Ultrasonic cleaning started out as a cleaning process for the aeronautics industry, and it quickly branched out into the automotive industry and marine or naval industry as well. But today, ultrasonic cleaning processes are being used in many other industries, including the medical or dental industry, the restaurant industry, the hospitality industry, and a lot more. Since its inception about three decades ago, ultrasonic cleaning has also become a lot more advanced and efficient, and it is now a lot safer and affordable as well. There is no doubt that ultrasonic cleaning has plenty of advantages over other cleaning processes, such as hand cleaning or machine-wash cleaning. But what should you know about ultrasonic cleaning and why it works? Let’s find out.
The impact on the environment
Until a short time ago, harsh chemical cleaners were used in different industries, and these cleaners would often be comprised of harmful or even dangerous compounds like chlorinated hydrocarbons and esters, which can potentially pollute and affect groundwater. Aside from this, the vapours produced by these cleaners can also be quite toxic, and workers would have to outfit themselves in protective gear just to prevent them from inhaling the harmful fumes. But the difference with an ultrasonic cleaner is this: it only uses detergents which are water-soluble and it is also water-based, so the use of harsh and strong chemicals is avoided, which results in less impact on the environment.
The safety of your workers
Ultrasonic cleaning can help your workers avoid inhaling or taking in harmful chemicals, but it can also help your staff from getting harmed by sharp tools or instruments which may also contain contaminants. In years past, workers would usually clean instruments and tools by hand, and these tools, such as drill bits and scalpels, may cut the skin and expose the worker to a prospective bio-hazard. But with ultrasonic cleaning, you can enhance the safety of your workers since they don’t need to handle and clean the instruments or tools manually – all they have to do is place them in the container, add detergent and water, turn the machine on, and wait for all the parts and components to become clean and spotless.
A gentler way of cleaning
Delicate items such as precision instruments and jewellery can be hand-cleaned, but this can potentially damage the item as well. Items like these will often require very careful handling, and they also require a long and lengthy cleaning process if they are to be cleaned by hand. But since an ultrasonic cleaner produces cavitation, the bubbles will be able to reach into the narrowest of spaces and crevices and then remove any residue whilst keeping the item intact and safe.
Different applications
Most industries today can make use of ultrasonic cleaners, and these types of cleaners are even being utilised by hobbyists who enjoy working on parts and components assembly at home. Of course, industrial ultrasonic cleaning equipment is being used in various industries as well, not just the automotive and aeronautics industry but also law enforcement and the food and beverage sector. For example, law enforcement officers can make use of ultrasonic cleaning to clean their weapons and other tools such as handcuffs, and automotive shops can clean tools and parts with ultrasonic cleaners to remove lubricants, burrs, grease and grime, and other types of residue.
The size of ultrasonic cleaners can vary, ranging from small models or units which you can place on a desktop to larger models or units which can clean large equipment or components. There’s no doubt that ultrasonic cleaning is incredibly efficient, affordable, and it results in better business operations in the long term – and with its use, your business can evolve as well.
