Ultrasonic Cleaning Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Benchtop, Standalone), By Industry (Automotive, Healthcare), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global ultrasonic cleaning market size was estimated at USD 1.49 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030. This upward trend in the market is primarily attributed to the rising demand for precision cleaning within sectors like electronics, healthcare, and automotive manufacturing. Ultrasonic cleaning has emerged as a favored solution due to its capacity to deliver a comprehensive and consistent cleaning process that effectively removes contaminants, even from intricate and challenging-to-reach areas. This quality has resulted in heightened adoption across industries where cleanliness and product quality are paramount.

Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves to agitate a cleaning solution, creating microscopic bubbles that implode and remove contaminants from surfaces. This method is highly effective for cleaning intricate and delicate parts, making it a preferred choice in various industries. In addition, environmental sustainability is another driving force behind the growth of the market. Unlike some traditional cleaning methods that rely on harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaning typically uses environmentally friendly and biodegradable cleaning solutions. This aligns with the growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices and regulatory requirements, making ultrasonic cleaning an attractive choice for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental footprint.

The advancements in ultrasonic cleaning technology are also a major factor driving the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, the development of multi-frequency and multi-tank ultrasonic cleaning systems allows for greater versatility in cleaning various materials and contaminants. Furthermore, integrating automation and robotics in ultrasonic cleaning equipment has improved efficiency and reduced business labor costs. Hence, the combination of technological advancements, increasing industrial applications, and the growing awareness of the benefits of ultrasonic cleaning is expected to fuel the market’s overall growth over the forecast period.

The growth of the market has grabbed the attention of venture capital firms and other medical technology companies, driving further investments in market players. For instance, in March 2023,Getinge, a medical technology company, acquired a U.S.-based ultrasonic cleaning technology manufacturing company named Ultra Clean Systems. Getinge acquired Ultra Clean Systems for a total of USD 16 million. This acquisition was aimed at decontamination of surgical instruments to minimize the risk of contamination.

The growth of the market can face hindrances due to several factors, including the high initial costs of purchasing and installing ultrasonic cleaning equipment. Furthermore, the ongoing maintenance and repair expenses can also be substantial, contributing to the overall cost of ownership. Moreover, the limited compatibility of ultrasonic cleaning with certain materials and items can limit its market reach, as the intense cleaning action may damage delicate or sensitive objects. Energy consumption and environmental concerns related to chemical usage are additional challenges, while noise pollution and competition from alternative cleaning technologies can further slow market growth.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

During the initial stages of the pandemic, many businesses, particularly in sectors including the manufacturing industry, faced closures or reduced operations, leading to a decreased demand for ultrasonic cleaning equipment. Supply chain disruptions and logistical issues further compounded these problems, causing delays in equipment delivery and maintenance. Moreover, with a heightened focus on health and safety, businesses had to reevaluate their cleaning and sanitation protocols, which sometimes led to a temporary shift away from ultrasonic cleaning in favor of more easily deployable cleaning methods. However, as the pandemic evolved, there was a growing realization of the need for thorough and efficient cleaning processes, which have driven a resurgence in demand for ultrasonic cleaning solutions, especially in healthcare and electronics manufacturing sectors.

Product Insights

In terms of product, the benchtop segment dominated the market in 2022 with a revenue share of more than 46.0%. These compact and versatile cleaning devices have become increasingly popular due to their ease of use and cost-effectiveness. They are well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses and laboratories that require efficient cleaning solutions without the space or budget for larger industrial systems. In addition, advancements in technology have improved the performance and reliability of benchtop ultrasonic cleaners, making them more attractive to a wider range of industries.

The multistage segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 7.8% over the forecast period. These systems, consisting of multiple ultrasonic cleaning tanks or stages, allow for a more comprehensive cleaning process. They are particularly attractive to industries with stringent cleanliness standards, such as aerospace and electronics manufacturing. Multistage ultrasonic cleaners provide the flexibility to tailor the cleaning process to specific needs, with options for pre-cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning, rinsing, and drying stages, among others.

Industry Insights

In terms of industry, the food & beverage segment dominated the market in 2022 with a revenue share of more than 21.0%. Ultrasonic cleaning technology offers a safe and efficient method for removing contaminants from processing equipment, utensils, and packaging materials, such as food residues, oils, and pathogens. It helps maintain high levels of hygiene and sanitation, which are critical in food production to ensure product safety and quality. Furthermore, ultrasonic cleaning reduces the need for harsh chemicals and manual labor, aligning with the industry's focus on sustainability and cost-efficiency.

The automotive segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 7.9% over the forecast period. The ultrasonic cleaners precisely clean automotive components, such as fuel injectors, engine parts, brake components, and transmission parts. Ultrasonic cleaners are particularly effective in removing stubborn contaminants such as oil, grease, rust, and carbon deposits from intricate surfaces and complex geometries. The automotive industry relies on ultrasonic cleaning to enhance the performance and longevity of critical components, leading to improved vehicle reliability and efficiency. In addition, as the industry shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs), ultrasonic cleaning plays a crucial role in the meticulous cleaning and maintenance of EV battery components, ensuring their optimal performance and safety.

Regional Insights

Based on region, North America dominated the market in 2022 with a revenue share of over 28.0%. The regional market growth can be projected to the increasing adoption of ultrasonic cleaners. Furthermore, the presence of prominent market players such as SharperTek, Mettler Electronics Corp., and L&R Manufacturing, among others, in the region is expected to fuel the market’s growth. In addition, stringent regulatory standards in the region, particularly in healthcare and food production, have fostered the adoption of ultrasonic cleaning as it effectively meets hygiene requirements.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.0% over the forecast period. The regional market's growth can be attributed to its home to a burgeoning manufacturing industry, encompassing electronics, automotive, precision engineering, and healthcare sectors. Furthermore, the region's adoption of ultrasonic cleaning is propelled by its cost-effectiveness and ability to streamline manufacturing processes, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity. The Asia Pacific region has also witnessed rapid industrialization and economic growth, translating into increased investments in advanced cleaning technologies.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market for ultrasonic cleaning can be regarded as being a competitive market characterized by several key industry players. To improve their hold in the market, industry leaders are involved in various strategic initiatives such as geographic expansions, partnerships & collaborations, and acquisitions, among others. For instance, in May 2023, Steelco S.p.A., an ultrasonic cleaner provider, entered into a partnership with the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE). As a result of this partnership, Steelco S.p.A. became a global supplier of sterilization and cleaning solutions for the biopharma and pharma industries.

Market players are introducing new product offerings. For instance, in June 2020, a manufacturer of medical devices named Maskco Technologies, Inc. and SharperTek, an ultrasonic cleaning system manufacturer, announced a joint venture. This joint venture was aimed at manufacturing the largest number of N95 Respirators across the U.S. Some prominent players in the global ultrasonic cleaning market include:

• SharperTek

• Mettler Electronics Corp.

• L&R Manufacturing

• Elma Schmidbauer GmbH

• Steelco S.p.A.

• Emerson Electric Co.

• GT Sonic

• Kemet International Limited

• Crest Ultrasonics Corporation

• Ultrasonic LLC

Ultrasonic Cleaning Market Report Scope

Global Ultrasonic Cleaning Market Report Segmentation

The report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global ultrasonic cleaning market report based on product, industry, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Benchtop

  • Standalone

  • Multistage

• Industry Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Automotive

  • Healthcare

  • Food & Beverage

  • Metal

  • Electrical & Electronics

  • Aerospace & Defense

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • Japan

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

  • Middle East & Africa

    • The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

    • UAE

    • South Africa