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Metal components with flat surface and simple geometry can be cleaned efficiently with different types of machines and methods.

On the contrary, particularly dirty elements and components with geometrically challenging parts require greater efforts and specific technologies to be used by other companies in their production cycle.

In these circumstances, the technology that uses ultrasonics is the best solution: the bubbles that are created during the washing cycle actually penetrate the narrowest corners and assure a final result of maximum quality.

To know in detail how ultrasounds are produced, what are the elements that influence the cavitation phase and what are the final performances of the whole process, it is highly recommended to read this article.

Ultrasonic cleaning systems for metals: main features

Generally, industrial ultrasonic cleaning systems use water-based chemical compounds, while solvent-based ones were used in the seventies and early eighties.

The lower environmental impact and the numerous disposal possibilities are the reasons behind this handover between solvent-based and water-based chemical compounds.

What is difficult and complicated to dispose of correctly are the contaminants removed during the washing cycles since they may not be completely ecological.

The disposal techniques used are different, some companies are used to evaporate the water while others eliminate the water and use sludge for disposal.

Greater complexity, strict regulations to be followed meticulously and high costs characterize the process of disposal of the metal washing systems that use solvents.

It is evident that the element that really makes the difference in choosing the best industrial metal cleaning system is the chemical one.

The importance of the chemical composition selection in industrial metal cleaning with ultrasound

The chemical composition is also important when choosing to use industrial washing systems for metals with ultrasound considering that some require cleaning compounds based on water or demineralized water.

It is quite difficult to understand the relationship between the industrial ultrasonic cleaning systems for metals and the chemical composition but several experts in the sector use the relationship between hardware and software.

Ultrasound is the hardware and soap is the software: to meet all the needs of the application, the hardware should be correctly combined with the software: in the same way, a wrong software, or a wrong soap can make the system totally ineffective.

This means that it is almost never necessary to change the washing system but simply re-evaluate, and where necessary replace, the chemical composition.

Ultrasonic metal cleaning machines: the correct choice

Correct choice is crucial for optimum cleaning performance and to ensure compatibility with the substrate material:

Basket size

The larger baskets have a higher cost than the smaller ones, but if the space around the treated metal parts is not enough, the waves cannot pass and eliminate dirt.

Thickness of the basket wire mesh

Baskets with not very thick wire mesh contribute to reducing the costs of the system but at the same time they do not completely absorb vibrations and stresses.

Temperature control

A good industrial ultrasonic metal washing system must allow temperature monitoring and control: the ideal would be to have a value between 110 ° and 150 ° F.

Filtration system

The filtering system is important in long-term perspective. The contaminants that remain on the bottom of the tank at the end of each washing cycle must be eliminated so as to make the solution reusable. A filtering system that does not work properly will be subject to frequent replacements and maintenance over time.

Power and frequency of ultrasound in metal washing systems

What is the right power that an ultrasonic metal washing system should have?

To be honest there is no exact value that is good for everyone: the decision must be made based on the intended use and customer needs in terms of cleaning.

In many cases, the market offers solutions where the power is adjustable: this feature of the system is very useful when the systems become outdated.

In these circumstances, simply adjust the speed to protect those parts that have become sensitive due to wear.

Also the level of cleanliness of the solution is very important: dirt and residues promote the vacuum bubble formation, negatively influencing power.

During a washing cycle it is possible to record different values of the ultrasound frequency: from a higher frequency a smaller vacuum bubble originates which proves to be effective for cleaning corners that are difficult to reach; on the contrary, from a lower frequency a larger bubble originates, perfect for aggressive cleaning.

The higher frequency levels are usually used in the final rinse phase.

Pay attention to the choice of supplier for your industrial ultrasonic cleaning system

Contacting a company with years of experience in industrial metal washing sector is a crucial aspect.
The experience and specific know-how accumulated over the years has allowed Firbimatic to fully understand the needs of customers and, consequently, advise them on the best cleaning solutions for their particular requirements (customized installations).

Frequency and power of ultrasounds, as previously highlighted, are not the same for all customers, for this reason our technicians carry out several tests before proceeding with the construction of the system.

Find out more about our ultrasonic washing systems and contact us for more information: click here!

It is thanks to our R&D achievements and bespoke designs that Firbimatic has become a leading producer in Italy and worldwide.