What is Ultrasonic Cleaning?
An ultrasonic cleaner is a sophisticated tool for cleaning a variety of objects, particularly those with hard-to-reach areas or complex components that manual cleaning methods struggle with. Ultrasonic cleaning technology has become essential in sectors like electronics, healthcare, jewellery, aerospace, dental and automotive, offering an ultrasonic cleaning bath that meticulously cleans every nook and cranny.
Professionals in manufacturing, technical services, and engineering can reap significant advantages from an ultrasonic cleaner. This technology not only extends the life and performance of components but also promotes consistent operation by leveraging powerful ultrasonic cleaning capabilities to minimise downtime.
Continue exploring to understand the factors contributing to the efficiency and popularity of ultrasonic cleaner technology in a multitude of fields.
How Does an Ultrasonic Cleaner Work?
The secret behind the effectiveness of an ultrasonic cleaner is cavitation. This phenomenon involves the generation of sound waves through mechanical vibrations in a liquid, leading to the formation and implosion of microscopic bubbles. The implosions which occur within ultrasonic baths bombard the items being cleaned, stripping away grime and debris efficiently without the need for abrasive chemicals.
Items should be arranged in a basket, tray, or glass beaker before immersion in the chosen cleaning fluid to maximise the performance of an ultrasonic bath. The cavitation effect ensures a thorough and even cleanse across the ultrasonic cleaning bath, accessing even the smallest crevices and tight spaces that alternative cleaning methods may overlook. Depending on the application, the cleaning fluid may be water-based, which supports environmental sustainability or solvent-based for a more potent clean.
What Does an Ultrasonic Cleaner Consist of?
An ultrasonic cleaner consists of three parts:
- The generator
- The transducer
- The tank
The Generator
At its core, the generator serves as the heartbeat of an ultrasonic cleaner, transforming AC power from a standard wall outlet into an electrical frequency that activates the transducer, thus driving the ultrasonic cleaning process.
The Transducer
The transducer stands as the pivotal element that produces ultrasonic vibrations within an ultrasonic cleaner, operating at frequencies above the level of human hearing. In regions like Europe and Asia, the majority of ultrasonic cleaners incorporate piezoelectric crystals that convert electrical impulses into ultrasonic energy. These crystals respond to electrical currents and change in size and shape, resulting in consistent linear vibrations. Modern ultrasonic cleaning systems favour ceramic transducers over their metallic counterparts for a more delicate yet efficacious cleaning touch, strategically installed beneath the tank to propagate vibrations.
The Tank
Within the ultrasonic cleaning bath, the component, cleaning solution, and the specifically designed basket, tray, or glass jar for submerging the item coexist. Tanks for ultrasonic cleaner baths come in various sizes to hold different volumes of solvent. Distrelec’s own brand, RND, offers a selection that includes a variety of ultrasonic bath sizes, each engineered to meet diverse requirements. These digital ultrasonic cleaners are not only equipped with a basket but also boast advanced temperature control and timer functions for precise cleaning cycles.
Benefits of Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner
- Gentle cleaning: For items that demand a delicate touch, such as intricate mechanical components, the ultrasonic cleaner is perfect. These devices meticulously cleanse by penetrating tiny crevices, effectively eliminating residue without causing harm, leveraging the cavitation effect of ultrasonic cleaning technology.
- Versatile: Ultrasonic cleaners are a multipurpose asset across various industries. Automotive professionals utilise ultrasonic parts cleaners to meticulously remove lubricants or debris from machinery, while dental and laboratory settings depend on these ultrasonic cleaners for sterilising dental instruments and purifying glassware.
- Efficient: Ultrasonic cleaning is synonymous with efficiency, outperforming other methods by conserving water, showcasing energy efficiency, and accelerating the cleaning process to a remarkable degree.
- Safer: The ultrasonic cleaner not only prevents exposure to harmful fumes but also minimises injury risks associated with handling sharp objects, thus offering a safer alternative for cleaning in any work environment.
- Convenient and easy – Using an ultrasonic cleaner is a breeze: just place the part along with the detergent into the tank, and let the ultrasonic cleaning equipment do its job. This allows operators the freedom to attend to other duties while the cleaning cycle operates autonomously.
Why Choose an RND Ultrasonic Cleaner?
RND’s digital ultrasonic cleaner models are engineered to offer an automated and uniform cleaning experience, featuring high-end specifications for unparalleled performance. The ultrasonic cleaner series from RND enhances usability with three distinct power modes and essential features, such as fluid temperature regulation and cleaning cycle timers, demonstrating the sophistication of RND’s digital ultrasonic cleaners.
- Easy-to-read digital display.
- Robust ultrasonic tanks made from stainless steel.
- Time selector for an automated and consistent process.
- Heat selector for more suitable temperatures.
- Energy-efficient (lower water consumption).
- Comes with a basket and lid as standard.
RND: How to Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner
Cleaning Modes
All of RND’s digital ultrasonic cleaners have three cleaning modes to help achieve the best performance for the task: degas, delicate and full. Each mode is meticulously designed to boost the efficiency of the ultrasonic cleaner, ensuring superior cleaning outcomes.
Degas
Activating a degas cycle is a crucial step before submerging objects into the ultrasonic cleaner’s basin. This procedure ejects gases from the cleaning fluid, enhancing the liquid’s surface tension and promoting a more comprehensive and efficient cleaning process.
Delicate
For fragile items, the delicate mode on the ultrasonic cleaner reduces the power output by half, safeguarding sensitive materials. Employing this mode in conjunction with a tailored ultrasonic cleaning solution can achieve the best results for delicate components.
Full
When dealing with heavily soiled objects, the full power mode of the ultrasonic cleaner is the go-to option. Leveraging the device’s peak power along with precise temperature control and an appropriate cleaning solution ensures a strong and all-encompassing clean.
How to Clean
General cleaning
For lightly soiled items, employing the ultrasonic cleaner with warm water at 40°C is recommended. Commence with the degas mode, then determine the cleaning time based on the item—generally, a span of 2-10 minutes is sufficient for an exhaustive clean, though some objects might need an additional cycle to fully remove all impurities.
Ultrasonic cleaners that feature extended cycle times present a practical solution for those in search of a device that delivers effective performance with little supervision, guaranteeing a steady degree of ultrasonic cleaning without the need for constant attention.
Enhanced cleaning
In scenarios where parts require deeper cleaning, incorporating an ultrasonic solution into the water of your ultrasonic cleaner is advisable. It’s beneficial to adjust the cleaner’s temperature to a warmer range to clean more efficiently, ideally between 40°C and 60°C, which can significantly boost the ultrasonic cleaning process.
Extensive cleaning
When faced with tenacious dirt, such as heavy carbon deposits or rust on bare metal surfaces, employing an ultrasonic cleaner becomes crucial for a comprehensive cleaning experience. Begin by soaking the items in a strong ultrasonic solution, followed by engaging the full ultrasonic cleaning mode at an elevated temperature to achieve the best results.
How to Choose the Best Ultrasonic Cleaner for Your Application
Considering that ultrasonic cleaners represent a considerable investment, ensuring you select the best ultrasonic cleaner tailored to your needs is vital. Reflect on these factors carefully before finalising your purchase to make a well-informed decision.
Size
Industrial ultrasonic cleaners come in various sizes to suit different cleaning tasks or parts. Prior to purchasing, evaluate the size and volume of the components you plan to clean. If you anticipate cleaning numerous small parts, a larger model of an industrial ultrasonic cleaner might be the most efficient choice.
The dimensions of the baskets within an ultrasonic cleaner are critical, as they hold the items in place during the cleaning cycle. For an all-encompassing clean, parts should typically be submerged entirely. Hence, knowing the working depth of the cleaner’s fluid is essential for the ultrasonic cleaner to perform effectively.
For tasks that involve cleaning elongated objects, the 10 litre ultrasonic cleaner from RND is designed to cater to longer items, guaranteeing a snug fit and exceptional cleaning performance.
Ultrasonic Frequency
Most ultrasonic cleaners operate within the optimal frequency range of 35kHz to 45kHz, which is appropriate for diverse cleaning applications. However, for more demanding cleaning tasks, such as eliminating polishing pastes or lapping abrasives, utilising an ultrasonic cleaner at a lower frequency, like 25 kHz, can be notably more effective.
The fundamental concept is straightforward: the lower the frequency of the ultrasonic cleaner, the bigger the cavitation bubbles generated. These more significant cavitation bubbles lead to powerful implosions, making them highly effective at removing stubborn contaminants. On the flip side, higher frequencies, typically between 80 to 130 kHz, are better suited for the delicate cleaning of soft metals and intricate electronics, providing a gentle yet thorough cleaning experience.
25kHz – When set to its most vigorous setting, the ultrasonic cleaner excels at removing strong pollution, representing the pinnacle of its cleaning capabilities. However, it’s imperative to steer clear of this setting for fragile materials like glass to avert any potential harm.
40kHz – Functioning at its standard frequency power, the ultrasonic cleaner demonstrates proficiency in purging a wide spectrum of materials from impurities, underscoring its adaptability and cleaning prowess.
80kHz – Optimised for items with elaborate designs and hard-to-reach areas, the ultrasonic cleaner at this particular frequency ensures deep penetration of cavitation bubbles into tiny spaces, achieving thorough decontamination.
120 kHz and megasonic – For components requiring meticulous care, such as precision optics and highly sensitive parts, this frequency setting of the ultrasonic cleaner is the go-to option. It’s also the ideal choice for the final cleaning phase, ensuring the removal of any residual dust from already clean components.
Ultrasonic Temperature
Incorporating a heated solution can significantly boost the speed and effectiveness of the cleaning process. Certain ultrasonic cleaners are outfitted with thermostat-controlled heaters, which permit precise temperature modifications to further enhance the cleaning results.
Accessories for Ultrasonic Cleaners
On the Distrelec webshop, you can find a range of ultrasonic cleaning accessories from RND. Some of the main ones include baskets and beakers.
Baskets
Each RND Ultrasonic Cleaner comes complete with a perfectly sized wire mesh basket, enhancing the device’s functionality. Customers have the option to purchase additional baskets, too. Baskets are recommended to evenly distribute ultrasonic waves and prevent hot spots during the cleaning cycle. All baskets are thoughtfully designed with handles that conveniently extend over the bath lip for secure and effortless handling.
Glass beakers
Beakers are the perfect container for small parts like electronic components and jewellery. Beakers are suspended in the tank with the appropriate basket, and the solution is only required in the beaker. Separating parts to individual beakers enables the user to group components together and use two different solutions at the same time whilst lowering the amount of solution needed. The beakers are made from borosilicate glass, which is a type of glass that is more resistant to rapid temperature changes. Using the jar means that items don’t get lost, and cleaning is faster.
Glass beaker baskets
The Distrelec webshop extends its range of ultrasonic accessories to include baskets for glass beakers, which are meticulously designed to securely hold the glass beakers within the ultrasonic cleaner’s tank. These baskets for glass beakers prevent spillage and guarantee safe handling, with a variety of sizes available to fit different beaker dimensions, ensuring a snug and secure fit for optimal cleaning. They are also available in bundles with the glass jars.
Ultrasonic Cleaner Tips
Here are some maintenance tips that will keep your ultrasonic cleaner in fantastic condition:
- It’s imperative to maintain the correct solution level in your ultrasonic cleaner to safeguard the machine’s transducer and ensure its longevity. Operating the ultrasonic cleaner with a low solution level can be detrimental, so keeping the solution adequately filled is a key aspect of proper ultrasonic cleaner maintenance.
- To maintain the integrity of both the item being cleaned and the ultrasonic cleaner’s tank, it is important to prevent the item from coming into direct contact with the tank’s bottom as it can scratch the machine.
- Don’t use solutions with high levels of acid or alkaline.
- Don’t slope the solution to prevent it from running into the device.
- Make sure the machine doesn’t sit on a wet surface.
- Regular and meticulous maintenance of your ultrasonic cleaning machine is crucial to ensure it delivers peak performance. Proper upkeep of the cleaner not only prolongs its life but also guarantees that it consistently provides exceptional cleaning results.
Recommended Products
RND Ultrasonic Cleaning Tank 36L
Borosilicate Glass Cleaning Beaker 300ml
RND Ultrasonic Cleaning Basket for 36L Tank
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, ultrasonic cleaners are highly effective for many cleaning applications. Their effectiveness stems from the process of cavitation, where millions of tiny bubbles formed by ultrasonic waves implode upon contact with objects submerged in a cleaning solution. This process can remove dirt, grease, oils, and other types of contaminants from surfaces and is especially adept at cleaning items with complex shapes, intricate details, or hard-to-reach areas.
Ultrasonic technology is ideal for cleaning a variety of objects, such as jewellery, dental instruments, metal components, medical equipment, glasses, and electronic parts. It’s especially helpful for things that are hard to clean by hand, such as those with delicate features or complicated forms.
The choice of cleaning solution depends on the type of items being cleaned and the nature of the contaminants. For general cleaning, mild dish soap and water can be effective. For more specialised cleaning, there are solutions formulated for specific materials like metals, plastics, or electronics.
While the majority of goods may safely be cleaned using ultrasonic technology, some materials—such as delicate metals, valuable stones, and objects with loose parts—may be harmed by the cavitation process. If you’re unclear, it’s crucial to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or an expert.
Depending on the object to be cleaned and the degree of pollution, the cleaning cycle’s duration may change. The programmed cycles on the majority of household cleaners range from a few minutes to around twenty minutes. Cycle times for industrial versions might be longer.
Yes, tap water is suitable in most ultrasonic cleaners for basic cleaning tasks. However, adding a cleaning solution or detergent can significantly enhance cleaning effectiveness, especially for greasy or oily items.
Degas refers to the removal of dissolved gases from the liquid, which can hinder the cavitation process. Many ultrasonic cleaners have a degas feature that does this automatically before starting the main cleaning cycle. If not, running the cleaner with the solution for a short period without items can help degas the liquid.
While ultrasonic cleaners are useful for removing impurities and loose rust from metal surfaces, they may not be able to remove deeply ingrained rust. In certain situations, rust removers or specific cleaning solutions specialised for rust removal could be required.
Cleaning and emptying the tank after each use, making sure the cleaner is dry and clean before storing it, and routinely inspecting the appliance for wear or damage are all examples of routine maintenance. It’s also critical to adhere to the precise maintenance guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Despite their versatility, some materials or objects should not be cleaned in ultrasonic cleaners. These include products with loose settings or jewels, fragile or porous stones (such as opals, pearls, and emeralds), various forms of plastic that may break down under extreme cavitation, and goods with weakening adhesive connections. If in doubt, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or seek expert advice.
