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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does ultrasonic cleaning work?

Ultrasonic cleaning is a precision technology that uses high-frequency sound waves to remove dirt and contaminants from parts. These sound waves create microscopic bubbles that implode upon contact with the parts, releasing energy and dislodging contaminants. The dirt, oils, and debris then settle at the bottom of the tank.

The process of bubble formation and implosion is called cavitation, which is common in all ultrasonic cleaners.

Our standard tanks feature transducers placed at the bottom, conforming to market standards to ensure consistent cleaning.

Each tank comes with standard baskets to collect and hold items in place without blocking the wave path.

How long does ultrasonic cleaning generally take?
 

The cleaning time for a specific part depends on several factors, including the amount of dirt and contaminants, the desired cleanliness, the ultrasonic cleaning solution, and the tank temperature. However, ultrasonic cleaning generally takes much less time than other methods, especially hand washing, for industrial, automotive, aerospace, or medical applications.

For example, cleaning an automotive part in one of our ultrasonic machines takes within 10 minutes to remove carbon, grease, and other contaminants. For some manufactured parts, the cycle time can be under a minute.

In contrast, hand cleaning the same part can take hours. If you save just one hour a day at $100 per hour, that’s a $500 weekly savings, or $26,000 annually.

For large-scale manufacturers, even saving a second per part adds up when cleaning thousands of parts each year.

How many parts can we put in a tank?

The size of the tank determines cleaning capacity. At Alstron Singapore, we offer ultrasonic cleaners in 6 categories to suit various applications: (1) table-top, (2) industrial, (3) marine, (4) immersible, (5) separate tank and (6) standalone cleaners.

Table-top ultrasonic cleaners are small, with tanks ranging from 0.7L to 26L. They’re portable and ideal for light-duty tasks.

Industrial ultrasonic cleaners are suitable for industrial, automotive, aerospace, and engineering industries. We offer cleaners ranging from 12L to 420L. The industrial series, or ALT series, includes the following sub-categories: Standard, 3 Phase, Programmable, and Standalone.

Marine ultrasonic cleaners are designed for heavy-duty parts used in shipyards or on vessels. These units often feature a non-neutral power supply (-3NN) and a base structure designed to secure them to decks. We offer models ranging from 90L to 420L.

Immersible units are designed for portability, allowing them to be mounted onto new or existing tanks with various mounting options. Scalable sizing ensures they can be customised to fit different tank types and optimise ultrasonic performance.

Separate tank ultrasonic units are designed with safety in mind, as users' applications may involve volatile or flammable solvents. In such cases, most electronic and electrical components need to be kept separate from the tank.

Standalone ultrasonic units are designed to be functional and budget-friendly for first-time buyers or those seeking a basic option.

Will it clean glass / plastic parts?

Yes, ultrasonic cleaning is ideal for glass and plastic parts as it effectively removes dirt, grease, and contaminants without damaging the material.

However, it may not be suitable for plastics that are too soft or heat-sensitive, as the ultrasonic vibrations can cause warping or damage. Similarly, glass with certain thicknesses can absorb ultrasonic power, reducing cleaning efficiency. In such cases, the power may need to be adjusted based on the thickness to ensure effective cleaning without causing cracks or damage.

Will it remove contaminants from circuit boards?

Yes, circuit boards can be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaning. These applications typically use IPA and flux remover. Select a tank that fully submerges the PCB in the cleaning solution, then rinse and dry it afterward.

What things shouldn’t be cleaned with ultrasonic cleaning?

We do not recommend cleaning these items using ultrasonic methods; this includes sensitive electronic components like MEMS devices (gyroscopes, accelerometers, microphones), delicate aerospace sensors, soft marine fabrics, and jewelry with soft gemstones or loose stones.

Items such as composite materials, vintage jewelry, gold-plated pieces, and lithium-ion batteries may also be damaged by the vibrations caused by certain frequencies. Additionally, parts like delicate seals, connectors, or certain metals may suffer structural damage, and highly porous or water-sensitive materials should be avoided.

Always refer to manufacturer guidelines for specific cleaning instructions.

What solvent or cleaning agent is used with ultrasonic cleaning?

Commonly used cleaning solutions include:

  1. Water-based solutions – These are often mixed with mild detergents or surfactants, suitable for cleaning a wide range of materials without causing damage.
  2. IPA (Isopropyl alcohol) – Used for cleaning electronic components and circuit boards to remove oils, flux, and grease.
  3. Acid-based cleaners – Often used for heavy-duty industrial cleaning, such as removing rust or mineral deposits.
  4. Alkaline-based cleaners – Used to remove oils, greases, and other organic contaminants, especially in industrial and automotive applications.
  5. Solvent-based cleaners – These are typically used for specialised applications, especially in industries where grease and oils are prevalent.

We offer a non-toxic, biodegradable, non-flammable, water-based cleaning solution, available in our store.

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