Both ultrasonic cleaning and drum washing are methods used to clean parts or tools. These two methods differ when it comes to specific usage, as well as delicacy of the clean. This post will detail ultrasonic cleaning versus drum washing and give insights into when each one should be used.
Ultrasonic Cleaning:
Ultrasonic cleaning is an advanced process that uses ultrasound (typically between 20-400 kHz), as well as a liquid cleaning agent to clean fragile products. This is done by placing the product into the cleaning liquid, and then lowering in a transducer. The transducer will then produce ultrasonic waves. These waves will create tiny “voids” or “vacuum bubbles” which then collapse to produce very high pressures – up to 20,000 lbs per square inch. Due to the minute size of the bubbles, the process merely cleans the surface of the product. Higher frequency ultrasound is used to create smaller bubbles, which can clean more complicated products.
Drum (Auger) Washing:
Drum washing is the more traditional approach to part washing. A product is sent through a machine where it is then washed, rinsed, dried, and unloaded. Chemical agents can be used during the cleaning process in order to achieve a higher degree of clean when dealing with impurities such as grease and dirt. Drum washing differs greatly from pressure washing, as parts are cleaned automatically in an enclosed machine, versus a pressure washer which typically has a single spray nozzle, and must be operated manually.