Why Ultrasonic Cleaning is Ideal for Tray Baskets

Productivity is essential for manufacturers. Regardless of the industry they operate in, manufacturers are constantly trying to be more productive with fewer resources. One way to improve manufacturing productivity on the manufacturing line is to improve the parts washing processes during production. A popular method, ultrasonic cleaning, is gaining traction due to its thorough cleaning process and efficiency. 

In addition, as manufacturing parts continue to be smaller, more delicate, and more intricate, ultrasonic cleaning has proved to be highly successful in offering flexible parts cleaning. If you are considering optimizing your manufacturing parts washing processes with ultrasonic cleaning, then it’s important to familiarize yourself with the process itself. 

Quick Links: 

• What is Ultrasonic Cleaning?
• Benefits of Ultrasonic Cleaning for Tray Baskets
• How to Determine if Ultrasonic Cleaning is the Best Cleaning Method for Your Application 
• Why Choose Marlin Tray Baskets For Ultrasonic Cleaning 

What is Ultrasonic Cleaning?

Ultrasonic cleaning is a process that uses ultrasound (usually from 20–40 kHz) to physically shake a cleaning solution fluid that removes dirt and debris from parts. The ultrasound fluid can be just water, or it can be a caustic cleaning solvent specifically for the part being cleaned. 

By agitating the cleaning solvent, the sound waves create “ultrasonic cavitation,” the formation of small bubbles within the caustic solution. When these bubbles burst, they essentially produce a shock wave against the object placed in the cleaning solution that is strong enough to clean the surface of the object by loosening contaminants from the surface. 

Benefits of Ultrasonic Cleaning for Tray Baskets

Ultrasonic cleaning has been an increasingly popular choice for manufacturers to remove dirt and other contaminants from all kinds of manufactured parts. There are several advantages to ultrasonic cleaning that manufacturers can utilize. Just a few include:

The Ability to Clean Difficult Spaces

Ultrasonic cavitation can penetrate hard-to-reach areas in manufacturing parts, such as narrow cracks, recesses, and crevices that conventional cleaning methods are unable to access. Ultrasonic cleaning is also a comprehensive cleaning method that effectively keeps parts being cleaned as debris-free as possible. 

Flexible Contaminant Removal

Unlike other parts cleaning systems, ultrasonic cleaning can remove a wide variety of debris and contaminants from the parts being cleaned. This includes wax, oil, grease, dirt, dust, clay, carbon, soot, oxidation, and more, which are all removed down to a microscopic level. 

Gentler Cleaning 

Ultrasonic cleaning is a more gentle cleaning method than others for cleaning manufacturing parts. Since the method cleans parts without harsh scrubbing, abrasive methods, or high-pressure sprays, ultrasonic cleaning is ideal for delicate parts. 

Faster Cleaning 

Ultrasonic cleaning solutions can emit between 20 to 40 thousand sound pulses per second, with each pulse impacting the part’s surface with ultrasonic cleaning action. This method allows for the ultrasonic parts washing process to be faster than other cleaning methods, as well as more thorough. 

How to Determine if Ultrasonic Cleaning is the Best Cleaning Method for Your Application 

When determining whether an ultrasonic cleaning solution is the best method of cleaning your manufacturing parts, there are a few considerations that should factor into your decision. 

What Is the Size of the Parts Being Cleaned?

Before choosing an ultrasonic cleaner, you must take into account the largest part or object being cleaned. This will decide the size of the ultrasonic cleaner, even if you have much smaller parts.  Full measurements of the largest item should be taken so the proper cleaner can be chosen for your applications. 

Do You Have Delicate Parts? 

Cleaning delicate parts can be difficult since most cleaning methods can be abrasive. Ultrasonic parts washing is a gentle procedure that can be made even more so by a protective coating to the basket. Protective coatings are ideal for very delicate parts and surfaces that have a “no scratch” surface requirement. 

For instance adding a soft, thick coating of PVC or similar materials can cushion the impact when parts hit the inside of the basket, therefore preventing scratches or damage. However, it’s important to note that adding a coating isn’t always necessary for ultrasonic washing and can sometimes interfere with the process. When designed correctly, protective coatings can prevent delicate parts from damage and can ensure a thorough cleaning process. 

Are You Looking to Increase Efficiency in Your Manufacturing Process? 

Part of why ultrasonic cleaning has become so popular among manufacturers is that it is one of the most thorough parts cleaning processes available at half the time of other methods. When compared to other washing systems, the time to clean parts with ultrasonic washing is greatly reduced. If you’re looking to increase production while reducing the cost and time of parts cleaning, then ultrasonic cleaning may be for you. 

Do You Have High-Quality Wire Baskets and Trays? 

When choosing ultrasonic cleaning, having the right wire baskets and trays makes all the difference. Since the process of ultrasonic cavitation involves the use of very strong vibrations and potentially caustic liquids to shake dirt and debris loos, this parts cleaning method can be tough on the containers that hold parts through it. Ultrasonic cleaning baskets are repeatedly exposed to these stresses as they carry new loads of parts through the process. Additionally, if an ultrasonic cleaning basket isn’t properly designed, it can end up damaging the parts it holds. Choosing a high-quality tray basket is important for receiving the most return on investment out of your products. 

Why Choose Marlin Steel Tray Baskets For Ultrasonic Cleaning 

When you need a high-quality ultrasonic cleaning wire basket, Marlin Steel has everything you need. Marlin’s stainless steel tray baskets are made of stainless steel to withstand repeated impacts from ultrasonic cleaning vibrations and prevent corrosion. 

Any of Marlin Steel’s baskets can be customized to fit your exact ultrasonic cleaning needs. This means it will be properly designed to fit the exact dimensions and protection requirements for your manufacturing parts. Marlin’s engineering team has years of experience in crafting custom stainless steel wire forms and can design one customized with your specific manufacturing needs, including taking into account the weight of the parts being cleaned, the thickness of the wires in the mesh, and the intensity of the ultrasonic vibrations of your machine. 

So, If you are ready for more efficient manufacturing with Marlin Steel wire baskets, or if you need advice for picking the right stainless steel basket for your needs, reach out to the team at Marlin Steel today.