Frequently Asked Questions

Ultrasonic cleaners harness a process called cavitation—the formation and violent implosion of microscopic bubbles. Here's the step-by-step process:

• The generator sends electrical current to ultrasonic transducers attached to the bottom (and sometimes sides) of the tank.
• The transducers vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies (typically 20–40 kHz), causing the tank itself to vibrate.
• Sound waves travel through the cleaning liquid, creating alternating high-pressure and low-pressure waves.
• During low-pressure cycles, the liquid "cracks," forming millions of tiny vacuum bubbles.
• During high-pressure cycles, these unstable bubbles implode violently (not explode) upon contact with items in the tank.
• The implosion releases microscopic shockwaves that loosen and carry away contaminants from surfaces, crevices, and blind holes.

Key distinction: The bubbles implode (collapse inward) rather than explode (burst outward). This implosive force is what does the cleaning.

Use a Basket

• Never place parts directly on the tank bottom. This dampens ultrasonic effectiveness and can damage the tank over time.
• Baskets allow ultrasonic waves to reach parts from all angles.

Avoid Touching or Overlapping

• Parts should not touch each other because one part can block ultrasonic waves from reaching another, leading to uneven cleaning.
• Parts vibrating against each other can damage delicate or polished finishes.

Ensure Full Immersion

• Parts must be completely submerged in the cleaning solution for effective results.

• Measure your largest part — Know its dimensions (length, width, height).
• Basket dimensions — These are slightly smaller than the tank's interior dimensions—account for this.
• Full immersion required — Parts must be fully covered by solution, with room for the basket.
• Check specifications — Each model series page lists exact tank dimensions.

Tip: If you clean long or oddly shaped parts, consider a tank with extra depth to allow for full submersion.

Water + Dish Soap (DIY)

• Works for light, everyday tasks.
• Not recommended for professional or industrial results.

Biodegradable Concentrates (Professional)

Important Safety Note for Acidic Solutions

• To protect the stainless steel tank: Do not put inorganic low-pH acids (nitric, sulfuric, formic, hydrofluoric) directly in the tank.
• Instead, place them in an acid-resistant plastic tub positioned inside the tank containing water and a surfactant.
• The ultrasonic energy passes through the plastic to clean the parts.
• These solutions are not biodegradable—dispose of them properly.

Never put these directly in an open ultrasonic tank:

• Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
• Acetone
• Other flammable solvents

Why? Vapors released into the air can ignite from sparks from the ultrasonic generator at the bottom of the tank or any ignition source in the area.

Safe Alternatives

• Small parts: Use flammable solvent beaker kits in a well-ventilated area.
• Large parts: Use an explosion-proof ultrasonic cleaner.

The Problem

Fresh water contains dissolved air and suspended bubbles (visible as bubbles in water left to stand overnight). These bubbles act as "shock absorbers" that soak up ultrasonic energy, reducing cleaning effectiveness.

The Fix

• With Degas Mode: Run it for 10 minutes before adding parts.
• Without Degas Mode: Run the ultrasonic power for about 20 minutes before cleaning.

This process removes dissolved air from the solution, allowing cavitation to work at full strength.