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Time to jump back into the amazing science behind ultrasonic cleaning! As we've discussed in previous blogs, ultrasonic cleaning occurs in a tank of water that produces a constant series of waves alternatively expanding and compressing to create microscopic bubbles that implode, causing a non-abrasive scrubbing action superior to traditional cleaning methods. Those waves (specifically sound waves) used in ultrasonics are the key component. Hertz, simply put, is used to measure frequency, or cycles per second. So 1 Hz would equal one cycle of a sound wave per second, 20 Hz would be 20 cycles, 100 Hz would be 100 cycles, and so on. Our ears can tell when frequency increases or decreases based on the pitch of the sound being made. The higher the frequency is, the higher the pitch. The lower the frequency is, the lower the pitch. What is truly unique about ultrasonic cleaning, however, is its use of frequencies too high for our ears to hear. What is audible for humans is in between 20 Hz and 20 kHz (1 Kilohertz equals 1000 Hertz). In ultrasonic cleaning, the frequencies used can range from 15 kHz to 400 kHz. It is rare, though, to find parts that need frequencies at such extreme highs and lows in order to be cleaned. The typical frequency used for ultrasonic cleaning applications lands near 40 kHz. If you are wondering which frequency would work best for your cleaning application, there is an easy way to tell what is right. Generally, the lower frequencies in ultrasonic cleaning (20-25 kHz) are best for bigger parts. You can use these frequencies for cleaning large automotive materials. The lower frequencies tend to clean more aggressively, so larger parts can handle the action. For more sensitive and delicate cleaning applications, it is best to use higher frequencies. In the higher frequencies, the waves are able to penetrate through small holes and crevices more easily.
FAQs
The lower frequencies tend to clean more aggressively, so larger parts can handle the action. For more sensitive and delicate cleaning applications, it is best to use higher frequencies. In the higher frequencies, the waves are able to penetrate through small holes and crevices more easily.
What frequency does ultrasonic use? ›
Ultrasound sound waves have frequencies above those audible to the human ear, that is, greater than approximately 20 MHz. Ultrasound typically used in clinical settings has frequencies between 2 and 12 MHz.
What is the difference between 25kHz and 40kHz? ›
40kHz systems generate significantly less audible noise than 20-25kHz systems but not as low as higher frequency systems. 40kHz systems tend to remove particles which are larger than . 7 microns in size and larger. 40kHz systems are less damaging to sensitive metals but damage may still be produced.
How many Hz is a dental ultrasonic cleaner? ›
Frequency output for dental ultrasonic cleaners often range between 40 KHz and 60 KHz. Because ultrasonic cleaners only use electricity to clean and do no use harsh chemicals they are eco-friendly. Most dental lab ultrasonic cleaners are constructed from stainless steel.
What is the physics of ultrasonic cleaner? ›
Ultrasonic cleaning works through high-frequency sound waves transmitted through liquid to scrub clean the surface of immersed parts. The high-frequency sound waves, typically 40 kHz, agitate the liquid solution of water or solvent, and cause the cavitation of solution molecules.
How does frequency affect ultrasonic cleaning? ›
The lower frequencies tend to clean more aggressively, so larger parts can handle the action. For more sensitive and delicate cleaning applications, it is best to use higher frequencies. In the higher frequencies, the waves are able to penetrate through small holes and crevices more easily.
What is the best frequency for ultrasonic cleaning? ›
40 kHz: Middle of the Road Standard
The vast majority of ultrasonic cleaning uses can be covered by this frequency, which has enough power to shake contaminants loose but also can penetrate closer to the substrate without causing damage.
Is ultrasonic cleaning good for your teeth? ›
Ultrasonic dental cleanings can protect your smile from cavities and periodontal disease more comfortably and conveniently. Contact us today to schedule your six-month dental checkup with one of our dental professionals and learn more about how an ultrasonic dental cleaning could benefit you.
Can you clean false teeth in an ultrasonic cleaner? ›
Yes, it is recommended to use a special cleaning solution designed explicitly for ultrasonic denture cleaning. These solutions are formulated to work with the ultrasonic cleaner to provide the best results possible.
Does an ultrasonic cleaner really work? ›
Ultrasonic cleaning is in fact a very effective method of cleaning PCBs. Myth busted. Ultrasonic cleaning doesn't work – Again, this is false. Ultrasonic cleaning is incredibly efficient at removing contaminants when the optimal chemistry, cleaning cycle time, and temperature are used.
The principle of the ultrasonic cleaning machine is to convert the sound energy of the ultrasonic frequency source into mechanical vibration through the transducer.
What are the disadvantages of ultrasonic cleaners? ›
Ultrasonic cleaning can cause damage to some items. The high-frequency sound waves can cause vibrations that may dislodge stones, loosen or damage solder, or even cause the item to crack. Therefore, it is essential to use caution when cleaning items with an ultrasonic cleaner.
What are the waves in ultrasonic cleaning? ›
Frequencies above 18 Kilohertz are usually considered to be ultrasonic. The frequencies used for ultrasonic cleaning range from 20,000 cycles per second or kilohertz (KHz) to over 100,000 KHz. The most commonly used frequencies for industrial cleaning are those between 20 KHz and 50KHz.
What frequency is used in ultrasonic sensor? ›
Ultrasonic transducers operate at frequencies in the range of 30–500 kHz for air-coupled applications. As the ultrasonic frequency increases, the rate of attenuation increases. Thus, low-frequency sensors (30–80 kHz) are more effective for long range, while high-frequency sensors are more effective for short range.
What is the Hz of ultrasonic sound? ›
Ultrasonic refers to sound having frequency higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing. It has frequency above 20,000 Hz.
What is the best frequency for ultrasonic cavitation? ›
Ultrasonic cavitation reduces fat on the human body by vibrating and destroying the fat cells. 30KHz - 40KHz is ideal frequency range to achieve this effect because (1) the wavelength is long enough to penetrate deeply into the fat layers and (2) there is sufficiently high energy to disrupt the fat cell membranes.
What is the sonic frequency? ›
Humans with normal hearing can hear sounds between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. Frequencies above 20,000 Hz are known as ultrasound. When your dog tilts his head to listen to seemingly imaginary sounds, he is tuning in to ultrasonic frequencies, as high as 45,000 Hz.
