Ultrasonic Cleaner Buyers Guide

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 jewelry.

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

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Digital 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

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Cavitek 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.

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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.

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Choosing the Right Cleaning 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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Oxide Rust Remover

Specially formulated to remove rust and oxide build-up from metal parts, restoring their condition and functionality.

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Carburettor Cleaner:

Ideal for removing stubborn grease, oils, and carbon deposits from carburettors and other engine components.

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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

£15.75 Ex VAT £18.90 Inc VAT

BIOX:

A non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning solution designed for environmentally friendly ultrasonic cleaning applications.

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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

£11.99 Ex VAT £14.39 Inc VAT

PCB Flux Cleaner:

Removes flux residue and other contaminants from printed circuit boards (PCBs) without harming sensitive electronics.

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Sensitive Metals:

Designed for cleaning soft or precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum without causing tarnishing or damage.

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Rapizyme:

A safe and effective solution for cleaning medical instruments, ensuring hygiene and precision for delicate tools.

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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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