Ultrasonic Cleaning Time and Parameters
Learn how ultrasonic cleaning time depends on power, frequency, material, contamination level, and liquid conditions to achieve stable and consistent cleaning results.
There Is No Fixed Answer for Ultrasonic Cleaning Time
Many people think that “ultrasonic cleaning takes 5 minutes to clean thoroughly.”
However, in reality, cleaning time varies depending on workpiece type, contamination level, frequency, and power.
• If the cleaning time is too short, oil contamination may not be completely removed.
• If the cleaning time is too long, the workpiece surface may be damaged and efficiency may decrease.
Therefore, the key is to find the balance point between cleaning time and ultrasonic energy.
How Should the Cleaning Time Be Set?
1. Cleaning Time Setting Principles
• First, set 2–3 minutes as the baseline.
• Adjust by 1–2 minutes each time for cross-testing. Do not increase the time too much at once.
• Use the method of fixing one parameter and adjusting one parameter at a time to find the best setting more easily.
For example:
Fixed temperature → adjust cleaning time
Fixed cleaning time → adjust ultrasonic power
2. Adjustment Direction
• If oil marks, residual stains, or uneven cleaning appear:
Prioritize increasing power or temperature.
• Then test shorter cleaning times again, instead of only extending the cleaning time continuously.
3. Avoid Over-Cleaning — Very Important
If the cleaning time is too long, it may cause:
• Metal surface etching
• Plastic or transparent parts becoming foggy
• Surface over-corrosion
At this point, the cleaning time should be shortened or the energy output should be reduced.
Excessive Cleaning Time May Also Cause Negative Effects
Ultrasonic cleaning does not mean “the longer, the cleaner.”
When the cleaning time is too long:
• The liquid temperature rises, making cavitation unstable.
• The metal surface may be eroded by prolonged cavitation.
• The ultrasonic power module remains under load for a long time, shortening its service life.
Each cleaning process should be tested based on material, contamination level, and power conditions to find the best cleaning time curve, usually between 3 and 10 minutes.
How to Determine Whether Cleaning Has Achieved the Best Result
1. Key Criteria for Judging Whether Cleaning Is Complete
• The surface is completely free of oil film, with no remaining rainbow marks.
• No residue or fine contaminants remain.
• After cleaning, the surface shows uniform wetting without water beading or separation.
2. Common On-Site Inspection Methods
• Water break test: If water spreads evenly across the surface, the cleaning result is good.
• Fine hole and groove inspection: Check whether any fine chips or oil contamination remains.
• Drying inspection: After drying, check whether the surface has water marks or stains.
• White glove test: If the glove surface does not pick up dirt, the cleanliness level is acceptable.
Cleaning time is not a fixed number. It is the combined result of power, frequency, liquid conditions, and workpiece characteristics.
Only through proper testing and adjustment can the cleanest result be achieved within the shortest possible time.
YONG JI Enterprise can help establish the optimal parameters according to process requirements, creating an efficient, stable, and reliable ultrasonic cleaning process.
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YONG JI Enterprise Co., Ltd.
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No. 137-10, Zhonggang W. Rd., Taishan Dist., New Taipei City 243079, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
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