Methodology

• Ultrasonic cleaners are designed to clean thoroughly, even in cracks and crevices, by generating millions of microscopic vacuum pressured bubbles, according to American Machinist magazine. These bubbles draw the dirt from the surface of the parts being cleaned.
  
  

Solution

• An alkaline, high pH cleaning solution is used to remove oil, grease, carbon, dirt and contaminants. American Machinist magazine notes, however, that high pH solutions can damage some soft metals. For example, high pH solutions are appropriate for steel and titanium but not for aluminum. Metals that have rust or calcium deposits require a low pH solution. Electronics parts are cleaned with a neutral pH solution.
  
  

Temperature

• Most ultrasonic cleaning is conducted at 135 to 150 F. A higher temperature of as much as 180 F is used for heavier cleaning.
  
  

Frequency

• Ultrasonic cleaning tanks typically produce bubbles at a frequency of 40 kHz, or 40,000 cycles per second. Heavy cleaning requires fewer, but larger and stronger, bubbles, at 20 to 25 kHz.