Cleaning dirty parts in Industry
Ultrasonic cleaning is a highly effective method for cleaning dirty parts in various industries. The process utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles in a cleaning solution, which implosively collapse near the surface of the parts. This cavitation action provides intense scrubbing and removes dirt, grime, grease, and other contaminants from the parts.
Ultrasonic cleaning is commonly used for a wide range of dirty parts in industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, electronics, and medical. It offers advantages such as thorough cleaning of complex geometries, effective removal of contaminants from hard-to-reach areas, and non-destructive cleaning of delicate parts.
Here’s how ultrasonic cleaning of dirty parts is typically carried out in industrial settings:
- Preparation: The dirty parts are first prepared for ultrasonic cleaning. This involves removing any loose debris or excess dirt from the parts to prevent them from interfering with the cleaning process.
- Selection of Cleaning Solution: A suitable cleaning solution is chosen based on the type of contaminants and the material of the parts. The cleaning solution may include water-based solutions, specialized detergents, solvents, or a combination of these. It’s important to use a cleaning solution that is compatible with the parts and effective in removing the specific contaminants.
- Setup of Ultrasonic Cleaning System: The dirty parts are placed in an ultrasonic cleaning tank or chamber filled with the selected cleaning solution. The tank is equipped with ultrasonic transducers that emit high-frequency sound waves into the solution.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning Process: The ultrasonic cleaning system is activated, and the sound waves create microscopic bubbles in the cleaning solution. These bubbles collapse near the surface of the parts, generating the cavitation effect. The rapid implosion of the bubbles dislodges and removes contaminants from the parts.
- Cleaning Time and Parameters: The cleaning time and parameters, such as the frequency and intensity of the ultrasonic waves, are set based on the type and degree of soiling, the size and complexity of the parts, and the recommendations provided by the equipment manufacturer or cleaning solution supplier.
- Rinse and Dry: After the ultrasonic cleaning process, the parts are rinsed thoroughly to remove any remaining cleaning solution or loosened contaminants. Depending on the specific requirements, this may involve rinsing with water or a specialized rinse solution. The parts are then dried using air blowers, drying ovens, or other appropriate methods to remove excess moisture.
- Inspection and Quality Control: Once the parts are cleaned and dried, they undergo inspection to ensure that the cleaning process has been successful. This may involve visual inspection, measurement, or additional testing methods to verify cleanliness and quality.
It’s important to follow the equipment manufacturer’s guidelines, as well as any safety regulations and recommendations from cleaning solution suppliers, to ensure proper and safe use of ultrasonic cleaning systems for industrial applications.
Industrial cleaning can be very challenging and we can make it much easier with an ultrasonic cleaner. We had the opportunity to capture one of our happy customers at work. In this company they use the PRO 600 ultrasonic cleaner from our Industrial line of cleaners.
They have a production of industrial plastic molds. They produce thousands of these little molds and work continuously for hours every day. Every week or two, the machine needs to be properly cleaned.
Where are larger ultrasonic cleaners used?
Larger ultrasonic cleaners are specially designed and adapted for professional and industrial cleaning. In some cases, it is just as important, and sometimes even more difficult, to thoroughly clean delicate tools in production or large quantities of manufactured items. Cleaning equipment and tools in the industrial world, manufacturing, or companies involved in the restoration of older items can be difficult and time-consuming, sometimes even dangerous.
Saws, knives and other sharp objects need extra attention and caution when cleaning. As a result, we can spend much more time cleaning such items. By choosing the right ultrasonic cleaner, we can clean large quantities of objects that would take a lot of time to clean individually.
Other tools can also have many hidden, hard-to-reach places where dirt or dust can accumulate. In industry, oil, grease and other impurities often accumulate in opaque and hidden parts of machines or tools that we cannot see at all. In such cases, the equipment may malfunction, causing an additional negative effect on your work. In the worst case, the equipment may even become unsafe to use.
CLEANING
In production, impurities on machines and devices can start to leave marks on the products after a long period of use. It is possible to change the shape or even the final appearance of the products, which can again affect the operation and reputation of the company.
When cleaning industrial tools and equipment in an ultrasonic cleaner, you will no longer have such worries. When used correctly, in combination with specially designed cleaning concentrates, you can remove all hidden fats, oils and other grease. In this way, you will ensure the safety of all employees in the company and ensure the long operation of the devices. Safety will also be ensured when cleaning dangerous objects such as knives or saws, and this will further save time for cleaning large quantities of objects.
For industrial cleaning, we offer a wide range of professional ultrasonic cleaners in sizes from 30 to 300 liters. In the industry, the most common is strong cleaning of products, for which the most suitable frequency is 28kHz, which ensures thorough cleaning. If you have not found a suitable ultrasonic bath in our range of products, a custom order is also possible. During working hours, we are always available for discussion or special wishes, on the basis of which we can prepare an offer.
Our industrial PRO models have tanks made of stainless steel (SUS 304) with a thickness of 2 – 2.5 mm. With a welded tank and housing, they ensure a long service life and uncompromising cleaning.
The electronics in industrial ultrasonic cleaners are developed for optimal operation of the transducers and heating plates, as well as an exceptional operating system for ease of use.
Check out the process of cleaning and how it works in this short video.
Cleaning concentrates
ASonic ultrasonic cleaning concentrates have specialized chemical composition which boosts the cleaning process and need to be used according to the special needs of the parts to be cleaned.
Cleaner | Type of impurity | Cleaning material | Dilution % | Recommended temp. |
AS-MLP | Oil, grease, dust, general impurities | Metals, alloys, plastics, rubber, ceramic or glass components | 2% | 40-60°C |
AS-GEN | Oil, grease, dust, general impurities | Metals, alloys, plastics, rubber, ceramic or glass components | 5% | 40-60°C |
AS-CARB | Carbon, grease and general impurities | Carbon and engine parts from brass, aluminium and sensitive materials | 10% | 50-60°C |
AS-OXI | Oxidation, general impurities, carbon and grease | Iron, copper, tin, aluminium and stainless steel | 10% | 40-60°C |
AS-SENS | Oil, fats, lubricants, grease in general impurities | Brass, aluminium, tin and different alloys | 10% | 50-60°C |
AS-PCB | Flux contamination | PCB, brass, copper, aluminium and sensitive materials | 10% | 50-60°C |