In many cases ultrasonic energy is the “go to” solution when it comes to meeting challenges associated with cleaning large parts. Cleaning large parts calls for a large ultrasonic cleaner – one that accommodates parts size and has added features facilitating the entire cleaning cycle. This means more than considering a unit with the capacity to hold parts being cleaned.
Calculating Large Ultrasonic Cleaner Capacity
Remember the old saw about the guy who builds a boat then can’t get it out the door? When specifying an ultrasonic cleaner, the point to remember is parts must fit in the tank.
https://www.elmaultrasonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/large-ultrasonic-cleaner-header.jpg450961elmaknowshttps://www.elmaultrasonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/logo_elma_ultrasonic_authorized_na.pngelmaknows2024-06-20 21:08:202025-04-25 13:52:19Specifying a Large Ultrasonic Cleaner
A report by Polaris Market Research citing ultrasonic cleaner market size through 2032 notes that ultrasonic cleaning “has become a preferred choice because it provides thorough and consistent cleaning, effectively eliminating contaminants, including from intricate and hard-to-reach areas.”
The Polaris report cites markets where ultrasonic cleaner machines find application. This post offers equipment and cleaning solution suggestions related to certain of these markets.
You most likely have parts cleaning challenges not easily resolved by brushes, solvents, wash tanks, sprays and other manual methods that fail to yield satisfactory results. These can all be solved with an ultrasonic parts cleaner.
Here you will learn that cleaning parts, whether new or refurbished, is best accomplished in an ultrasonic parts cleaner. And why mechanics, hobbyists, collectors, manufacturers and others dealing with dirt of most any type rely on an ultrasonic parts cleaner for fast, damage-free results.
Examples Where Ultrasonic Parts Cleaners Shine
Ultrasonic cleaning eliminates risking damage that can result from manually removing post-molding contaminants such as flashing, grease and other residues from costly plastic injection molds.
Ultrasonic parts cleaning is unsurpassed in terms of speed and thoroughness when it comes to removing dried grease, varnishes and other contaminants from carburetors, fuel injectors and other critical engine components.
The old saw “the key to good work is using the right tool for the job” applies equally well to ultrasonic cleaning jobs. In this case the “tool” is selecting one of the many ultrasonic cleaning solutions available to assure the desired results. As you will learn here, there are many cleaning solution formulas available. This post will help you make the right choice(s). There may be instances where you may need more than one formula.
The Ultrasonic Cleaning Solutions Market
Definitions might seem confusing. In some cases cleaning solutions are called chemicals, in other cases “soaps.” In any case, these solutions represent a major market. According to a Dataintelo report “The ultrasonic cleaning chemicals market was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2018. The report projects a “CAGR of 4.4% during 2019-2030.”
First Step in Cleaning Solutions Selection
To help assure best results, you must be aware of these critical points.
What is being cleaned? As you might surmise the requirements to clean engine and drive train assemblies, plastic injection molds, PCBs, and surgical instruments vary substantially.
What are the contaminants? Gross deposits of grease and grime; burned on residues, oils, flashing and grease; solder flux, blood and other contaminants require different procedures.
What is the product made of? Aluminum, steel, glass, plastic, and composites are examples. (Note that chromium-plated products are not suitable for cleaning with ultrasonic energy.)
Product configuration is important. Simple? Complex? Characterized by blind or narrow holes?
Are there post-cleaning requirements? Some may require one or more rinsing steps to remove cleaning bath residues either for sanitation reasons or to prepare the product for further finishing steps such as painting, plating or powder coating.
The global plastic injection molding machine market was valued at $10.4 billion in 2022 and projected to grow to $12.4 billion by 2027 according to a Markets and Markets report. Unrecognized in such reports are the importance and costs of plastic injection molds that support this growth and the role of ultrasonic cleaning in plastic injection mold maintenance.
Ultrasonic Cleaning and Injection Mold Maintenance
According to Rex Plastics, “A small and simple single cavity plastic injection mold usually costs between $1,000 and $5,000. Very large or complex molds may cost as much as $80,000 or more. On average, a typical mold that produces a relatively simple part small enough to hold in your hand costs around $12,000.”
For cost reasons alone injection mold maintenance should figure high on a list of priorities for companies involved in producing injection-molded parts. Here you’ll learn how ultrasonic cleaning plastic injection molds preserves investments without causing wear or the use of harsh chemicals.
One of the first if not the first point in selecting an ultrasonic cleaner is the ultrasonic cleaner capacity. By capacity we mean not the size of the ultrasonic cleaner itself but the size, or dimensions, of the cleaning tank. That’s where cleaning action takes place. If the parts you want to clean can’t be completely immersed in the ultrasonic cleaning solution, you have a problem. This post helps you calculate your ultrasonic cleaner capacity.
Two Basic Approaches to Ultrasonic Cleaner Capacity
You can specify an ultrasonic cleaner in terms of cleaning solution capacity or its ability to completely immerse parts being cleaned. A simple illustration: There’s not much depth to a gallon of water in an 8 quart baking pan. Contrast that depth to a gallon of water in a gallon water jug.
With that in mind, let’s proceed.
Fortunately, ultrasonic cleaners are manufactured in a tremendous variety of sizes. And as suggested, there are two approaches to sizes when speaking in terms of ultrasonic cleaner capacity.
First, “size” can be defined in terms of the tank’s cleaning solution capacity. Second, “size” can be defined in terms of tank dimensions, or its ability to accommodate parts being cleaned.
As you can see by checking our page on the Elmasonic E Plus series, there is a selection 9 tank capacities from 0.25 to 7.5 gallons, all with differing tank dimensions, offered in this series. Industrial-sized units such as the xtra ST series can hold up to 67.4 gallons. Larger-capacity units are also available.
An ultrasonic cleaner is one of options recommended by the CDC to clean reusable dental instruments prior to sterilizing. Uniform sonication in an ultrasonic dental instrument cleaner provides added assurances that blood and tissues are thoroughly removed before sterilization. More on this below but first,
How Uniform Sonication Cleans Dental Instruments
Uniform sonication assures technicians in the central processing area that their dental instruments receive “equal treatment” regardless of their position in the ultrasonic cleaning bath. An example of a dental instrument cleaner providing this advantage is the Elmasonic P30SE available from Elma.
Research at Elma disclosed that key impediment to uniform sonication is interference due to the tank drain duct found on most benchtop ultrasonic cleaners. This was visually demonstrated in a drain-equipped unit: ultrasonic cleaning action on the drain side of the tank was not nearly as vigorous as on the opposite side.
Based on this, the 0.75 gallon P30SE has no drain assuring that powerful cleaning action on reusable dental instruments is uniform during the cleaning cycle. The process is called homogeneous sonication.
The consumer electronics market size was valued at over USD 1 trillion in 2020 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of more than 8% from 2021 to 2027, according to a Global Market Insights report. It defines electronics as computers, laptops, mobile devices, smart wearables, TVs, appliances, etc. Ultrasonic electronics cleaners contribute to reliable operation from manufacturing through servicing these products.
Common to most if not all consumer electronics products is the ubiquitous printed circuit board or PCB. That’s why PCB fabricators or those who sell or service equipment incorporating PCBs and other delicate electronic components include an ultrasonic electronics cleaner in their equipment inventory.
https://www.elmaultrasonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_pcb_ultraosonic_cleaning.jpg400800elmaknowshttps://www.elmaultrasonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/logo_elma_ultrasonic_authorized_na.pngelmaknows2022-06-15 16:05:002025-04-03 17:16:39Restore Mobile Devices with Ultrasonic Cleaners
Elmasonic Select ultrasonic cleaners available from Elmaultrasonic feature 5 ultrasonic modes to simplify task setting and supervision for parts cleaning and maintenance, sample prep, and solvent degassing plus up to 4 commonly used programs for quick call up and reproducible results.
5 ultrasonic modes for powerful, rapid, thorough, reproducible cleaning and mixing
3 cleaning cycle parameters: mode, temperature to 80⁰C/176⁰F, and timer to 6 hours
Store up to 4 programs for quick call-up and reproducible results
Brilliant digital display clearly shows all operating parameters
Ultrasonic cleaning is fast and safe way to remove mold support and other surface contaminants from simple and complex 3-D printed parts. Results are far superior to time-consuming water soaking and the risk of possibly damaging part geometries if manually cleaned using brushes. Here you’ll learn how 3-D printed parts are made, then how ultrasonic energy is used to remove 3D printing mold support from your parts.
How 3-D Printed Parts are Made
3D part printing techniques use a variety of plastics and resins. Examples include ABS, PLA, polyamide (nylon), glass filled polyamide, stereolithography materials (epoxy resins), silver, titanium, steel, wax, photopolymers and polycarbonate.
A popular technique combines two moldable thermoplastic formulations such as ABS for the part itself and PLA for removable mold support. This is a quick means to produce highly complex configurations.
In this instance a key to the efficiency of the process is fast, safe removal of the PLA mold support without risking damage to the ABS part. An ultrasonic cleaner is proven far faster, safer and more effective than water sprays or manual scrubbing.
Other techniques called SLA (stereolithography) and LFS (low force stereolithography) use lasers to build the part without the need of mold support. In these cases uncured resin on the finished product requires removal best accomplished by ultrasonic energy.
https://www.elmaultrasonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_3e_page_header_v2.jpg4501600elmaknowshttps://www.elmaultrasonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/logo_elma_ultrasonic_authorized_na.pngelmaknows2020-05-01 21:06:522020-05-01 21:08:34Use Ultrasonic Energy to Remove 3D Printing Mold Support
Specifying a Large Ultrasonic Cleaner
In many cases ultrasonic energy is the “go to” solution when it comes to meeting challenges associated with cleaning large parts. Cleaning large parts calls for a large ultrasonic cleaner – one that accommodates parts size and has added features facilitating the entire cleaning cycle. This means more than considering a unit with the capacity to hold parts being cleaned.
Calculating Large Ultrasonic Cleaner Capacity
Remember the old saw about the guy who builds a boat then can’t get it out the door? When specifying an ultrasonic cleaner, the point to remember is parts must fit in the tank.
Read moreTop Ultrasonic Cleaner Markets
A report by Polaris Market Research citing ultrasonic cleaner market size through 2032 notes that ultrasonic cleaning “has become a preferred choice because it provides thorough and consistent cleaning, effectively eliminating contaminants, including from intricate and hard-to-reach areas.”
The Polaris report cites markets where ultrasonic cleaner machines find application. This post offers equipment and cleaning solution suggestions related to certain of these markets.
For information on the ultrasonic cleaning process please check how ultrasonic cleaners work.
Read moreUltrasonic Parts Cleaner Specification Tips
You most likely have parts cleaning challenges not easily resolved by brushes, solvents, wash tanks, sprays and other manual methods that fail to yield satisfactory results. These can all be solved with an ultrasonic parts cleaner.
Here you will learn that cleaning parts, whether new or refurbished, is best accomplished in an ultrasonic parts cleaner. And why mechanics, hobbyists, collectors, manufacturers and others dealing with dirt of most any type rely on an ultrasonic parts cleaner for fast, damage-free results.
Examples Where Ultrasonic Parts Cleaners Shine
- Ultrasonic cleaning eliminates risking damage that can result from manually removing post-molding contaminants such as flashing, grease and other residues from costly plastic injection molds.
- Ultrasonic parts cleaning is unsurpassed in terms of speed and thoroughness when it comes to removing dried grease, varnishes and other contaminants from carburetors, fuel injectors and other critical engine components.
- Cleaning diesel particulate and exhaust gas recirculation filters
- Cleaning once fired brass cartridge casings prior to reloading.
- Cleaning finely machined parts to remove cutting oils and abrasive compounds
- Nondestructive testing aircraft engine components as part of maintenance and operations
Read moreCleaning Solutions for Ultrasonic Cleaning Tasks
The old saw “the key to good work is using the right tool for the job” applies equally well to ultrasonic cleaning jobs. In this case the “tool” is selecting one of the many ultrasonic cleaning solutions available to assure the desired results. As you will learn here, there are many cleaning solution formulas available. This post will help you make the right choice(s). There may be instances where you may need more than one formula.
The Ultrasonic Cleaning Solutions Market
Definitions might seem confusing. In some cases cleaning solutions are called chemicals, in other cases “soaps.” In any case, these solutions represent a major market. According to a Dataintelo report “The ultrasonic cleaning chemicals market was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2018. The report projects a “CAGR of 4.4% during 2019-2030.”
First Step in Cleaning Solutions Selection
To help assure best results, you must be aware of these critical points.
- What is being cleaned? As you might surmise the requirements to clean engine and drive train assemblies, plastic injection molds, PCBs, and surgical instruments vary substantially.
- What are the contaminants? Gross deposits of grease and grime; burned on residues, oils, flashing and grease; solder flux, blood and other contaminants require different procedures.
- What is the product made of? Aluminum, steel, glass, plastic, and composites are examples. (Note that chromium-plated products are not suitable for cleaning with ultrasonic energy.)
- Product configuration is important. Simple? Complex? Characterized by blind or narrow holes?
- Are there post-cleaning requirements? Some may require one or more rinsing steps to remove cleaning bath residues either for sanitation reasons or to prepare the product for further finishing steps such as painting, plating or powder coating.
Read moreUltrasonic Cleaning Plastic Injection Molds
The global plastic injection molding machine market was valued at $10.4 billion in 2022 and projected to grow to $12.4 billion by 2027 according to a Markets and Markets report. Unrecognized in such reports are the importance and costs of plastic injection molds that support this growth and the role of ultrasonic cleaning in plastic injection mold maintenance.
Ultrasonic Cleaning and Injection Mold Maintenance
According to Rex Plastics, “A small and simple single cavity plastic injection mold usually costs between $1,000 and $5,000. Very large or complex molds may cost as much as $80,000 or more. On average, a typical mold that produces a relatively simple part small enough to hold in your hand costs around $12,000.”
For cost reasons alone injection mold maintenance should figure high on a list of priorities for companies involved in producing injection-molded parts. Here you’ll learn how ultrasonic cleaning plastic injection molds preserves investments without causing wear or the use of harsh chemicals.
Read moreUltrasonic Cleaner Capacity Selection Tips
One of the first if not the first point in selecting an ultrasonic cleaner is the ultrasonic cleaner capacity. By capacity we mean not the size of the ultrasonic cleaner itself but the size, or dimensions, of the cleaning tank. That’s where cleaning action takes place. If the parts you want to clean can’t be completely immersed in the ultrasonic cleaning solution, you have a problem. This post helps you calculate your ultrasonic cleaner capacity.
Two Basic Approaches to Ultrasonic Cleaner Capacity
You can specify an ultrasonic cleaner in terms of cleaning solution capacity or its ability to completely immerse parts being cleaned. A simple illustration: There’s not much depth to a gallon of water in an 8 quart baking pan. Contrast that depth to a gallon of water in a gallon water jug.
With that in mind, let’s proceed.
Fortunately, ultrasonic cleaners are manufactured in a tremendous variety of sizes. And as suggested, there are two approaches to sizes when speaking in terms of ultrasonic cleaner capacity.
First, “size” can be defined in terms of the tank’s cleaning solution capacity. Second, “size” can be defined in terms of tank dimensions, or its ability to accommodate parts being cleaned.
As you can see by checking our page on the Elmasonic E Plus series, there is a selection 9 tank capacities from 0.25 to 7.5 gallons, all with differing tank dimensions, offered in this series. Industrial-sized units such as the xtra ST series can hold up to 67.4 gallons. Larger-capacity units are also available.
Read moreUltrasonic Dental Instrument Cleaner
An ultrasonic cleaner is one of options recommended by the CDC to clean reusable dental instruments prior to sterilizing. Uniform sonication in an ultrasonic dental instrument cleaner provides added assurances that blood and tissues are thoroughly removed before sterilization. More on this below but first,
How Uniform Sonication Cleans Dental Instruments
Uniform sonication assures technicians in the central processing area that their dental instruments receive “equal treatment” regardless of their position in the ultrasonic cleaning bath. An example of a dental instrument cleaner providing this advantage is the Elmasonic P30SE available from Elma.
Research at Elma disclosed that key impediment to uniform sonication is interference due to the tank drain duct found on most benchtop ultrasonic cleaners. This was visually demonstrated in a drain-equipped unit: ultrasonic cleaning action on the drain side of the tank was not nearly as vigorous as on the opposite side.
Based on this, the 0.75 gallon P30SE has no drain assuring that powerful cleaning action on reusable dental instruments is uniform during the cleaning cycle. The process is called homogeneous sonication.
Read moreRestore Mobile Devices with Ultrasonic Cleaners
The consumer electronics market size was valued at over USD 1 trillion in 2020 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of more than 8% from 2021 to 2027, according to a Global Market Insights report. It defines electronics as computers, laptops, mobile devices, smart wearables, TVs, appliances, etc. Ultrasonic electronics cleaners contribute to reliable operation from manufacturing through servicing these products.
Common to most if not all consumer electronics products is the ubiquitous printed circuit board or PCB. That’s why PCB fabricators or those who sell or service equipment incorporating PCBs and other delicate electronic components include an ultrasonic electronics cleaner in their equipment inventory.
Read moreIntroducing the Elmasonic Select Line: Programmable Cleaning, Five Ultrasonic Modes
Elmasonic Select ultrasonic cleaners available from Elmaultrasonic feature 5 ultrasonic modes to simplify task setting and supervision for parts cleaning and maintenance, sample prep, and solvent degassing plus up to 4 commonly used programs for quick call up and reproducible results.
Use Ultrasonic Energy to Remove 3D Printing Mold Support
Ultrasonic cleaning is fast and safe way to remove mold support and other surface contaminants from simple and complex 3-D printed parts. Results are far superior to time-consuming water soaking and the risk of possibly damaging part geometries if manually cleaned using brushes. Here you’ll learn how 3-D printed parts are made, then how ultrasonic energy is used to remove 3D printing mold support from your parts.
How 3-D Printed Parts are Made
3D part printing techniques use a variety of plastics and resins. Examples include ABS, PLA, polyamide (nylon), glass filled polyamide, stereolithography materials (epoxy resins), silver, titanium, steel, wax, photopolymers and polycarbonate.
A popular technique combines two moldable thermoplastic formulations such as ABS for the part itself and PLA for removable mold support. This is a quick means to produce highly complex configurations.
In this instance a key to the efficiency of the process is fast, safe removal of the PLA mold support without risking damage to the ABS part. An ultrasonic cleaner is proven far faster, safer and more effective than water sprays or manual scrubbing.
Other techniques called SLA (stereolithography) and LFS (low force stereolithography) use lasers to build the part without the need of mold support. In these cases uncured resin on the finished product requires removal best accomplished by ultrasonic energy.
Read more