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. 

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.

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.

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.