What does cavitation refer to in ultrasonic cleaning?

Cavitation in ultrasonic cleaning refers to the formation of bubbles that produce shockwaves when the ultrasonic waves pass through a liquid medium. This phenomenon occurs when sound waves create areas of low pressure, allowing tiny bubbles to form. These bubbles rapidly expand and then collapse, generating intense pressure and temperature at a microscopic level. This process is crucial in cleaning because the shockwaves generated by the collapsing bubbles can dislodge dirt, contaminants, and debris from surfaces, even in hard-to-reach areas.

The effectiveness of cavitation is what enables ultrasonic cleaners to effectively remove contaminants from items such as jewelry, medical instruments, and delicate electronic parts without damaging them. The level of precision and control in this method is one of the main reasons it is preferred over more abrasive cleaning methods.