5 Things to Know Before Buying ultrasonic surgical system

07 Jul.,2025

 

Top 10 Things to Know about Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine

Do you know that cleaning plays a vital role in keeping us healthy and productive? 

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One truth we can’t run away from is that washing and cleaning is not an easy task for everyone, especially when it comes to wiping off germs and other contaminants from an object.

But what if there is a cleaning tool that can do the cleaning job for you while you sit, relax, and watch? An ultrasonic cleaning machine can be the right cleaning tool you need to ease the stress of cleaning in your home and office. Here is why:

Read on to know more about the ultrasonic cleaning machine!

You might be also interested in: What solution should I use with my ultrasonic cleaning machine? 

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

  • What is ultrasonic?
  • What is an ultrasonic cleaning machine?
  • Top things to know about ultrasonic cleaners
  • Closing words about ultrasonic cleaning machine

What Is Ultrasonic?

Ultrasonic is a science that includes a spectrum of sound frequencies that are not audible to the human hearing. The frequency ranges from almost 20,000 to 100,000 cycles per second. The lower and higher frequencies have a different effect and are sometimes used for special applications.

The use of ultrasonic started after World War 1, but transducers were weak, so ultrasonic cleaning was not really used. However, in the s, things started to take a turn as better transducers were available for more efficient and stronger ultrasonic cleaners.

Today, modern technology has spawned the invention of a more reliable and effective ultrasonic cleaning machine.

What Is an Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine?

An ultrasonic cleaner is a device that cleans items by using ultrasound and water or an appropriate cleaning solvent.

Also, it can be said to be a machine that offers the complete and rapid removal of dirt, germs, and other contaminants from items that are put in a tank of water that is agitated with sound waves having a high frequency.

Every ultrasonic cleaner is not constructed to be equal. There are some with bigger sizes, while you can also get a portable ultrasound machine.

They all serve the same purpose, which is cleaning, but they sometimes meet different, specific needs.

Top Things to Know About Ultrasonic Cleaners

1. The Materials that make up an ultrasonic cleaning machine

  • Aluminium or stainless steel – most of the cleaners are constructed with either of the materials, and this makes the ultrasonic cleaning machines durable and lasts a lifetime.

  • Tank – many of the cleaners come with a tank. Each tank varies in size and accommodates different gallons of solvent. There are some without tanks. You will need a bowl or sink to use them. Sonic Soak is a perfect example.

  • Piezoceramic transducers - they are always found at the bottom or side of the tank

  • Timers and temperature controllers – this feature is not found in all models

  • On and off switch – found in all models. Some models offer automatic shut off

  • Drainer – not all ultrasonic machines have this feature, but for the ones that have, the drainer helps to drain solution after cleaning

  • Electrical energy – it powers the transducers. Most ultrasonic cleaners run at an average power of 50 watts to 100 watts per gallon.

  • Rack or basket – helps to prevent scratches or etch while cleaning your item

  • Operating modes ­– some ultrasonic cleaning machines has sweep modes that give a slight fluctuation in the frequency and a pulse mode that boosts ultrasonic power.

Take note that the tank and basket size should be considered when buying an ultrasonic machine. Choose the size based on the objects you want to wash and clean.

2. The Cleaning Mechanism

Once the power cable of an ultrasonic cleaning machine is plugged into a power source and the machine is switched on, the transducer starts changing size almost instantly. It then converts the electrical energy to ultrasonic energy.

Due to the excitement, the transducer increases in size, creates high-frequency compression sound waves and results in rapid formation and collapse of cavitation bubbles.

As the compression waves continue, the cavitation bubbles will grow larger, and when they reach a certain size and can’t retain their shape any longer, the bubbles stir through the liquid, turning it apart.

These bubbles are what impacts against the objects in the tank, causing dust, dirt, germs, oil, pigments, and other contaminants that might have stuck to the items to come off. The same thing occurs when you put a portable ultrasound machine inside a sink or bowl of water.

3. The Frequency

The frequency of ultrasonic waves is measured in thousands of cycles per second, and it is one of the determinants of the cavitation bubble size. High frequencies produce small bubbles that offer gentle cleaning actions.

On the other hand, low frequency produces comparatively large bubbles that collapse inward in a very sudden and violent way. You can hardly distinguish between the sizes of the bubbles visually.

It means if you want to remove dirt and other contaminants from strong and durable items, you need an ultrasonic cleaning machine with lower frequency. But if you want to wash and clean delicate and softer objects like your jewelry and food items you need an ultrasonic cleaner with higher frequencies.

They are also the perfect cleaner for items with tight areas. But frequency of 40 kHz is generally good for most applications. Whether you want to go big or you need a portable ultrasound machine, consider an ultrasound cleaner with dual-frequency if you will be cleaning a variety of objects.

4. Its Ultrasonic Power

I have said it earlier that most ultrasonic cleaning machines operate at 50 watts – 100 watts per gallon. The increase in the power of a cleaner causes an increase in the number of bubbles produced during the cavitation process.

As power increases, the cleaning action of the machine becomes faster. However, it has a limit. Once you exceed the power limit, you risk damaging the items you are cleaning and also wasting energy.

It is good to know that power is described in different ways when it pertains to ultrasonic cleaning. There is the ultrasonic power, which has been discussed above.

Also, we have the total power that drives the entire unit and the peak power, which is the ultrasonic power generated at the sound wave peak.

5. Differences In Ultrasonic Cleaners

Ultrasonic cleaning machines come in different categories. They are:

Industrial heavy duty type – This category comes with heavier compound transducers and hard-bitten generators that generate high wattage per transducers. Their tanks are constructed with heavy-duty welded stainless steel, and the generator is separated from the tank. These types of ultrasonic cleaners are basically used for production cleaning and are very efficacious.

Small lab size tabletop cleaners – They also have heavy transducers but not like the heavy-duty industrial type. The generators are better and are efficient in cleaning lab glass and small objects. Also, the generators are integrated into the same case as the tank. Even though they can be used for a long time, they should not be used for production cleaning because they are not rated for 24/7 operation.

Small toy-like systems – They can be called a portable ultrasound machine. Sonic Soak is a good example of this category of ultrasonic cleaners. They are light-duty cleaning machine that features simple generators and small transducers. This category is used for washing and cleaning jewelry, baby toys, clothes, and food items such as veggies, fruits, meats, and much more. 

6. Cleaning Solutions

This is probably the factor that is mostly ignored; however, it is one of the important factors you have to consider when using an ultrasonic cleaning machine.

Consider the characteristics of the fluid you want to use. Don’t just buy a cleaning solution and pour it inside the ultrasonic cleaning machine without taking a closer look. Generally, most of the cleaners are water-based. But you can use other cleaning solutions for a faster cleaning process.

Make sure you go for a solution that does not have an excessively high or low surface tension. Ensure the solution can knock off dirt and hold it in solution. Also, make sure the fluid is safe to use. It should not be too alkaline or acidic but something fairly near neutral.

Additionally, any cleaning solution you want to use should mix well with water and should also degas quickly. Degassing takes three to four seconds in portable ultrasound machines and other bigger ones.

If you are going to use the ultrasonic cleaner for food items, it is advisable you make use of water. However, if it will be used to clean iron or other materials that can rust, ensure the cleaning solution has a rust inhibitor that prevents rusting on objects after cleaning.

Alternatively, you can save yourself the stress of searching for the perfect ultrasonic cleaning solution to use by asking the manufacturer of the cleaning machine.

7. The Cleaning Time

Typically, the cleaning time of portable ultrasound machines and other ultrasonic cleaners varies greatly. It depends on how dirty an object or part is. Not all items can get clean sufficiently within a few seconds.

The normal trial period can be between 2 – 10 minutes. To thoroughly and completely remove contaminants, you may need to perform an ultrasonic cleaning more than once.

There are machines with lower cycle time while there are some with longer cycle time, which is suitable for people who need a machine that requires minimal supervision.

8. Ultrasonic Cleaning Procedure

To ensure effective cleaning, it may require that you follow some good cleaning procedures.

There are some steps you can follow, but skipping s certain step or not depends on the nature of the items and how dirty or contaminated they are. Generally, ultrasonic cleaning procedures are:

  1. Pre-rinsing – This step is followed in a situation where there are a great number of contaminants to remove. Lukewarm water is used to remove a large amount of debris and contaminants from items.

  2. Put the items in the ultrasonic tank – This is the step that no item can skip. After pre-rinsing your objects, put them inside the tank. This should be done in an orderly manner. You can make use of the basket instead of putting the items inside the tank directly. For portable ultrasound machines such as Sonic Soak, with no tanks, you can put your items in the sink and get it cleaned.

  3. Post ultrasonic cleaning – you can skip this step if you use the right fluid.

9. All the Items Ultrasonic Cleaning Machines Can Clean


The application of ultrasonic cleaners is vast. It can be used to wash and clean food items, baby toys, jewelry, surgical instruments, household tools, brittle materials, and massive engine parts.

Additionally, there exists some portable ultrasound machine that helps in washing and cleaning clothes. They can be used in place of laundry machines, as they are found effective by some users. 

10. How to Maintain and Ultrasonic Cleaners?

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Nowadays, most of the ultrasonic cleaning machines come with one to two years warranty, which can be voided if users do not meet certain conditions. Here are some maintenance tips that can help you use the ultrasonic cleaner for a lifetime:

  • Do not operate it when the solution is too low. It can damage the transducer

  • Do not slope the solution to prevent it from running into the device

  • Do not allow the instrument to touch the bottom of the tank it can scratch or etch the machine

  • Don’t use solutions with a high alkaline or acid level

  • Ensure the ultrasonic cleaning machine does not sit on a wet surface or damp towel or clothes.

  • Ensuring the proper maintenance of the cleaning machine can help you get the best performance possible.

Closing Words about Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine

RND: Everything You Need to Know About Ultrasonic Cleaners

What is Ultrasonic Cleaning?

An ultrasonic cleaner is a sophisticated tool for cleaning a variety of objects, particularly those with hard-to-reach areas or complex components that manual cleaning methods struggle with. Ultrasonic cleaning technology has become essential in sectors like electronics, healthcare, jewellery, aerospace, dental and automotive, offering an ultrasonic cleaning bath that meticulously cleans every nook and cranny.

Professionals in manufacturing, technical services, and engineering can reap significant advantages from an ultrasonic cleaner. This technology not only extends the life and performance of components but also promotes consistent operation by leveraging powerful ultrasonic cleaning capabilities to minimise downtime.

Continue exploring to understand the factors contributing to the efficiency and popularity of ultrasonic cleaner technology in a multitude of fields.

How Does an Ultrasonic Cleaner Work?

The secret behind the effectiveness of an ultrasonic cleaner is cavitation. This phenomenon involves the generation of sound waves through mechanical vibrations in a liquid, leading to the formation and implosion of microscopic bubbles. The implosions which occur within ultrasonic baths bombard the items being cleaned, stripping away grime and debris efficiently without the need for abrasive chemicals.

Items should be arranged in a basket, tray, or glass beaker before immersion in the chosen cleaning fluid to maximise the performance of an ultrasonic bath. The cavitation effect ensures a thorough and even cleanse across the ultrasonic cleaning bath, accessing even the smallest crevices and tight spaces that alternative cleaning methods may overlook. Depending on the application, the cleaning fluid may be water-based, which supports environmental sustainability or solvent-based for a more potent clean.

What Does an Ultrasonic Cleaner Consist of?

An ultrasonic cleaner consists of three parts:

  • The generator
  • The transducer
  • The tank

The Generator

At its core, the generator serves as the heartbeat of an ultrasonic cleaner, transforming AC power from a standard wall outlet into an electrical frequency that activates the transducer, thus driving the ultrasonic cleaning process.

The Transducer

The transducer stands as the pivotal element that produces ultrasonic vibrations within an ultrasonic cleaner, operating at frequencies above the level of human hearing. In regions like Europe and Asia, the majority of ultrasonic cleaners incorporate piezoelectric crystals that convert electrical impulses into ultrasonic energy. These crystals respond to electrical currents and change in size and shape, resulting in consistent linear vibrations. Modern ultrasonic cleaning systems favour ceramic transducers over their metallic counterparts for a more delicate yet efficacious cleaning touch, strategically installed beneath the tank to propagate vibrations.

The Tank

Within the ultrasonic cleaning bath, the component, cleaning solution, and the specifically designed basket, tray, or glass jar for submerging the item coexist. Tanks for ultrasonic cleaner baths come in various sizes to hold different volumes of solvent. Distrelec’s own brand, RND, offers a selection that includes a variety of ultrasonic bath sizes, each engineered to meet diverse requirements. These digital ultrasonic cleaners are not only equipped with a basket but also boast advanced temperature control and timer functions for precise cleaning cycles.

Benefits of Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner

  1. Gentle cleaning: For items that demand a delicate touch, such as intricate mechanical components, the ultrasonic cleaner is perfect. These devices meticulously cleanse by penetrating tiny crevices, effectively eliminating residue without causing harm, leveraging the cavitation effect of ultrasonic cleaning technology.
  2. Versatile: Ultrasonic cleaners are a multipurpose asset across various industries. Automotive professionals utilise ultrasonic parts cleaners to meticulously remove lubricants or debris from machinery, while dental and laboratory settings depend on these ultrasonic cleaners for sterilising dental instruments and purifying glassware.
  3. Efficient: Ultrasonic cleaning is synonymous with efficiency, outperforming other methods by conserving water, showcasing energy efficiency, and accelerating the cleaning process to a remarkable degree.
  4. Safer: The ultrasonic cleaner not only prevents exposure to harmful fumes but also minimises injury risks associated with handling sharp objects, thus offering a safer alternative for cleaning in any work environment.
  5. Convenient and easy – Using an ultrasonic cleaner is a breeze: just place the part along with the detergent into the tank, and let the ultrasonic cleaning equipment do its job. This allows operators the freedom to attend to other duties while the cleaning cycle operates autonomously.

Why Choose an RND Ultrasonic Cleaner?

RND’s digital ultrasonic cleaner models are engineered to offer an automated and uniform cleaning experience, featuring high-end specifications for unparalleled performance. The ultrasonic cleaner series from RND enhances usability with three distinct power modes and essential features, such as fluid temperature regulation and cleaning cycle timers, demonstrating the sophistication of RND’s digital ultrasonic cleaners.

  • Easy-to-read digital display.
  • Robust ultrasonic tanks made from stainless steel.
  • Time selector for an automated and consistent process.
  • Heat selector for more suitable temperatures.
  • Energy-efficient (lower water consumption).
  • Comes with a basket and lid as standard.

RND: How to Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner

Cleaning Modes

All of RND’s digital ultrasonic cleaners have three cleaning modes to help achieve the best performance for the task: degas, delicate and full. Each mode is meticulously designed to boost the efficiency of the ultrasonic cleaner, ensuring superior cleaning outcomes.

Degas

Activating a degas cycle is a crucial step before submerging objects into the ultrasonic cleaner’s basin. This procedure ejects gases from the cleaning fluid, enhancing the liquid’s surface tension and promoting a more comprehensive and efficient cleaning process.

Delicate

For fragile items, the delicate mode on the ultrasonic cleaner reduces the power output by half, safeguarding sensitive materials. Employing this mode in conjunction with a tailored ultrasonic cleaning solution can achieve the best results for delicate components.

Full

When dealing with heavily soiled objects, the full power mode of the ultrasonic cleaner is the go-to option. Leveraging the device’s peak power along with precise temperature control and an appropriate cleaning solution ensures a strong and all-encompassing clean.

How to Clean

General cleaning

For lightly soiled items, employing the ultrasonic cleaner with warm water at 40°C is recommended. Commence with the degas mode, then determine the cleaning time based on the item—generally, a span of 2-10 minutes is sufficient for an exhaustive clean, though some objects might need an additional cycle to fully remove all impurities.

Ultrasonic cleaners that feature extended cycle times present a practical solution for those in search of a device that delivers effective performance with little supervision, guaranteeing a steady degree of ultrasonic cleaning without the need for constant attention.

Enhanced cleaning

In scenarios where parts require deeper cleaning, incorporating an ultrasonic solution into the water of your ultrasonic cleaner is advisable. It’s beneficial to adjust the cleaner’s temperature to a warmer range to clean more efficiently, ideally between 40°C and 60°C, which can significantly boost the ultrasonic cleaning process.

Extensive cleaning

When faced with tenacious dirt, such as heavy carbon deposits or rust on bare metal surfaces, employing an ultrasonic cleaner becomes crucial for a comprehensive cleaning experience. Begin by soaking the items in a strong ultrasonic solution, followed by engaging the full ultrasonic cleaning mode at an elevated temperature to achieve the best results.

How to Choose the Best Ultrasonic Cleaner for Your Application

Considering that ultrasonic cleaners represent a considerable investment, ensuring you select the best ultrasonic cleaner tailored to your needs is vital. Reflect on these factors carefully before finalising your purchase to make a well-informed decision.

Size

Industrial ultrasonic cleaners come in various sizes to suit different cleaning tasks or parts. Prior to purchasing, evaluate the size and volume of the components you plan to clean. If you anticipate cleaning numerous small parts, a larger model of an industrial ultrasonic cleaner might be the most efficient choice.

The dimensions of the baskets within an ultrasonic cleaner are critical, as they hold the items in place during the cleaning cycle. For an all-encompassing clean, parts should typically be submerged entirely. Hence, knowing the working depth of the cleaner’s fluid is essential for the ultrasonic cleaner to perform effectively.

For tasks that involve cleaning elongated objects, the 10 litre ultrasonic cleaner from RND is designed to cater to longer items, guaranteeing a snug fit and exceptional cleaning performance.

Ultrasonic Frequency

Most ultrasonic cleaners operate within the optimal frequency range of 35kHz to 45kHz, which is appropriate for diverse cleaning applications. However, for more demanding cleaning tasks, such as eliminating polishing pastes or lapping abrasives, utilising an ultrasonic cleaner at a lower frequency, like 25 kHz, can be notably more effective.

The fundamental concept is straightforward: the lower the frequency of the ultrasonic cleaner, the bigger the cavitation bubbles generated. These more significant cavitation bubbles lead to powerful implosions, making them highly effective at removing stubborn contaminants. On the flip side, higher frequencies, typically between 80 to 130 kHz, are better suited for the delicate cleaning of soft metals and intricate electronics, providing a gentle yet thorough cleaning experience.

25kHz – When set to its most vigorous setting, the ultrasonic cleaner excels at removing strong pollution, representing the pinnacle of its cleaning capabilities. However, it’s imperative to steer clear of this setting for fragile materials like glass to avert any potential harm.

40kHz – Functioning at its standard frequency power, the ultrasonic cleaner demonstrates proficiency in purging a wide spectrum of materials from impurities, underscoring its adaptability and cleaning prowess.

80kHz – Optimised for items with elaborate designs and hard-to-reach areas, the ultrasonic cleaner at this particular frequency ensures deep penetration of cavitation bubbles into tiny spaces, achieving thorough decontamination.

120 kHz and megasonic – For components requiring meticulous care, such as precision optics and highly sensitive parts, this frequency setting of the ultrasonic cleaner is the go-to option. It’s also the ideal choice for the final cleaning phase, ensuring the removal of any residual dust from already clean components.

Ultrasonic Temperature

Incorporating a heated solution can significantly boost the speed and effectiveness of the cleaning process. Certain ultrasonic cleaners are outfitted with thermostat-controlled heaters, which permit precise temperature modifications to further enhance the cleaning results.

Accessories for Ultrasonic Cleaners

On the Distrelec webshop, you can find a range of ultrasonic cleaning accessories from RND. Some of the main ones include baskets and beakers. 

Baskets

Each RND Ultrasonic Cleaner comes complete with a perfectly sized wire mesh basket, enhancing the device’s functionality. Customers have the option to purchase additional baskets, too. Baskets are recommended to evenly distribute ultrasonic waves and prevent hot spots during the cleaning cycle. All baskets are thoughtfully designed with handles that conveniently extend over the bath lip for secure and effortless handling.

Glass beakers

Beakers are the perfect container for small parts like electronic components and jewellery. Beakers are suspended in the tank with the appropriate basket, and the solution is only required in the beaker. Separating parts to individual beakers enables the user to group components together and use two different solutions at the same time whilst lowering the amount of solution needed. The beakers are made from borosilicate glass, which is a type of glass that is more resistant to rapid temperature changes. Using the jar means that items don’t get lost, and cleaning is faster.

Glass beaker baskets

The Distrelec webshop extends its range of ultrasonic accessories to include baskets for glass beakers, which are meticulously designed to securely hold the glass beakers within the ultrasonic cleaner’s tank. These baskets for glass beakers prevent spillage and guarantee safe handling, with a variety of sizes available to fit different beaker dimensions, ensuring a snug and secure fit for optimal cleaning. They are also available in bundles with the glass jars. 

Ultrasonic Cleaner Tips

Here are some maintenance tips that will keep your ultrasonic cleaner in fantastic condition:

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  • It’s imperative to maintain the correct solution level in your ultrasonic cleaner to safeguard the machine’s transducer and ensure its longevity. Operating the ultrasonic cleaner with a low solution level can be detrimental, so keeping the solution adequately filled is a key aspect of proper ultrasonic cleaner maintenance.
  • To maintain the integrity of both the item being cleaned and the ultrasonic cleaner’s tank, it is important to prevent the item from coming into direct contact with the tank’s bottom as it can scratch the machine.
  • Don’t use solutions with high levels of acid or alkaline.
  • Don’t slope the solution to prevent it from running into the device.
  • Make sure the machine doesn’t sit on a wet surface.
  • Regular and meticulous maintenance of your ultrasonic cleaning machine is crucial to ensure it delivers peak performance. Proper upkeep of the cleaner not only prolongs its life but also guarantees that it consistently provides exceptional cleaning results.

RND Ultrasonic Cleaning Tank 36L

Borosilicate Glass Cleaning Beaker 300ml

RND Ultrasonic Cleaning Basket for 36L Tank

Frequently Asked Questions