Ultrasonic Cleaning
Precision Cerakote ceramic coatings for aerospace, defense, and industrial components.
How Ultrasonic Cleaning Works
Parts are submerged in a heated cleaning solution matched to the substrate material and contamination type. A 40 kHz transducer generates millions of microscopic cavitation bubbles that implode against every surface, penetrating blind holes, internal threads, and complex geometries that manual cleaning methods cannot reach. The process removes machining fluids, fingerprint oils, embedded particulates, and support material residue without mechanical contact that could damage precision surfaces.
Why Automated Cavitation Outperforms Manual Cleaning
Manual solvent wipes miss embedded contaminants in complex geometries and depend entirely on operator consistency. Spray methods cannot reach internal passages or lattice structures. Ultrasonic cavitation delivers identical cleaning action on every surface of every part, every cycle, regardless of geometry complexity.
Aerospace-Grade Documentation and Controls
Every cleaning cycle is recorded with solution type, concentration, temperature, ultrasonic frequency, cycle duration, and verification results. Your quality team receives objective evidence showing surface preparation met specification, whether parts proceed to coating, bonding, assembly, or final delivery.
What Ultrasonic Cleaning Delivers
Contamination-free surfaces are the foundation for coating adhesion, bonding integrity, and assembly cleanliness.
Verified Contamination-Free Surfaces
Water-break testing confirms DI water sheets uniformly across cleaned surfaces with zero beading. White-glove inspection checks for particulate transfer. Parts that do not pass verification are re-cleaned before release.
Complex Geometries Fully Cleaned
Cavitation bubbles penetrate blind holes, internal threads, and additive manufacturing lattice structures that manual wipes and spray methods cannot access. Every surface receives identical cleaning action regardless of part complexity.
Full AS9100 Process Documentation
Solution chemistry, temperature, cycle duration, and verification results are recorded for every batch. Complete cleaning records are available as standalone documentation or integrated with downstream process records.
Ultrasonic cleaning parameters for your application
| Specification | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesion Rating (post-clean + coat) | ASTM D3359 5B (no coating removal) | ASTM D3359 |
| Solvent Cleaning Standard | Exceeds SSPC-SP 1 requirements | SSPC-SP 1 |
| Ultrasonic Frequency | 40 kHz | Equipment calibration |
| Solution Temperature | 120-160 F | Thermocouple monitoring |
| Cycle Time | 10-30 minutes | Contamination-dependent |
| Rinse Cycles | Minimum 2x DI water | Process specification |
| Verification Method | Water-break test + white-glove | Visual / tactile |
| Substrate Compatibility | All metals, AM polymers, composites | Solution chemistry matched |
Certifications: AS9100 | ISO 9001 | ITAR | Cerakote Advanced Applicator
Industries That Rely on Precision Parts Cleaning
Ceramic coating protects components across demanding industries. From aircraft engines to military hardware, our process delivers the durability these applications demand.
Aerospace parts
Engine components, landing gear, fasteners, and structural elements face extreme conditions. Ceramic coating extends service life and ensures reliability at altitude.
Aerospace parts
Engine components, landing gear, fasteners, and structural elements face extreme conditions. Ceramic coating extends service life and ensures reliability at altitude.
Aerospace parts
Engine components, landing gear, fasteners, and structural elements face extreme conditions. Ceramic coating extends service life and ensures reliability at altitude.
Aerospace parts
Engine components, landing gear, fasteners, and structural elements face extreme conditions. Ceramic coating extends service life and ensures reliability at altitude.
Where ceramic coating delivers real value
Engine components, landing gear, and fasteners face conditions that demand absolute reliability. Ceramic coating extends service life and ensures performance at altitude and beyond.
Parts Received, Inspected, and Logged
Parts are counted, photographed, and assigned traceable lot numbers. AS9100 chain of custody begins at receipt.
Contamination Identified, Cleaning Protocol Selected
Technicians identify contamination type and substrate material to select the correct cleaning solution, temperature, and cycle duration.
Surface is cleaned and made ready for coating
Degreasing, cleaning, and light abrasion remove contaminants and create the ideal surface for adhesion. This step determines coating quality.
40 kHz Cavitation Removes All Surface Contaminants
Heated cleaning solution and 40 kHz cavitation penetrate all surfaces, followed by DI water rinses and heated air drying.
Ceramic coating is applied in controlled layers
We apply the coating using precision equipment, monitoring thickness and coverage. Each layer cures before the next is applied, building a durable finish.
Surface Cleanliness Confirmed Before Release
Water-break testing verifies DI water sheets uniformly with zero beading. White-glove inspection checks for particulate transfer. For critical applications, dyne pen testing measures surface energy. Parts that do not pass verification are re-cleaned.
Coating hardens and bonds to the substrate
The coating cures under controlled temperature and humidity. We don't rush this phase. Full cure strength takes time, and we give it that time.
Clean Parts Released for Coating, Bonding, or Shipment
Verified parts are either transferred to coating application, released for bonding/assembly, or packaged and shipped for standalone cleaning orders. Process parameters are recorded in batch documentation.
Every part is measured and tested before shipment
We measure coating thickness, check for defects, and verify specifications. Documentation is prepared for your records. Only parts that pass leave our facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about our coating processes and technical capabilities
Standalone ultrasonic cleaning turnaround is typically 3-5 business days from receipt of parts. Cycle time per batch is 10-30 minutes depending on contamination severity, but turnaround includes intake, pre-assessment, cleaning, verification, and documentation. For parts proceeding to coating, cleaning is integrated into the coating schedule and does not add separate lead time. Contact us at 970.541.7331 for current scheduling availability.
We use a multi-method verification approach. Water-break testing confirms DI water sheets uniformly across surfaces with zero beading, verifying the absence of oils and films. White-glove inspection checks for particulate transfer. For critical aerospace applications, dyne pen testing measures surface energy against your specified threshold. Rinse water conductivity is verified below 10 microsiemens per centimeter. Parts that fail any verification step are re-cleaned before release.
Yes. While ultrasonic cleaning is frequently performed as surface preparation before coating application, we also provide it as a standalone precision cleaning service. Standalone cleaning orders receive the same AS9100 process controls, documentation, and verification as cleaning performed before coating. Parts are returned clean with a Certificate of Conformance documenting all cleaning parameters and verification results.
Ultrasonic cavitation removes machining fluids, cutting oils, coolant residue, fingerprint oils, mold release agents, flux residue, carbon deposits, embedded particulates, and additive manufacturing support material. The cavitation action reaches contaminants in blind holes, internal passages, threads, and lattice structures that manual cleaning and spray methods cannot access. Solution chemistry is selected based on the specific contamination type and substrate material.
No. Ultrasonic cavitation is a non-contact cleaning method that does not mechanically abrade or distort parts. Cleaning solution chemistry is matched to the substrate material to prevent chemical attack. Alkaline solutions are used for aluminum, neutral formulations prevent hydrogen embrittlement on titanium, and polymer-safe solutions protect additive manufacturing parts. We have cleaned parts with wall thicknesses under 0.5mm without damage or dimensional change.
Get Contamination-Free Surfaces for Your Next Project
Tell us about your parts, substrate material, and contamination type. We respond within 24 business hours with a recommended cleaning protocol, pricing, and lead time.
