Why Frequency Matters in Ultrasonic Cleaning

When you choose an ultrasonic cleaner, the operating frequency is one of the most important factors that determines cleaning results. Ultrasonic waves create microscopic cavitation bubbles in the cleaning solution. These bubbles collapse with high energy, blasting away dirt, grease, and residues.
But here’s the key: different frequencies create different bubble sizes, and this changes how aggressive or gentle the cleaning process is. By understanding the role of frequency, you can match your cleaner to your specific application.
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28 kHz — Strong Cleaning Power for Heavy Soils

• Generates large cavitation bubbles that implode with high energy.
• Best for: removal of heavy carbon deposits, baked-on grease, varnish, and coarse contaminants.
• Commonly used for engine blocks, carburetors, injectors, and industrial metal hardware.
• Note: can cause micro-pitting on softer or delicate metals, so it is not suitable for precision cleaning.

40 kHz — The Universal Standard

• The most popular ultrasonic frequency worldwide, balancing power and finesse.
• Best for: general-purpose cleaning of metals, plastics, glass, ceramics, and composites.
• Removes oils, greases, dirt, flux residues, and biofilms effectively.
• Widely used in workshops, dental and medical practices, laboratories, optics, electronics, and jewelry cleaning.

80 kHz — Gentle Cleaning for Delicate Parts

• Produces smaller bubbles that penetrate into fine crevices without aggressive impact.
• Best for: watchmaking, precision mechanics, optics, and delicate electronic assemblies.
• Excellent for removing fine particles, polishing compounds, and light residues.
• Preferred in semiconductor production, laboratories, and high-precision manufacturing.

120 kHz — Ultra-Fine Cleaning for Sensitive Surfaces

• Creates extremely small cavitation bubbles that clean without mechanical stress.
• Best for: semiconductor wafers, micro-optics, surgical implants, medical instruments, and ultra-fine electronics.
• Removes submicron particles and thin contamination films without damaging fragile surfaces.
• Used in critical cleaning applications where absolute precision is required.

Summary

• 28 kHz — heavy-duty cleaning for industrial and automotive parts.
• 40 kHz — universal, all-purpose frequency for most applications.
• 80 kHz — gentle cleaning for delicate instruments and fine details.
• 120 kHz — ultra-fine cleaning for critical applications like medical and semiconductor industries.

Choosing the right frequency ensures optimal results and longer lifespan of your components.
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What Is Degas Mode in Ultrasonic Cleaners?

Freshly prepared cleaning solutions contain dissolved gases (like oxygen) and air bubbles. These interfere with cavitation, weakening cleaning performance. The Degas Mode is a smart function that removes these gases before cleaning begins.
When activated, the cleaner uses short ultrasonic bursts to release trapped gases. Once the liquid is degassed, cavitation becomes stronger, more stable, and more effective.

Benefits of Degas Mode

• Faster bath preparation – solution is ready for effective cleaning within minutes.
• Improved cavitation power – ensures maximum cleaning performance.
• More consistent results – especially important for delicate and complex parts.
• Essential for labs and healthcare – required in medical, dental, and precision applications where reproducibility is critical.

ASONIC Models with Degas Mode

Degas Mode is available in:

• PRO-70S
• PRO-100S
• PRO-150S
• PRO-300S
• All IND series industrial ultrasonic cleaners

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Final Thoughts

If you’re cleaning robust, dirty parts like carburetors, choose a low-frequency cleaner (28 kHz). For general use, 40 kHz is the safe standard. When working with delicate precision tools, step up to 80 kHz or higher. And for critical cleaning, nothing beats 120 kHz.
Pairing the right frequency with a cleaner that offers Degas Mode ensures stronger cavitation, cleaner results, and longer-lasting instruments.