Ultrasonic Cleaner Configuration for Different Cleaning Applications

From delicate parts to large, rust-covered machine components, industrial cleaning needs can be varied and challenging. The best makers of ultrasonic parts cleaners offer both standard and customized solutions, with components that can be mixed and matched to any specific needs. Choosing a system that is configured or customized to meet the needs of the client will typically work better than off-the-shelf units.

The parts that go into an ultrasonic cleaning system

Three basic components go into the making of an ultrasonic cleaning system: a generator, a transducer and a cleaning bath. The generator creates and amplifies an ultrasonic signal, the transducer creates physical ultrasonic sound waves with the signal created, and the bath holds the work that needs cleaning. Translated to the audio world, the generator is akin to a CD player and amplifier, the transducer would be the loudspeaker, and the bath would be either the cabinet in which the speaker was placed.

Each one of these parts is selected at the configuration stage, from a list of standard components proven to work together. Custom features can also be added to these standard components, as well, in order to meet specific client needs.

Configuring an Ultrasonic Cleaner

A look at the cleaning requirements is the first step in the process that goes into configuring ultrasonic parts cleaners. Typically, the customer describes the requirements of the cleaning tasks on hand, and the design personnel determine the specific equipment needed to meet those requirements.  The equipment used depends on the nature of the dirt or contamination, the material the parts are made of as well as the size of the part being cleaned. With these factors in mind, the supplier determines the design and technical characteristics the unit will possess.

A lot of variables come into play at this point. For instance, in an application involving a single-use application, the designer may select a single low-frequency generator and transducer. In systems that require the ability to clean various kinds of parts, the designer may select a generator and transducer set capable of operating at multiple frequency levels. If a large cleaning bath is required, the designer may install multiple transducers at strategically selected points all across the bath in order to achieve even coverage.

Exploring Deeper Customization

Once the main design characteristics of the unit are determined, the designers begin to look at the kind of transducers to use. Transducers come as immersible, mounted or bolt-on. Different types of transducers may be used with any one generator. If the bath to use is an existing tank at the client’s facility, an immersible transducer may be ideal. Other customizable options include holding mounts for the work to be cleaned, a heater for the bath solution, and the use of a water resonance system, among others. In some of the more complex cleaning applications, multiple transducers with sweep frequency operation are mounted to ensure even wave distribution.

Use Cases

In one case, Kaijo worked with a client who needed complex parts cleaned. Kaijo’s designers and engineers determined that the client needed a system that employed more than one dual-frequency transducer in a cleaning tank that included the use of a water resonance system. In another case, a client needed a model for a wide variety frequencies, power and intensities to achieve robust, yet delicate part cleaning. Kaijo’s Quava high power ultrasonic generator was the ideal solution. With a wide variety of components on hand, ready to go into any design project, Kaijo’s systems can be configured or customized to cover nearly any need.

Kaijo Corporation has been in the industrial ultrasonic cleaning equipment business since 1948. The American operations began in 2013. With a wide variety of generators, transducers and interchangeable tank sizes designed in-house, Kaijo offers some of the most customizable ultrasonic parts cleaners in the industry. Contact Kaijo for a free quote or consultation on selecting the right system to meet your application requirements.