Why Does Frequency Affect Cleaning Performance?
Ultrasonic cleaning works by using high-frequency vibration to generate cavitation bubbles in the liquid.
When these bubbles collapse, they create an instant impact force that removes contamination from the surface.
Lower frequency → larger bubbles and stronger cavitation impact.
Higher frequency → smaller bubbles and gentler cleaning.
Therefore, frequency selection determines both the cleaning strength and cleaning precision.
Comparison of Cleaning Characteristics: 28 kHz, 40 kHz, 80 kHz, 120 kHz, and 1 MHz
A. 28 kHz
Bubble size: Large
Cleaning strength: Strong
Cleaning precision: Coarse
Feature: Strong impact for removing heavy contamination
B. 40 kHzBubble size: Medium
Cleaning strength: Moderate
Cleaning precision: Medium
Feature: General-purpose standard frequency
C. 80 kHzBubble size: Small
Cleaning strength: Gentle
Cleaning precision: High
Feature: Gentle cleaning for precision parts
D. 120 kHzBubble size: Smaller
Cleaning strength: Gentle
Cleaning precision: Higher
Feature: Suitable for high-precision processes
E. 1 MHz / 1000 kHzBubble size: Extremely small
Cleaning strength: Ultra-gentle
Cleaning precision: Ultra-high
Feature: Ultra-high-frequency micro-vibration cleaning
Characteristics of Each Frequency
B. 40 kHz: General-Purpose Standard Frequency
• Medium bubble size, making it the most commonly used industrial frequency.
• Balances cleaning power and safety, widely used in electronics, medical, and machinery industries.
C. 80 kHz: Precision Gentle Cleaning Type
• Finer and more evenly distributed bubbles, allowing cleaning without damaging the surface.
• The wavelength of 80 kHz is shorter, but the penetration ability is relatively lower.
A. 28 kHz: Strong Impact for Heavy Contamination
• Large bubbles and strong cavitation impact, suitable for thick oil contamination and surface contamination on metal parts.
• Not recommended for fragile or thin materials, as it may cause micro-damage.
D. 120 kHz: High-Precision Process Type
• Tiny and stable bubbles can remove fine particles and thin-film contamination.
• Cleaning strength is relatively weaker, and cleaning time is longer.
E. 1 MHz: Ultra-High-Frequency Cleaning Type
• Belongs to ultrasonic atomization-level cleaning, with almost no strong cavitation impact.
• Higher equipment cost and more complex control, mainly used for special processes.
Frequency Selection Recommendations
Choosing the right frequency determines the cleaning depth and gentleness.
Lower frequencies focus on cleaning power, while higher frequencies focus on precision.
Frequencies from 28 kHz to 2 MHz each have their own application range.
YONG JI Enterprise can help you design the most suitable high-efficiency ultrasonic cleaning system based on your process conditions and workpiece materials.