Camblab - Question. Should I use a heated ultrasonic bath? (2024)

Answer: Ultrasonic cleaning is used in a wide range of applications to effectively and efficiently remove contamination such as dirt, grease, and other residues from components and products. Elma Gmbh have created and developed a range of powerful ultrasonic cleaners, each with their own range of machine functions and accessories designed for use in various applications from parts cleaning to emulsification of biological samples. They strive to continuously improve their technology and maintain a high level of quality throughout their ultrasonic cleaners.

Ultrasonic cleaners work by using high-frequency pressure (sound waves) to agitate a liquid (either water or solvent) and create cavitation bubbles. These forceful bubbles hit the contaminants that have adhered to surfaces and knock them off, thoroughly cleaning the item submerged. In most cases this will clean contaminants far faster and safer than manual cleaning techniques. This method has been used in industry for a long time to clean small objects, everything from jewellery to car fuel injectors to surgical instruments.

So, should I be using heat in my ultrasonic cleaner?

This depends on your application. Some residues, such as blood and tissue on surgical instruments, harden when the temperature increases and this can make it even harder to clean off. Using an ultrasonic cleaner, it is recommended blood is removed from instruments at temperatures below 40⁰C. Some electrical components, such as circuit boards can warp when subjected to high temperatures and therefore require a low temperature to prevent damage to delicate components.

Heat is created as a natural by-product of ultrasonic cleaning – when the cavitation bubbles implode they create shock waves creating enormously high temperatures. As these bubbles are microscopic in size the heat dissipates rapidly, but during long cycles, the temperature of the cleaning solution will rise – this can be up to 60⁰C if the cleaner is left to run continuously. This is something that needs to be taken into account if heat is going to negatively affect your ultrasonic cleaning cycle.

by Emma Atkin

Testing the performance of ultrasonic baths

What solution should I use for cleaning in an ultrasonic bath?

Things you need to know about Ultrasonic Cleaning

How do Ultrasonic hom*ogenisers Work?

Ultrasonic Baths

Why do I need a basket for my ultrasonic bath?

Grant XUB Ultrasonic bath 25L - Digital

Grant XUB Ultrasonic bath 5L - Digital

Grant XUBA Ultrasonic Bath 3L - Analogue

Grant XUB Ultrasonic bath 18L - Digital

Blue Lid For Elma P300H and S150 Ultrasonic Baths

Ultrasonic Bath For Test Sieves Elmasonic Easy 50R

Blue Lids For Elma P-Series Ultrasonic Baths

Grant Stainless Steel Baskets for XUB/XUBA Ultrasonic Baths

Stainless Steel Mesh Baskets For Elmasonic S series or Elma S-Series Ultrasonic Baths

Elma P-Series Digital Ultrasonic Baths

Grant XUB Ultrasonic bath 12L - Digital

Clifton ultrasonic bath lids

Clifton ultrasonic bath

Clifton SW6H 6 Litre Heated and Timed Ultrasonic Bath with Drain Outlet 230V

Clifton SW3H 3 Litre Heated and Timed Ultrasonic Bath 230V

Clifton SW1H 1 Litre Heated and Timed Ultrasonic Bath 230V

Clifton SW12H 12 Litre Heated and Timed Ultrasonic Bath with Drain Outlet 230V