Ultrasonic energy is introduced into the body of water via Transducers, these are specifically shaped blocks of metal that sandwich piezoelectric material.
Piezoelectric materials have the amazing property of vibrating when an electric current is passed through them, and the transducer harnesses this effect and channels the vibrations through the metal blocks (See below).
Because the transducers run on electricity they are placed onto the outside of the cleaning tank and face inwards to transfer the vibrations into the tank.
The vibration of the metal tank means that the entire base (or side) of the tank effectively emits ultrasonic energy into the body of water when the current is switched on. This is the ultrasonic energy which produces the cleaning effect.
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The rapid oscillation of 
these sound waves within the tank causes microscopic implosions (cavitation) in the water. It is this effect which makes ultrasonic cleaning so effective.
The cavitation bubbles act like microscopic scrubbing brushes all over the cleaning tank and remove dirt far more effectively than many other methods, without necessarily requiring chemicals. These bubbles / implosions create a large amount of heat but for a very tiny amount of time and when these implosions come into contact with the part that is submerged in the tank, it has a dramatic cleaning effect.
An additional benefit is that very complicated parts can be cleaned that perhaps have tiny holes and hard to reach areas that would otherwise be extremely difficult and time consuming to clean by other methods.
The Benefits
Ultrasonic cleaning has many benefits over traditional methods, they are summarised as follows:
Versatility
Ultrasonic cleaning is effective at removing all kinds of dirt, grease, oil and even bacteria from a part that would otherwise be hard to clean. With the addition of cleaning chemicals specifically tailored to the cleaning requirement then results can be further improved. In addition when the temperature of the water is raised this also have an improved effect on the cleaning efficiency.
Less effort
Because ultrasonic cleaning submerges the part to be cleaned within a bath of water, anything that the water touches is being cleaned by the ultrasonic action. This means that parts that have been traditionally difficult to clean with crevices, hollows and blind holes will now get the same cleaning action as easy to reach surfaces.
Automated & Repeatable
It provides a relatively automated and consistent process for the end user because cycle times, heat, chemical additives and ultrasonic power can all be controlled and tailored to customer requirements
Energy efficient
Whilst ultrasonic cleaning does require an electrical power source it is often much more efficient due to the reduced amount of overall water it uses compared to jet washing. An ultrasonic cleaning tank can often accommodate more than one part at a time so efficiencies can be further increased.
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If you have any questions about Ultrasonic cleaning or if you think it could aid your cleaning processes please don't hesitate to get in touch.
