How to dose and mix ultrasonic cleaning fluid?

How do you dose the cleaning concentrate correctly?

Ultrasonic cleaners are almost always concentrates that are diluted with water. Dosing is given in volume percent, typically 2 to 10 %. Light soiling needs only 2 to 3 %, while heavy oil or flux contamination calls for 5 to 10 %.

Work out the tank volume and add the concentrate to cold or hand-warm water, never the other way round. A 3-litre bath at 5 % needs about 150 ml of concentrate. Always follow the manufacturer data sheet, because the active ingredients differ significantly between products.

• Determine tank volume and convert the target percentage.
• Add concentrate into water, not water into concentrate.
• Deionised or soft water reduces limescale spots.
• Follow the data sheet for concentration, temperature and bath life.

Which bath temperature suits the soiling and material?

Temperature boosts cleaning power because oils and grease soften and cavitation works more effectively. Most water-based cleaners perform best between 40 and 60 °C, and 50 to 60 °C is ideal for dissolving grease.

The material matters: aluminium and non-ferrous metals do not tolerate strongly alkaline cleaners, so stay with neutral to mildly alkaline products at moderate temperature. Electronics and plastics should only be treated at low temperature to avoid damaging components.

Why must a fresh bath be degassed?

Freshly mixed water contains dissolved air that dampens cavitation. That is why you run the bath for 10 to 15 minutes without parts, in degas or normal mode, before the first cleaning. Only then does the ultrasound reach full effect.

The prepared bath lasts several hours to days depending on how much dirt enters it. A clearly cloudy, oily or foaming bath cleans poorly and must be replaced. Rinse parts with clean water after cleaning and dry them so no surfactant film remains.

Frequently asked questions