Ultrasonic cleaners

An ultrasonic parts washer provides a high standard of cleaning using ultrasound and a water-based cleaning fluid. A transducer turns electrical energy into a high frequency sound wave, which generates a bubble called a cavitation. When the bubble bursts, it creates a scrubbing action on the part being cleaned and the soil that is on it. The higher the frequency of the ultrasound, the smaller the bubble will be. Smaller bubbles lead to fine cleaning results that are ideal for really intricate parts or medical and dental instruments. Lower frequencies and bigger bubbles give a coarser clean that is better for engines or really heavily soiled parts.

As long as the item can be submerged in liquid without damage and will dry quickly, you will be able to clean it with an ultrasonic machine. Even glass, ceramics and delicate or very thin structures like lenses will cope with cleaning with ultrasound, and the process is ideal for cleaning complex shapes, threads and multi-part items like fine chains.

Ultrasonic machines essentially enhance the cleaning performance of the cleaning fluid used in them. This means that they can be used to remove contaminants from simple dirt and grease to polishing applications and the penetrants used for non-destructive testing. They’re also great at removing the fine particles that tend to adhere to surfaces after grinding or abrading. We’ve even seen ultrasonic cleaners used to remove soot stains from items that have been damaged by fire.

The versatility of ultrasonic cleaning means that there is no single best solution to use. Instead, the ideal cleaning liquid will depend on your particular cleaning needs and industry. For example, Safetykleen’s range includes options specific to the needs of the aerospace industry and for removing rust. Generally speaking, pH neutral to low alkaline fluids with corrosion inhibiting actions are likely to meet most needs.

Absolutely! Ultrasound is a very effective method of precision cleaning for parts and components, and has proven itself across all sorts of industries. The technology has evolved over time to be both powerful and efficient, and is easily tailored to fit specific business needs. Like many automatic parts cleaning approaches it is a great way to create long-term cost efficiencies and improved productivity simply because fewer staff need to be engaged in cleaning, even on an industrial scale.