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The term ‘cleaning' is usually associated with using water and a cleaning agent to remove impurities from an object. While this is the standard way to clean almost anything, some objects need to be handled with the utmost care since they can become damaged by the action of scrubbing and the use of detergents. Ultrasonic cleaning offers a way around this as instead of using harsh chemicals and physical force, the act of cleaning is performed by using sound waves to agitate liquids. Ultrasonic cleaning machines entered the market in the mid 1990s but it is only now that they have become extremely effective in cleaning objects of a delicate nature. The work is performed efficiently and very quickly, taking only a few minutes to complete. Today, ultrasound is used as a medium of cleaning a variety of materials like watches, golf clubs, firearms, electronic appliances and jewelry. The operating costs are relatively low in view of the results achieved and trump other cleaning technologies like spray washing and oscillation part washing. Process Ultrasonic cleaning is a simple process that involves using a liquid – water or a solvent – and subjecting it to high frequency sound waves. When the liquid is agitated, it takes on the action of a scrubbing brush minus the abrasiveness. The objects to be cleaned are immersed in a tank of liquid. A transducer is used to convert high frequency electrical energy into sound waves which permeates the liquid. As the liquid is agitated, whatever impurities that adhere to the objects are removed. What makes ultrasonic cleaning so effective is the cavitation bubbles that form when the liquid is agitated. Cavitation refers to the formation and implosion of cavities or bubbles in liquid. The energy released during implosion is huge but since the bubbles are so small, the only outcome is the cleaning action. Types In ultrasonic cleaning, a lot depends on the type of tank that is used. Those meant for industrial purposes offer a better spread of cavitation bubbles and heat the cleaning solvent faster. However, they are very expensive. Conversely, cleaners meant for home use are cheaper, much smaller in size and work well on small objects. Home use: Ultrasonic cleaners for home use are often powered by batteries as they're meant to clean only small materials like coins, jewelry and dentures. They remove impurities like fingerprints and dust. Hobbyist: Hobbyist ultrasonic cleaners are larger than the home variety and can clean more delicate objects like pens, watches and lenses. Slightly more expensive than the basic kind, they remove impurities like dirt, oil and grease. Industrial: Industrial grade ultrasonic cleaners are large and robust. The solvent is heated fast and the cavitation bubbles spread out more to enable the cleaning of both small and large objects effectively. The heavy-duty variety is meant for use in a factory environment. Benefits The biggest benefit of using ultrasonic cleaners is the time factor. Impurities can be removed from a few minutes to an hour depending on the type of machine used, size of the object and extent of impurity. Since the microscopic cavitation bubbles can penetrate even the smallest of nooks and crannies, what emerges is an object that is squeaky clean (note: spores are not removed and need to be done so separately). Ultrasonic cleaning technology has become more efficient in recent times, leading to a drop in the cost of machines. Cost effectiveness is, therefore, increased along with energy efficiency since chemical solvents don't have to be used; water works just as well. Are you aware of Ultrasonic cleaners? They are use to clean many different objects like jewellery, lenses, watch, golf clubs and other such items. Refer the link to learn more about customized ultrasonic cleaners.
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