What is Ultrasonic Cleaning and How Does it Work?
Within the past decades, the demands for increased cleanliness have driven the development of sophisticated cleaning technologies, such as ultrasonic cleaning. Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-intensity and high-frequency sound waves in a liquid to facilitate the removal of foreign contaminants from surfaces submerged in an ultrasonically activated liquid.
Ultrasonic is a science that includes a spectrum of sound frequencies that are not audible to the human hearing- its frequency ranges from 20,000 to 100,000 cycles per second. From chemical processes to surface conditioning, ultrasonic technology is used in a huge variety of applications. When certain technologies are not enough to remove contaminants (such as spray washing or turbulation), ultrasonic cleaning has a tremendous ability to effectively clean areas that are not accessible with other technologies. Ultrasonic cleaning is able to clean and penetrate any surface that can be reached by a sound-conducting liquid. Including parts with complicated geometries, thread roots, blind holes and other difficult cleaning.
Ultrasonic Frequencies
Ultrasonic cleaners use two types of frequencies, high and low. High frequencies produce small bubbles that offer gentle cleaning actions and low frequencies produce large bubbles. The bubbles form on surfaces and contaminants and collapse in sudden and aggressive ways. This is what causes the cleaning action.
Low frequency is for strong and durable items such as massive engine parts or surgical instruments, while high frequency is for softer objects such as jewellery, baby toys or food items.
What is an Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine?
An ultrasonic machine is a machine that offers the complete removal of dirt and other contaminants using ultrasound waves through liquids like water and cleaning solvents (such as perchloroethylene). The materials that make up an ultrasonic cleaning machine are:
- Aluminium or stainless steel- these materials make the cleaning machines durable
- Tanks- they vary in size to accommodate different components.
- Ultrasonic/Piezoceramic transducers- generate the ultrasonic waves in the liquid
- Timers and temperature controllers
- Drainer- helps drain solution after cleaning
- Rack or basket- helps prevent scratches while cleaning items
The Science Behind the Cleaning
When the power cable of the cleaning machine is plugged and machine is switched on, piezoelectric crystals in the transducer change size and convert electrical energy to ultrasonic energy. This creates high-frequency compression sound waves and results in rapid formation and collapse of cavitation bubbles. As these bubbles become larger, they reach a size in which they cannot retain their shape any longer. The bubbles impact against the objects in the tank, causing dirt, oil, pigments, and other contaminants to come off.
Cleaning Time
The cleaning time can depend on the type of machine, it also depends on how dirty the object is. The normal cleaning period can last between 2 and 10 minutes, but the cleaning cycle can be run more than once.
Why Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner?
Ultrasonic Cleaning is the most efficient, thorough and fastest cleaning method compared to traditional methods. Parts can be deep-cleaned evenly, achieving optimal cleaning results. It is a reliable and consistent method that allows identical cleaning results every time it is used. Ultrasonic Cleaners allow you to clean different items at the same time, saving the time and effort of cleaning individually.
Featured in a range of cleaning machinery, check out the used and new machines have available on our cleaning & degreasing page.
Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
Solvent Vapour Cleaning Machinery
Riley Multiclean 2-120 Ultrasonic Washing & Rinsing Cleaning Line
The Riley Ultrasonic Cleaning and wash machine is a 2 stage operation. Built from 304 Stainless Steel the quality is clear to see at an excellent price.
- Stock No
- DA1400
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Riley Multiclean 2-120
- Year of Manufacture
- 2022
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 670 x 540 x 450
- Process Stages
- 2 Stages, Ultrasonic wash and rinse
- Condition
- Brand New, Current Model
- Availability:
- Available subject to build time
- Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Turbex AC-1,3-2 -LD Front Loading Spray Washer
The AC two stage spray washing range is perfect for water based cleaning on medium to large components, where a single detergent wash followed with a rinse is sufficient. Features 1100mm diameter load.
- Stock No
- DC1483
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Turbex AC-1,3-2 -LD
- Year of Manufacture
- 2006
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 1000 x 1000 x 900
- Process Stages
- Two Stage, Wash and Rinse
- Other Info
- 800Kg Load Capacity
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Vixen Surface Treatments Agisonic 100 Dunk Wash Machine with Ultrasonic and Fixtures Sparge Jetting
This second hand Agisonic is a programmable multi-function wash plant which comprises dunk wash plus ultrasonic functions coupled to a separate wash cycle. There are sparge jets for washing out blind holes or recesses. Components can be set on special jigs, which direct the jets into the hard-to-clean places.
- Stock No
- DC1490
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Vixen Surface Treatments Agisonic 100
- Year of Manufacture
- 2008
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 1000 x 500 x (400 fluid depth)
- Process Stages
- 3 Stages. Ultrasonic, Dunking & Jetting.
- Other Info
- Multi Stage Solution Filtration.
- Condition
- Refurbished by RSW, Excellent Condition
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Ecoclean EcoCWave Automatic Industrial Cleaning System
Durr Ecoclean ® EcoCWave automatic industrial cleaning system. This system offers the user an infinitely variable set up for the cleaning and drying of a wide range of components, using a combination of flood washing, spray washing, ultrasonic cleaning, fixed, rotating or swivelling basket movement. Hot air and vacuum drying.
- Stock No
- DC1514
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Ecoclean EcoCWave
- Year of Manufacture
- 2017
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 670 x 480 x 300
- Process Stages
- 3xclean/rinse/Ultrasonic/Hot air+vac dry
- Other Info
- Full Serviced Dec 2023
- Condition
- Excellent Condition, Current Model, Seen powered at RSW
Kerry ( Guyson International ) Microclean 525/5A Five Stage Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine
Kerry Microclean 525/5A Five stage ultrasonic cleaning, DI rinsing and hot air drying, complete with Autotrans Mk4 30kg robotic basket handling and conveyor system.
.
- Stock No
- DD1526
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Kerry ( Guyson International ) Microclean MF525/5A
- Year of Manufacture
- 2002
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 415 x 525 x 350mm
- Process Stages
- 5
- Other Info
- Autotrans Mk4 robotic handler included
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Kerry ( Guyson International ) 450 Microclean Machine with Autotrans MK3 Robotic handler
Kerry Four stage ultrasonic aqueous cleaning system with Autotrans MK3 Robotic handler. Microclean Compact systems suit a wide range of cleaning needs in aerospace, automotive, electronics and other related industries.
- Stock No
- DD1528J
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Kerry ( Guyson International ) COM MK2B 450A
- Year of Manufacture
- 1997
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 450 x 325 x 350mm
- Process Stages
- 4 Stage, 3 wet stages plus hot air dry
- Other Info
- Basket Size - 400 x 275 x 300 (150mm)
- Condition
- Seen working by RSW, Good Condition
- Location
- Arriving in our warehouse soon
- Price
- Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
Amsonic PLC Controlled, 5 Stage Semi-Auto Aqueous Cleaning Line
5 Stage Amsonic Cleaning Line, comprising of two heated wash / Immersion tanks, plus three rinse tanks to complete the process. Light Guards and operator platform for safe and easy working, 8 baskets for reducing loading and unloading downtime.
- Stock No
- DZ1344J
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Amsonic 5 Tank, Rotational Basket, Wash / Rinse, Line.
- Year of Manufacture
- Recon 2017
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 650 x460 x 730
- Process Stages
- 5 Stages plus load / unload.
- Other Info
- 8 x Hexagonal work baskets 290 AF x 535
- Condition
- From a working environment, Excellent Condition
- Refurbished Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Kerry ( Guyson International ) 450 Microclean Machine
Four stage ultrasonic aqueous cleaning system. Microclean Compact systems suit a wide range of cleaning needs in aerospace, automotive, electronics and other related industries.
- Stock No
- DZ1373
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Kerry ( Guyson International ) CMP MKII 450
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 450 x 325 x 445mm
- Process Stages
- 4 Stage, 3 wet stages plus hot air dry
- Other Info
- requires full service
Riley Ultrasonic Multistage Cleaning Range
The Riley Ultrasonic Cleaning and wash range is available in 2-5 stages with 60-240 litre tanks possible. Built from 304 Stainless Steel the quality is clear to see at an excellent price.
- Stock No
- NEW190
- Category
- Aqueous Ultrasonic Cleaning & Washing
- Model
- Riley Various
- Year of Manufacture
- NEW
- Process Stages
- 2, 3, 4, or 5 stages are available
- Other Info
- Ultrasonic, Heated, Multi Tank Cleaning
- Condition
- Brand New, Unused, Current Model
- Availability:
- Available subject to build time
- Price [?]
- Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
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