Specifying an Ultrasonic Parts Cleaner

When it comes to getting parts really clean nothing beats an ultrasonic parts cleaner to quickly and thoroughly remove the toughest contaminants from the most complex surfaces.  For proof, check examples of applications we provide at the end of this post.  But first:

Why Consider an Ultrasonic Parts Cleaner?

Cleaning any part, whether new or refurbished, can represent significant amounts of time, effort and, without the proper equipment, be unpleasant or dangerous. For example:

• Rugged parts cleaning alternatives include high pressure solvent sprays, hand-held aerosol sprays, manual scrubbing using flammable solvents and other alternatives. Besides yielding sometimes unsatisfactory results these present environmental and health challenges.
• Delicate parts cleaning such as laboratory glass, sharp and complex medical, dental and surgical instruments present breakage and injury challenges that can be eliminated or reduced in an ultrasonic parts cleaner.

How Ultrasonic Parts Cleaners Work

If you know the answer skip to the following sections.

A report by Stratis Research states ultrasonic cleaning "sound waves create microscopic cavitation bubbles in the solution, which rapidly implode, producing powerful cleaning action. This process effectively removes contaminants such as dirt, grease, oil, and other residues from surfaces and intricate components that are difficult to clean using traditional methods."

Our post ultrasonic cleaning, an in-depth look  provides additional details on the topic. 

3 Key Considerations for Specifying an Ultrasonic Cleaner

Before purchasing, you must define these three parameters to ensure the equipment meets your operational needs:

1. Part Size and Volume: This determines the required tank dimensions and solution capacity.
2. Material Characteristics: Are your parts rugged, delicate, or highly finished?
3. Contaminant Nature: What are you removing? (e.g., carbon, grease, blood, or oxidation).

Ultrasonic Cleaner Size: Ultrasonic cleaners are offered with cleaning solution capacities ranging from benchtop units of less than a gallon to floor-mounted industrial units up to 60 gallons and more. 

Critical Note: Parts are cleaned in baskets (without stacking or crowding). Measure your parts against the basket dimensions, not tank dimensions.

Here are five examples:

Pro Tip: Use modular basket systems to customize configurations with pins, holders, dividers and combs to ensure maximum surface exposure for every part.

Understanding Ultrasonic Frequency

The ultrasonic frequency of the unit (measured in kHz) determines the "aggressiveness" of the cleaning.

• 25 kHz: Produces large, powerful bubbles for heavy-duty, coarse cleaning of rugged industrial parts.
• 37 kHz to 45 kHz: Used for most general-purpose cleaning, including engine components and labware.
• 80 kHz: Produces fine bubbles for extremely gentle cleaning of delicate electronics or highly finished parts.

A widely used ultrasonic frequency is 37 kHz as it covers a broad range of cleaning challenges.  An example is the 37 kHz benchtop Elma Xtra 40 industrial ultrasonic cleaner. 

Dual-frequency ultrasonic cleaners are available when requirements differ – such as cleaning delicate or highly contaminated parts.  An example is the dual frequency Elma P180H unit operating at 37 or 80 kHz. Industrial ultrasonic cleaners such as the Elma xtra ST series offer 25 or 45 kHz for coarse and fine cleaning.    

For a more comprehensive explanation, check ultrasonic cleaning – an in-depth look.

Ultrasonic Parts Cleaning Bells and Whistles

If you’ve done a search you’ll find a seemingly endless variety of equipment, some of which offer a simple on-off switch to start the process. Serious parts cleaning calls for knowing what you need against features offered by the unit. 

In addition to ultrasonic frequency noted above, here’s a rundown of requirements and features that help meet them:

Selecting the Right Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution

The equipment is only half the battle; the chemistry does the rest. Most modern formulas are biodegradable concentrates, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective.

A widely used cleaning solution formulation is elma tec clean A4 used on engine parts, metals, glass and ceramics to remove oil, grease, combustion residues and other contaminants. Biodegradable, it is diluted to 2 to 5% with water, making it extremely economical for an ultrasonic parts cleaner.

Other examples include:

For more information on these products and other options for your ultrasonic parts cleaner please check our list of ultrasonic cleaning chemicals. Another resource is ultrasonic cleaning solution selection tips.

Extending the Performance of your Cleaning Solution Formula

Contaminants removed during ultrasonic cleaning remain in the solution or fall to the bottom of the cleaning tank and will impact performance over time.  Our post on extending cleaning solution performance goes into detail on how to prolong the effectiveness of your formula.

Follow local regulations when disposing of spent solutions and skimmed off contaminants. Take time to clean the tank following the user manual. Then fill and degas fresh solution to continue your cleaning operations.

Ultrasonic Parts Cleaner Applications

As noted in our intro, nothing beats an ultrasonic parts cleaner to quickly and thoroughly remove the toughest contaminants from the most complex surfaces.  Examples include:

• Cleaning contaminants from gasoline engine carbs, fuel lines and other critical components
• Meeting VW’s tough fuel injector cleaning specs
• Removing 3D printed mold support
• Fast, efficient laboratory instrument cleaning
• Cleaning once-fired brass cartridge casings prior to reloading
• Maintaining DPF and EGR filters
• An alternative method of cleaning microtube manifolds
• Removing post-molding contaminants from costly plastic injection molds
• Cleaning and restoring products for hobbyists and collectors

Need More Info on Ultrasonic Parts Cleaning?

The cleaning experts at iUltrasonic are available to discuss equipment, processes, and cleaning solution formulations to meet your ultrasonic parts cleaner requirements.

Contact an Ultrasonic Professional Today!

Related Questions and Answers

Q: How do I prevent rust after cleaning iron and steel products?

A: Adding 0.05 to 0.5% elma-ks to the cleaning solution or rinse water provides a protective coating on a molecular level to inhibit corrosion. 

Q: Is it OK to use Acetone in my ultrasonic cleaner?

A: Low flash point solvents such as IPA, Acetone and Toluene create a hazardous condition requiring special equipment and procedures.  Small parts can be cleaned in beaker kits; larger parts require an explosion-proof ultrasonic cleaner.  For more info read best practices for cleaning with flammable solvents.

Q: How do I clean the interior of hollow tubes and similar products?

A:  The recommended procedure is to place the products (i.e. tubes) vertically or on a slant so they are filled with the cleaning solution and dislodged contaminants fall out into the bath.  In other situations it may be necessary to remove the basket, reposition the products and re-immerse them in the solution. Caution: they may be hot!