Ultrasonic Cleaning Machines and how they work

What is ultrasonic cleaning? How do ultrasonic cleaning machines work and how do you pick the right machine for your business? ActOn Finishing is here to answer all your ultrasonic cleaning questions in our latest blog…

Ultrasonic Cleaning Machines and How They Work with ActOn Finishing

What is ultrasonic cleaning?

Put simply, ultrasonic cleaning is a process that uses high-frequency sound waves, beyond the upper limit of human hearing (typically above 20,000 hertz), through a liquid to perform various functions and finishing applications. These sound waves are generated by ultrasonic transducers, which are devices capable of converting electrical energy into mechanical vibrations.

How does ultrasonic cleaning work?

The cleaning process works by creating ultrasonic waves that are sent through a liquid cleaning solution, causing the formation and collapse of millions of tiny bubbles. This process, called cavitation, creates intense pressure and temperature changes, which effectively loosen and remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants from the surface of the object being cleaned.

What can ultrasonic technology clean?

Ultrasonic cleaning machines work on a wide range of different materials, meaning they can be used across a variety of different industries. Check out our brochure to discover our range of ultrasonic machines.

Jewellery – Ultrasonic cleaning machines are particularly effective at removing dirt, oils and other contaminants from jewellery, including delicate gemstones and precious metals.
Automotive parts – Ultrasonic cleaning can be used to clean a variety of automotive parts, including carburettors, fuel injectors, and engine components.
Medical and dental instruments – Commonly used to clean medical and dental instruments, such as surgical tools and dental drills, to help ensure they are properly sterilised.
Electronic components – Including printed circuit boards, to remove dirt, oils, and other contaminants that can interfere with their performance.
Domestic items – Ultrasonic cleaners can be used in a domestic setting for a range of reasons, such as the sterilisation of baby toys or cosmetic items like tweezers.
Optical components – Such as lenses and prisms, to remove dirt and oils that can affect their clarity and performance.
Firearms – Including the barrel, magazine, and other firearm components, to remove dirt, powder residue, and other contaminants.

It’s clear that ultrasonic cleaning is a versatile and effective cleaning solution for many industries, surfaces, objects and applications.

How to choose the right ultrasonic cleaning machine for your business

There’s a few things to consider when choosing the right ultrasonic cleaning machine for your business, such as:

Application: Determine the intended use of the ultrasonic machine. Are you looking for a machine that can help with medical imaging, industrial cleaning, laboratory research, or another specific purpose? Different applications may require different features, frequencies, and power levels.

Frequency: Ultrasonic cleaning machines operate at specific frequencies, typically ranging from a few kilohertz to several megahertz. Higher frequencies provide finer detail but have limited penetration, while lower frequencies offer deeper penetration but lower resolution. Choose a frequency that suits the specific application and the type of material you’ll be working with.

Power and Intensity: Consider the power output and intensity requirements of your application. Higher power levels and intensities are typically needed for industrial cleaning or cutting applications, while medical imaging may require a different range of power.

Controls and Features: Evaluate the control options and features provided by the ultrasonic machine. Look for machines with user-friendly interfaces, intuitive controls, and adjustable settings for frequency, power, and time. Additional features like timers, programmable settings, and temperature control can enhance functionality and convenience.

Size and Capacity: Consider the size and capacity of the ultrasonic machine. Ensure it can accommodate the size and quantity of objects or materials you plan to work with. For industrial applications, choose a machine that has an appropriate tank size to fit the parts you need to clean or process. Our ultrasonic cleaning machines come in various sizes, consider how large the parts you will be cleaning are to ensure you get the right size.