Ultrasonic Frequency in Cleaning Applications

In the simplest terms,


Properly applied, ultrasonics can perform a more thorough, more complete cleaning job than any other cleaning method. Ultrasonics is a non-destructive method of cleaning which utilizes sound waves to form and implode vapor pockets on the surface of contaminated parts. This implosion results in the release of stored energy that creates a virtual scrubbing or cleaning action on the surface of the part to be cleaned.

In ultrasonic cleaning, the pressure phase of a sound wave is used to provide the cleaning action. Sonication creates areas in the liquid where negative pressure exists. At these points on the part to be cleaned, thousands of minute vapor bubbles are formed and these bubbles effectively scrub the part. As the ultrasonic energy level alternates (a half second later) the pressure in this same zone becomes positive and the vapor bubbles implode. This implosion (the bubbles bust inwardly) occurs with great violence. This action is commonly called “cavitation” and is not to be confused with the formation of air bubbles caused by degassing of water. While the quantity of energy in any one implosion is extremely small, it is calculated that enormous pressures in the order of 10,000 pounds per square inch and extreme temperatures of approximately 20,000 oF are generated. This cavitational activity–the formation and bursting of these vapor pockets–actually forms the scrubbing or cleaning action on the surface of the part.

Power Sonics TM Ultrasonic Transducers – A Magnus Engineered Equipment Exclusive

Power SonicsTM ultrasonic transducers are mechanically strong and capable of handling large amounts of power – a desirable feature when difficult cleaning jobs are encountered. Power SonicsTM operate at a frequency of 20 kHz whereas conventional sonic cleaning systems operate at 25 or 40 kHz. To see the difference in cleaning power, we need to examine the following chart.

Ultrasonic Cleaning Power



Note that the “y-axis” is the relative strength or cleaning power of the ultrasonic system.

Ultrasonics running at 20 kHz are 5 times stronger than those running at 25 kHz and about 20 times stronger than those running at 40 kHz.

Greater cleaning power allows for faster cleaning speeds, more efficient cleaning, and the ability to clean the toughest substrates.


Sand, Core and Shell Investment Casting Removal

Sand, Core and Shell Investment Casting Removal Using Caustic Leaching

Magnus Engineered Equipment (MEE) has supplied equipment to the investment casting industry for more than 50 years. Investment casting, or die casting, is a technique for forming metallic components having complex geometries, especially hollow components. Hollow cored super alloy airfoils and gas turbine engine components are examples of complex geometries produced with the investment casting process. MEE equipment is used with concentrated caustic solutions of NaOH (sodium hydroxide) or KOH (potassium hydroxide) to remove shell residues from ferrous and non-ferrous metal castings (including aluminum). Operating at just below the boiling point of the solution, the process breaks down the fused silica shell used in the investment casting process without damaging the metallic substrate. The process is faster, safer and more efficient than mechanical methods of shell removal and all surfaces within the substrate are cleaned.

MEE supplies equipment which uses heat, agitation and turbulation to quickly and effectively remove the shell residues from substrates including the complex geometries found in many castings. The effect of agitation and turbulation increases the dissolution rate by increasing chemical mass transfer at the shell interface. Agitation and turbulation act to quickly remove dissolved silica and spent chemistry from the substrate surface while bringing in fresh chemistry to continue the dissolution reaction at the fastest rate. MEE supplied equipment also continuously filters the bath thus removing dissolved silica and enhancing the dissolution rate of the remaining ceramic shell by returning clean chemistry to the part surface.


The temperature at which the caustic solution is operated is dictated by the concentration of the NaOH or KOH used. As a rule of thumb, it is advisable to operate at a temperature which is 20 oF below the boiling point of the solution being used so as to prevent cavitation in the pumps used to circulate the solution. (The lower pressure on the suction side of the pump lowers the boiling point of the solution). Most users of MEE equipment operate with a NaOH or KOH solution concentration of 35 to 50 wt%.


MEE supplies off-the-shelf or custom designed equipment for investment casting removal applications. Material handling, by-product removal, automation and post-processing needs can be addressed by MEE to make the overall process efficient and worry-free. Contact MEE today to discuss your investment casting application.