Cleaning

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Flux removal

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Metal industrial degreasing

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Flammable & non-flammable

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Bulk & aerosol

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Water & solvent based
Experience has shown that the cleaning of PCBs, stencilsand electronic assemblies is vital to ensure long termperformance. Electrolube has developed a comprehensive range of cleaning products which provide high reliability atminimum unit cost.The range includes products that will remove fluxes, solder paste, grease and other general contaminants torecognised international cleanliness standards. Products are also available for degreasing precision metal parts and a huge variety of cleaning applications.Electrolube can provide flammable and non-flammablesolvent cleaners and water based cleaners. Solvents
Solvents as defined here are fast evaporating, organic materials. For ease of discussion they may be split intoflammable and non-flammable solvents.Flammable solvents are characterised by relatively lowtoxicity, good materials compatibility together with a widerange of evaporation rates and flashpoints.Non-flammable solvents fall into two groups, traditionalchlorinated solvents are characterised by relatively high levels of toxicity, poor materials compatibility but are fast drying. The new non-flammable fluorinated solvent blendsexhibit excellent solvency, fast drying and relatively lowtoxicity with good materials compatibility.The use of solvent based cleaners may be necessary whenthe PCB or assembly contains unsealed components or water sensitive devices.Both solvent types generally require specialist equipmentfor their use in high volume manufacturing to protectagainst toxicity or problems associated with their flashpoint.This specialist equipment is expensive and running costs are high in comparison with aqueous systems. However,hydrocarbon solvents are particularly effective for smallscale production and bench rework as they cleaneffectively, and remove a wide range of soils. They dry extremely quickly,are easy to use and leave no residues.Electrolube has developed a range ofhydrocarbon solvents to meet therequirements of many applications. In general, the faster the evaporationrate, the lower the flashpoint; i.e. thehigher the flammability risk. The Safewash Range
Electrolube Safewash range is the most effective family of aqueous cleaning products available. It is currently in useby major manufacturers in a wide variety of cleaning machines. It provides superior cleaning performance tomilitary and commercial standards at minimal cost - bothfinancial and environmental.The Safewash Range is effective in all equipment typesincluding batch ultrasonics, in-line spray, dishwasher and also by hand. Products are available for use with sensitivemetals such as aluminium, copper and alloys, whilstcompatibility with plastics and rubbers is assured.The benefits of Safewash include excellent cleaningperformance at room temperature, low odour, very low toxicity, and it continues to clean effectively over long timeperiods.Eventually, as Safewash continues to absorb flux, itsefficiency begins to decline. The exact time whenreplacement is required is dependent upon the type and amount of flux used, the surface area cleaned and the cleanliness level required. Methods todetermine the status of the Safewashinclude electrical conductivity and pH measurement. 2