Ultrasonic cleaning instruments can be classified based on various factors like size, frequency, power, and specific applications. Here are the main classifications:

1. By Frequency

High Frequency (above 40 kHz): These ultrasonic cleaners are used for delicate and intricate cleaning, such as jewelry, eyeglasses, and small medical or dental tools. The high frequency creates smaller, gentler bubbles that are effective for detailed cleaning without damaging delicate items.
Low Frequency (below 40 kHz): These are typically used for cleaning larger or more robust items, such as automotive parts or industrial components. They produce larger, more powerful bubbles for tougher cleaning tasks but may not be suitable for very fine or sensitive items.
Variable Frequency: Some ultrasonic cleaners offer adjustable frequencies, allowing the user to switch between high and low frequencies for different cleaning needs.

2. By Power

multi-power transducer

Low Power Ultrasonic Cleaners: These are typically smaller, portable devices with lower wattage, often used for cleaning small items like jewelry, watches, or personal care items.
High Power Ultrasonic Cleaners: Used for industrial or commercial applications, these units have high wattage and are capable of cleaning larger or heavily soiled parts like automotive components, surgical instruments, and heavy-duty machinery.
Adjustable Power Ultrasonic Cleaners: Some cleaners feature adjustable power settings to customize cleaning power based on the item being cleaned.

3. By Size and Capacity

Portable Digital Mini Ultrasonic Cleaner

Small Ultrasonic Cleaners: These are designed for personal or small-scale cleaning, such as for eyeglasses, jewelry, or watches. They have smaller tanks, typically with a capacity of up to 1 liter.
Medium Ultrasonic Cleaners: These are more suitable for cleaning a variety of items, including tools, watches, and electronic components. They typically range from 1 to 5 liters in capacity.
Large Ultrasonic Cleaners: Often used in industrial settings, these have large tanks (5 liters and above) and can handle bulk cleaning of heavy-duty items or large quantities of smaller parts.

4. By Application

Industrial Ultrasonic Cleaners: These are used for heavy-duty cleaning in industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing. They often feature higher power, larger tanks, and more robust construction for cleaning large or complex parts.
Medical Ultrasonic Cleaners: Specialized for cleaning medical instruments like surgical tools and dental equipment. These cleaners must meet specific standards for hygiene and sterilization, often with features for maintaining sanitary conditions.
Jewelry and Watch Cleaners: These ultrasonic cleaners are designed for cleaning delicate jewelry and watches. They typically offer low frequencies, gentle vibrations, and small tank sizes to ensure the safety of valuable items.
Laboratory Ultrasonic Cleaners: Used for cleaning glassware, laboratory instruments, and precision equipment. These cleaners are designed to ensure thorough removal of contaminants like oils, grease, or biological material from lab tools.
Home Ultrasonic Cleaners: Smaller, more affordable models intended for home use, typically for cleaning personal items like jewelry, glasses, razors, or even small kitchen utensils.

5. By Tank Design

Standard Tank Ultrasonic Cleaners: These are the most common design with a single, open tank where items are placed and cleaned in the liquid.
Dual Tank Ultrasonic Cleaners: These models have two separate tanks for different stages of cleaning, such as one for ultrasonic cleaning and the other for rinsing or drying.
Transducer-Based Ultrasonic Cleaners: These cleaners focus on the transducer assembly, which is responsible for generating ultrasonic waves. Some models are designed to focus more on the quality of the transducer for higher cleaning efficiency.

6. By Heating Function

Heated Ultrasonic Cleaners: These feature built-in heating elements that warm the cleaning solution. The increased temperature enhances the cleaning power by loosening dirt and grease more effectively.
Non-Heated Ultrasonic Cleaners: These do not have a heating function, but they are often used for cleaning delicate items that could be damaged by heat or when cleaning with cooler solutions.

7. By Control System

Manual Control Ultrasonic Cleaners: These have simple dial or knob controls for adjusting settings like time and power. They are easy to operate and are commonly used in personal or small business applications.
Digital Control Ultrasonic Cleaners: These feature electronic controls with a digital display for adjusting time, temperature, and power settings. They offer greater precision and are often found in more advanced models used for commercial or industrial purposes.
Programmable Ultrasonic Cleaners: These allow the user to set multiple cleaning cycles or customized settings for different tasks. These are often used in industrial applications where consistent results are needed.

Conclusion:

The classification of an ultrasonic cleaner depends on its intended use, size, power, frequency, and features. The right choice will depend on the specific cleaning requirements—whether it’s for delicate jewelry or heavy-duty industrial parts.

Would you be choosing one for a specific application? I can help refine what type you should go for!