and effective adhesion of coatings and planting applications. To learn more about how ultrasonic cleaners work, read the complete article “How Ultrasonic Cleaners Provide Effective Cleaning Before Plating or Coating”. Call Kaijo for a free consultation or quote 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.