Understanding Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles in a liquid cleaning solution. These bubbles expand and collapse rapidly, agitating and gently lifting dirt, grease, oils, rust, and other contaminants from surfaces, leaving your items clean without the need for harsh scrubbing.
Benefits of Ultrasonic Cleaning:
Highly effective at cleaning delicate or complex items
Removes contaminants that may be difficult to reach with traditional cleaning methods
Safe for use on a variety of materials including metals, plastics, ceramics, and glass
Ideal for industries such as healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing
Choosing the Right Ultrasonic Cleaner
Tank Size:
Select a cleaner with a tank size that accommodates the items you need to clean. Larger tanks are ideal for bigger parts, while smaller tanks are more suitable for delicate items or small batches.
Power Rating:
The higher the power rating, the more effective the cleaner is for removing tough contaminants. Choose a model with the right power for your cleaning requirements—light-duty cleaning or heavy-duty degreasing.
Frequency:
Low-Frequency (25-40 kHz): Suitable for cleaning items with heavy contamination like automotive parts.
High-Frequency (40-120 kHz): Ideal for delicate parts like electronics or jewellery.
Temperature Control:
A temperature-controlled ultrasonic cleaner is crucial for certain materials. Heat helps enhance cleaning efficiency, especially for grease or oil, but it’s important to ensure the material you're cleaning can withstand elevated temperatures.
Understanding our Different Ranges
Dial Control – BU Series
Perfect for beginners, the BU Series ultrasonic cleaners are easy to use and deliver excellent results with minimal effort. These budget-friendly models feature a simple, semi-automated process. All you need to do is adjust the mechanical timer and thermostat dials to start the cleaning cycle.
Temperature Range: 20-80°C
Cleaning Time: 0-20 minutes
View RangeDigital Control – DI Series
For more control, the DI Series offers digital displays for temperature and cleaning time. This allows for more precise adjustments throughout the cleaning process.
Temperature Range: 0-80°C
Cleaning Time: 0-99 minutes
View RangeCavitek Professional Control – CA Series
For professionals or those working with sensitive or heavily contaminated items, the Cavitek Professional Control range delivers optimal results with its advanced features. This series includes all the controls from the DI Series, along with extra modes for precise cleaning: Degas, Delicate, and Full Power.
Temperature Range: 0-80°C
Cleaning Time: 0-99 minutes
- Degas Mode: Rapidly removes air from the liquid for more efficient cleaning.
- Delicate Mode: Reduces power for cleaning delicate items.
- Full Power Mode: Maximises power for tough, stubborn cleaning tasks.
What is Degassing?
Why is Degassing a Problem?
Any air in the cleaning solution will affect the efficiency of your ultrasonic tank, making it difficult to achieve optimal results. The gas in the fluid disrupts the cavitation process, preventing it from reaching small cavities and providing that microscopic clean. In short, the ultrasonic waves waste energy trying to remove the gas instead of cleaning the items.
What is Degassing and Why is it Important?
You might have read or heard the term "degassing," or noticed that our Cavitek range has a Degas feature. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it so important?
Air and other natural gases are found in liquids, especially in water that comes from a pressurised tap. When you pour a liquid solution into an ultrasonic cleaner, it aerates. You'll often see bubbles rising to the surface, but dissolved gas remains in the fluid that you can’t see.
How Do You Degas the Fluid?
Each time you refill your ultrasonic bath, you'll need to degas the cleaning fluid. This can be done by heating the fluid while running the ultrasonic power.
The degassing is complete when bubbles stop rising, and ripples appear on the surface of the solution. The length of time it takes will depend on your tank's volume. Make sure to degas before placing any parts in the fluid, as doing so while parts are submerged will hinder the process.
Cavitek Professional Range - Degas Function
The Cavitek range of ultrasonic cleaners features a Degas function that makes removing gas from the cleaning fluid quicker and easier. The distinct pulse action of the Degas function will expel the bubbles during the pause cycle, reducing the time needed to properly degas the solution.
View Cavitek RangeSome Frequently Asked Questions
Ultrasonic cleaners are suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
– Rings, watches, and delicate metalwork
– Nuts, bolts, carburettors, fuel injectors
– Scalpels, forceps, dental tools
– Glassware, beakers, test tubes
– Gun parts and casings
– Circuit boards (if fully dried after cleaning)
– Coins, model parts, and diving equipment
Most ultrasonic cleaners come with adjustable temperature and timer controls. The temperature can range from 20-80°C, and the cleaning time typically varies from 0-20 minutes, depending on the level of dirt and the type of object being cleaned.
Yes, using a wire basket (usually sold separately) is recommended. It helps to keep items suspended in the tank, preventing direct contact with the bottom, which improves cleaning efficiency and protects the cleaner.
Yes, but avoid overcrowding. Items should be spaced apart so that the cleaning solution can circulate freely around them for an even clean. Using a wire basket helps to keep items properly positioned.
Yes, but distilled or deionised water is always recommended, especially for delicate items like jewellery or medical tools, as it reduces mineral deposits that could be left behind.
Yes, many models include a built-in heating element (20-80°C) to improve cleaning effectiveness, especially for removing grease, oil, and hardened contaminants. Please check the product description
Standard Warranty: All products are guaranteed for one year from the date of purchase (unless otherwise specified).
During the warranty period, we will repair or replace any defective products at no charge (return-to-base warranty), excluding normal wear and tear.
If you need a fast, effective, and hands-free way to clean delicate or intricate items, an ultrasonic cleaner is a great investment. Consider the size, power, frequency (40KHz is ideal for general use), and heating options before purchasing.
The tank measurements determine the maximum size of objects that can be cleaned. Always check your item dimensions to ensure they fit comfortably in the tank.
Ultrasonic power (200W) refers to how strong the cleaning waves are. Higher power means stronger vibrations in the water, which create tiny bubbles that clean the dirt off your items. A 200W ultrasonic power is strong enough to clean heavy dirt, but still gentle enough for more delicate items, like jewellery.
Heater power (400W) means the strength of the heater inside the cleaner. The more heater power, the faster the water can get hot. Heating the water helps break down grease and sticky substances faster, so your cleaning job is done quicker and more efficiently.
The temperature range (0-80°C) tells you how hot the cleaning solution can get. Hotter water helps clean things like grease, oil, or sticky dirt more easily. So, if you need to clean something that's really dirty, you can turn up the heat. On the other hand, if you're cleaning something delicate, you can keep the water cooler to avoid damage.
Frequency (40kHz) refers to the number of sound waves that the ultrasonic cleaner sends out each second. A 40kHz frequency is the most common and means the cleaner can work quickly and effectively without being too rough. It’s great for cleaning delicate things like jewellery but also strong enough for tougher dirt on things like tools.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Solution
1 Litre General Purpose Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution
General Purpose
Suitable for cleaning a wide range of items, including mechanical parts and tools. Provides effective cleaning for everyday contaminants.
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1 Litre Rust Remover Oxide Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution
Oxide Rust Remover
Specially formulated to remove rust and oxide build-up from metal parts, restoring their condition and functionality.
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1 Litre Carburettor Engine Parts Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution
Carburettor Cleaner:
Ideal for removing stubborn grease, oils, and carbon deposits from carburettors and other engine components.
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1 Litre Jewellery Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution
Jewellery Cleaning:
Gentle yet effective cleaning solution for delicate jewellery items like rings, necklaces, and bracelets, preserving their shine.
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1 Litre Biox Ultrasonic Cleaner Fluid
BIOX:
A non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning solution designed for environmentally friendly ultrasonic cleaning applications.
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1 Litre Glass & Optics Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution
Glass & Optics
Perfect for cleaning glass and optical components without leaving residue or causing damage.
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1 Litre PCB Flux Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution
PCB Flux Cleaner:
Removes flux residue and other contaminants from printed circuit boards (PCBs) without harming sensitive electronics.
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1 Litre Sensitive Metals Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution
Sensitive Metals:
Designed for cleaning soft or precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum without causing tarnishing or damage.
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1 Litre Rapizyme Enzyme Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution
Rapizyme:
A safe and effective solution for cleaning medical instruments, ensuring hygiene and precision for delicate tools.
View RangeWhy Choose Ultrasonic Cleaning Over Traditional Methods?
Ultrasonic cleaning offers numerous advantages compared to conventional cleaning methods:
- Time Efficiency: Ultrasonic cleaners can clean complex parts in just a few minutes, whereas traditional methods can take much longer.
- Reduced Manual Labour: Unlike scrubbing or abrasive cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning requires little human intervention, freeing up labour for more important tasks.
- No Scratching or Damage: Ultrasonic cleaning doesn’t rely on friction, so delicate or high-value items are cleaned without the risk of scratching or damage.
- Environmentally Friendly: Ultrasonic cleaning uses less water and chemical solution compared to traditional methods, making it an eco-friendly choice.
- Consistent Results: The ultrasonic cavitation process ensures every nook and cranny of the object is cleaned evenly, providing consistent and thorough results every time.
- Material Compatibility: Ensure that the item you’re cleaning is compatible with ultrasonic cleaning. Some materials like certain plastics or electronics may require specific frequency settings or extra precautions.
- Solution Compatibility: Make sure the cleaner is compatible with your chosen cleaning solution, whether it’s for rust removal, jewellery cleaning, or PCB flux removal. The correct solution ensures optimal cleaning results and protects your items.
- Maintenance and Care: Regular maintenance, such as replacing the cleaning solution and inspecting the transducers, helps prolong the life of your ultrasonic cleaner. Choose a model with easy-to-clean tanks and clear maintenance instructions.
- Noise Level: Some ultrasonic cleaners may produce more noise than others. If your workspace requires quieter operation, look for units designed for low-noise performance.
- Reduced Chemical Usage: Ultrasonic cleaning uses fewer chemicals than traditional methods, helping reduce overall cleaning costs and environmental impact.
- Minimised Labour Costs: With ultrasonic cleaning, much of the cleaning process is automated, reducing the need for manual labour and enabling faster turnaround times.
- Extended Equipment Lifespan: Ultrasonic cleaning is gentle on parts and materials, helping to preserve and extend the life of valuable equipment, tools, and components.
- Increased Productivity: Faster cleaning cycles mean more items can be processed in less time, improving productivity and reducing downtime in operations.
Key Factors to Consider Before Purchasing an Ultrasonic Cleaner
Before choosing the right ultrasonic cleaner for your needs, keep the following factors in mind:
The Cost-Effectiveness of Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning may involve an initial investment, but it provides long-term cost savings:
What is a foil test?
A foil test is a simple yet effective way to check the performance of an ultrasonic cleaner. It involves suspending a thin sheet of aluminium foil in the cleaning tank while the unit is running. After a short cycle, the foil should show an even pattern of perforations and erosion, indicating that the ultrasonic cavitation is working correctly. If the foil remains mostly intact or has irregular patterns, it may suggest uneven cavitation, improper frequency, or a need for maintenance. Performing regular foil tests ensures your ultrasonic cleaner is operating efficiently, providing consistent cleaning results and preventing issues caused by reduced ultrasonic activity.
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