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Ultrasonic transducers are devices that convert electrical energy into ultrasonic waves, while also converting returning echo waves into electrical energy. These transducers can be categorised into the following types.
A piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer uses piezoelectricity. This is an electric charge that is generated when pressure is applied to certain materials. These materials are called piezoelectric crystals and include quartz and certain ceramics. When an electric current passes through these crystals, they vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies. This forms the ultrasonic waves used in many applications.
The transducer emits these waves into a medium. Often, this medium is a liquid or soft tissue, depending on the device's application. As part a ultrasonic cleaner, for example, the waves create microscopic bubbles in the cleaning solution. These bubbles implode with force, dislodging dirt and contaminants from even the most hard-to-reach crevices. In medical imaging devices, the waves travel through tissues, reflecting back to create detailed images.
These types of transducers are used in many industries. They include healthcare, industrial cleaning, and non-destructive testing, among others.
Magnetostrictive ultrasonic transducers work on the principle of magnetostrictive effect. This is an effect that involves the generation of ultrasonic waves by the application of a magnetic field. Ultrasonic Cleaning is a process whereby these waves are emitted into a cleaning solution to facilitate the cleaning of materials. This is often used for items that need to be disinfected, like surgical utensils, as the ultrasonic waves create cavitation bubbles that penetrate small crevices.
The materials used to make the 40k ultrasonic transducer are integral to its function, especially for high-frequency operations like 40kHz.
Stainless Steel
Often, the cases of transducers and ultrasonic systems are made of stainless steel for their strength and resistance to corrosion. Particularly, the acoustic elements within the transducer often need tougher materials, so stainless steel cases are used for their longevity and ability to withstand harsh cleaning environments.
Ceramics
Ceramics are used in the transducer to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. This is because they can easily withstand high temperatures. Also, they are extremely durable and do not easily wear down from the mechanical vibrations that occur during the cleaning.
Piezoelectric Crystals
Commonly, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is the preferred material for piezoelectric elements. This is due to its efficient energy conversion properties.
Magnetostrictive Alloys
These alloys are usually made from a combination of nickel and iron. Sometimes, small amounts of other metals like copper or manganese are added to enhance magnetostrictive properties. These are the materials that make up transducers. They are incredibly durable and can easily deform when exposed to a magnetic field.
Water and Chemical Resistance
In a 40k ultrasonic transducer, components like seals and gaskets are often made from materials like Viton or silicone. These materials are resistant to water and chemicals. Thus, they help protect internal components from the damage that is typically caused by cleaning agents.
Vibration Fatigue Resistance
The 40k ultrasonic transducer is designed to withstand continual mechanical vibrations over time without failure. The Precise materials and engineering minimise wear from the high-frequency vibrations.
Thermal Resistance
The special materials used in the transducer can easily resist the heat generated by rapid vibrations. This helps maintain the integrity of components even in situations with prolonged use.
Impact Resistance
Often, ultrasonic cleaners are housed in industrial environments. This is where accidental drops or impacts can occur. The robust materials used to make the transducer help minimise damage from such impacts.
Health
In the health space, ultrasonic transducers are usually used for imaging. Specifically, 40kHz ultrasonic transducers are used for Non-destructive testing (NDT) in medical imaging. During these procedures, the transducers send out high-frequency sound waves that penetrate the skin or other solid structure. These waves then create images of the internal organs, tissues, or structures. This allows for real-time diagnosis and prognosis without the need for invasive procedures, which is one of their commercial values.
Manufacturing
In manufacturing, these transducers are used to clean moulds, dies and intricate components. Their ability to produce high-frequency ultrasonic waves allows them to remove contaminants. They do this by creating cavitation bubbles in a cleaning solution. These bubbles implode with great force, dislodging dirt and debris from even the most complex geometries. This thorough cleaning leads to higher-quality finished products, improved equipment maintenance, and reduced labour costs.
Precision Engineering
These transducers are used for cutting, welding, or drilling materials like metals, plastics, and other fragile materials. Because of their high frequency, they provide clean, precise cuts without causing much damage. This reduces the need for costly secondary machining processes and minimises material waste, making them highly effective for applications where precision and minimised damage are crucial.
Transportation
In transportation, these transducers are used to maintain vehicles. The transducers help diagnose potential mechanical problems during regular inspections and assist with routine maintenance by cleaning fuel injectors or other intricate engine components. This leads to longer vehicle lifespan, better performance and lower overall maintenance costs, making them essential for preventive care in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Space Requirements
When considering space requirements, the ultrasonics transducer frequency and generator should be compatible with the cleaning tank size. This maintains optimal cleaning without leaving a large unused space in the tank. Also, ensure that the transducer can generate enough ultrasonic waves to clean all the dirt and debris in the space.
Material
For the 40k ultrasonic transducer to have a long lifespan, its material should be wear-resistant. The 40k ultrasonic transducer is often made of ceramic, stainless steel and titanium.
Cleansing
The ultrasonic cleaning frequency should be high enough to do all the necessary cleaning without damaging the items being cleaned. Basically, a 40k transducer is ideal for hard and sturdy items to cleaned. Soft and more delicate items would be better off with a lower frequency transducer to avoid damage.
Portability
If the transducer is to be frequently moved or used in multiple locations, its weight and design for easy transport should be considered. For instance, built-in handles or a compact design would make it more portable.
Effectiveness
The ultrasonic transducer was intended for effective removal of dirt and any debris on items being cleaned. Ideally, a higher ultrasonic power density leads to more efficient cleaning. Less time and fewer chemicals are needed in the cleaning process.
Generally, most ultrasonic transducers can operate continuously. Particularly, magnetostrictive transducers are more suited to continuous operation than piezoelectric transducers. This is because magnetostrictive transducers are more robust and can easily withstand long hours of vibration.
Unfortunately, once an ultrasonic transducer has suffered severe damage, it is almost impossible to repair it back to its original state. This is because the materials used to make up the ultrasonic transducer are often soldered. APTG, once soldered, these materials can't easily be unsoldered and put back together again. Moreover, even if it were possible to untold the materials, the piezoelectric crystals would likely be effected and severely damaged during the process.
Several factors can cause an ultrasonic transducer to fail. These factors include overheating, mechanical damage, continuous operation beyond rated time and excessive load. Also, improper mounting, electrical issues, and exposure to harsh chemicals can degrade the materials and components of the transducer over time, leading to failure.
The frequency of replacement highly depends on the usage of the transducers. In scenarios where they are subjected to heavy-duty work, the transducers may need to be replaced after 1to 2 years. On the other hand, transducers that are used for normal work may go up to 5 to 7 years before they need to be replaced.