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How is Ultrasonic Cleaning Machines Made to Work?

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Now you know how the machine works, it would be a great idea to know what allows the machine to do what it does best. What does the machine use to get the job done? Here is some information about what makes the machine do what it does.

• Equipment: The main component that allows the machine to work is the bank of ultrasonic transducers that are mounted on a radiating diaphragm, an electrical generator, and a tank that is filled with the cleaning solution. The most important component of all these is the transducer. This is what generates the high-frequency mechanical energy. There are two transducers on the market that can be used – piezoelectric and magnetostrictive. They both have the same objective but perform differently.
o Piezoelectric transducers- These are made up of many components. There is usually a ceramic crystal that is sandwiched between two strips of tin. At the time voltage is sent across the strips, there is a displacement in the crystal. This is known as the piezoelectric effect. Of course, when you mount these transducers to a diaphragm, this displacement causes the diaphragm to move, which in turn creates a pressure wave that goes the solution that is in the tank. Unfortunately, these types of transducers have problems, one of which is that piezoelectric units deteriorate over time. Another reason is the transducer is mounted to the tank by epoxy adhesive which does give after a while. When it does the epoxy bond loosens causing the transducer to fall off.
o Magnetostrictive transducer – This type is known for its ruggedness and durability. These transducers are made of nickel laminations that are attached tightly together with an electrical coil that is placed over the nickel stack. At the time current flows through the coil a magnetic field is created. At this time the stack vibrates at the frequency of the current flow. The nickel stack is brazed onto the resonating diaphragm. This creates a solid metallic joint that never loosens.
• Ultrasonic generator: The ultrasonic generator converts the electrical frequency of 60 Hz into high frequencies of 20 to 80 KHz. Most systems today use what is called autofollow circuitry. This is where the generator matches the mechanical load with an equivalent electrical load, thereby providing optimum output at all times in the tank.
• Ultrasonic tanks: These are usually rectangular and are just about any size. You will usually find a transducer at the bottom or sides of the tank. A tank normally has a thickness of 11 to 14 gauge.
• The solution: This is a solvent is usually some kind of water-based detergent. Water alone is a good solvent because it is nontoxic, nonflammable, and environmentally friendly. But not all contaminates will come off with water. Therefore a detergent type solution is added to support better cleaning.

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