Key steps to a satisfactory ultrasonic cleaner experience include having clear ideas of what you expect your unit to do. These define the benefits you seek from the ultrasonic cleaner purchase. The benefits, in turn, define the features you should specify.
Benefit-Oriented Ultrasonic Cleaner Features: What to Look For
The continuing growth in the ultrasonic cleaning marketplace is proof positive that the technology is widely accepted across a broad range of applications. Why? Because ultrasonic cleaners, when properly specified, deliver the benefits expected by purchasers. As the authorized U.S. reseller of Elma ultrasonic cleaners, the scientists at Tovatech offer 20+ years of experience in helping you zero in on features you require to achieve the benefits – the results – you seek.
First Step: Define the Cleaning Task(s)
For ultrasonic parts cleaning – contrasted to applications such as sonicator baths for sample preparation – you need to know at the outset:
- the nature and degree of the contaminant(s)
- what is being cleaned – size, configuration, composition…
- target number of parts being cleaned per cycle
- throughput – cleaning cycles required per shift or other measure
- the definition of “clean” as it applies to your specific requirements
- processing or environmental considerations in play
- your own particular objectives….
With answers to these, you are better equipped to zero in on equipment benefits and features.
What Benefits Do You Expect from your Ultrasonic Cleaner?
Benefit: Uniform Cleaning Across All Surfaces
Features: Ultrasonic cleaners equipped with a “Sweep” mode provide a gentle +/- fluctuation in frequency to enhance cleaning uniformity across all surfaces. Other modes such as “Eco” and “Dynamic” * also contribute to cleaning uniformity.
*These and other operating feature/benefits are described in our glossary of terms.
Benefit: Clean Parts with Varying Degrees of Contamination
Feature 1: Ultrasonic cleaning intensity is governed by the ultrasonic frequency employed. Lower frequencies handle tough, tenacious contaminants; higher frequencies provide gentler cleaning for highly finished or delicate parts*.
Benchtop cleaners such as the dual-frequency Elmasonic P series offer a choice of 37 kHz for normal cleaning and 80 kHz for fine cleaning – and the ability to automatically alternate between the two. Mobile Elmasonic Xtra ST industrial units offer 25 kHz for coarse cleaning and 45 kHz for fine cleaning.
Feature 2: Ultrasonic cleaning power* can be adjusted to handle varying degrees of contamination. For example:
The Elmasonic P line with fully adjustable ultrasonic power, allowing you to set the intensity of the ultrasonic cleaning process to suit the durability of the surface to be cleaned. The line has higher average and peak ultrasonic power than any ultrasonic bath on the market.
*For more on this topic check our post “Ultrasonic Cleaner Frequency and Power.”
Benefit: Ability to Program Repeatable Cleaning Tasks
Feature 1: A microprocessor-controlled generator maintains constant ultrasonic power, sensing and adjusting for light or heavy loads in the tank. The result is reproducible cleaning from run to run. This feature is found in all Elma models including the economical Elmasonic E Plus.
Feature 2: Choose models exemplified by the Elmasonic Select series offering up to four programmable cleaning cycles. This lets you call up repetitive cleaning processes for repeatable results and allows fast switching between programs.
Benefit: Safely Clean Delicate Surfaces
Feature: Cleaning delicate surfaces* is accomplished using cleaners equipped with “Sweep.” Another option is the low-intensity “Eco” mode that helps extend tank lifetime and provides quieter operation.
*Soft gemstones, porous or plated items, wood, glued or painted parts are among products that should not be immersed in an ultrasonic bath. If in doubt, contact our scientists.
Benefit: Safe Cleaning with Flammable Solvents
Feature: Safely cleaning small parts using low flash point flammable solvents such as IPA, Toluene and Acetone can be accomplished using flammable solvent beaker kits in a well-ventilated area. Cleaning large parts requires the use of explosion-proof ultrasonic cleaners in an area meeting NFPA as well as local safety regulations. Applications are found in our post How Can I Use Flammable Solvents in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?
Benefit: Reliable Performance over Time
Features: Monitoring operating cycle length, cleaning solution temperature and cleaning solution level is essential to achieving long-term reliable performance of your ultrasonic cleaner. Examples of features to look for include:
- Automatic shut-off after continuous operation after 6, 8, or 12 hours (depending on model)
- Automatic shut-off if cleaning solution temperature reaches 90⁰C (194⁰F)
- Automatic shut-off if cleaning solution level drops, due to drag-out or evaporation, below a set point
- Pro Tip: Reliable performance includes proper equipment maintenance, the lack of which invalidates equipment warranties (See below under Servicing and Warranties). You, as the equipment operator, have a key responsibility: cleaning tank maintenance, including proper removal of hard contaminants that fall to the bottom of the tank during cleaning cycles. For tips on this topic scroll down to “Where do Ultrasonic Cleaning Contaminants Go?” in our post How do Ultrasonic Cleaners Work?
Benefit: Reduce Bath Prep Time
Features: Fresh ultrasonic baths must be mixed (blend in the cleaning solution concentrate) and degassed (remove trapped air that slows cleaning time). Units equipped with a “Pulse” or “Degas” mode* modulate ultrasonic power, producing small spikes to speed the process, and are particularly useful for large-volume ultrasonic cleaners.
*These and other operating feature/benefits are described in our glossary of terms.
Benefit: Achieve Desired Results through Proper Parts Placement
Feature: Cleaning baskets* are key contributors to desired outcomes. Examples include:
- Standard mesh baskets, sized to tank dimensions, hold (uncrowded) parts at the proper position in the bath.
- Fine mesh baskets fit in standard baskets or beakers for small parts cleaning.
- Modular baskets with wall and level dividers hold complex parts at the optimum configuration for efficient cleaning.
- Basket fixtures such as pin sets and clamps hold parts in the right position in the basket for repeatable cleaning results.
- Parts hangers in baskets or suspended from tank rims for cleaning jewelry, fine chains and similar items.
*See below under “Accessories”
Other Ultrasonic Cleaner Benefits to Consider:
User-Friendly Operation is key to satisfactory operations and results. Ultrasonic cleaner features range from simple on-off switches to increasingly sophisticated units providing benefits such as….
- time and temperature settings
- mode settings – degas, pulse, sweep…
- program settings – ultrasonic frequency, power
- power tracking that adjusts to the load
- variable power letting you set the desired intensity
- digital displays of set and actual parameters
- drains facilitating cleaning solution replacement
- casters for mobility on floor-mounted units
- easy servicing via swap-out of control panel/generator assemblies
- other considerations unique to your requirements
Servicing and Warranties protect your investment. Select products offering 2- or 3-year warranties from vendors authorized to service or replace you unit in the event of a malfunction during the warranty period.
Accessories for Ultrasonic Cleaning Efficiency and Throughput
This post covers key considerations when it comes to identifying the benefits your ultrasonic cleaner should deliver in order to select the performance features you should specify.
In addition to features supporting cleaning results, a wide assortment of ultrasonic cleaning accessories is available to support your cleaning requirements.
Additional information is provided in the full benchtop accessory catalog. (JW Note: Put this on the Tovatech site w/ appropriate link.)
Resources for Better Ultrasonic Cleaning Results
Whether you are a newbie or pro, it’s never too late to learn about, or refresh yourself, on the selection, operation, and care of an ultrasonic cleaner. Click these links for useful educational resources: