Electronic & General Purpose Cleaning
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Electronic and General Purpose Cleaners • Flux Removal • Bulk & Aerosol • Metal Degreasing • Water & Solvent Based • Flammable & Non-flammable Cleaning is an essential process within electronics manufacture and has been used for many years to remove potentially harmful contaminants during PCB manufacture. Such contaminants include flux, solder and adhesive residues, and other more general contaminants such as dust and debris present from other manufacturing processes. The purpose of cleaning, specifically within the rapidly expanding electronics industry, is to essentially...

Solvent and Aqueous Cleaners Electrolube offer a range of solvent-based and aqueous electronic cleaners. Solvent-based systems are very efficient, allowing a convenient single-stage process. They are often flammable and so the health and safety of the operator as well as solvent emission levels must all be considered when using such materials. With environmental concerns at an all time high many electronics manufacturers are moving away from traditional solvent cleaners that use ozone depleting chemicals or contain a high VOC (volatile organic compound) content, and replacing them with...

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) • Volatile solvents used in electronic cleaners are classed as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). • VOCs contribute towards the formation of ground level ozone. • Such pollution can have many detrimental effects on the environment, damaging forests and vegetation. • In addition, some materials classed as VOCs can act as irritants and over exposure can lead to a variety of health problems. EU Solvents Emissions Directive ‘Any organic compound with a boiling point less than or equal to 250°C at a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa.’ Previously the directive...

Electrolube are continually developing ‘greener’ technologies, helping to minimise solvent emissions and their impact on the environment. As environmental concerns heighten the transition to solvent-free and low-VOC materials continues to increase. Continual investment in research and development facilities allows Electrolube to remain at the forefront of cleaning technology, continually exceeding customers’ expectations throughout this period of change. Electrolube, as a responsible manufacturer, can provide both water-based and solvent based cleaning solutions for a wide variety of...

Application Conditions Cleaning processes can be referred to as batch or in-line processes. Batch systems refer to a batch of PCBs taken through the entire process, whether it is ultrasonic or dishwasher application, for example. Cleaning processes can also be set up as in-line systems where PCBs are constantly transferred through each stage and a continuous production line is formed. The following information explains the different application processes in more detail for aqueous products. Solvent-based cleaners can be used in ultrasonic and spray applications however the flammability of...

3. Deionised Water Rinse The third stage is a deionised water rinse. This removes any contamination present in the tap water from the PCB and gives a final rinse to ensure exceptional cleanliness. This stage may either consist of a recirculating rinse or a spray system that is activated when the PCBs leave the tap water rinse. If military standard cleanliness is not required, this deionised rinse may not be necessary, though the PCBs may show some white streaking due to tap water impurities. The final stage is drying. This is enhanced by equipment that uses high air flow as op­ osed to p...

Cleanliness Levels With the cleaning market continually developing to meet the demands of industry expansion, it is important that the level of cleanliness required is clearly defined. A significant proportion of potentially damaging flux residues and contaminants are not visible to the naked eye or even with the aid of magnification. It is therefore vitally important that the correct method is used to determine that the level of cleanliness achieved meets the standard specified by the electronics engineer. There are two types of residues; ionic and non-ionic and there are a number of...

Solution Control: Aqueous Cleaners In addition to the level of contamination after cleaning, the control of the cleaning solution itself is essential. The method of solution control will depend on the cleaning chemistry and type of residues being removed; some possible methods shall be discussed, however. • Acidic flux residues will generally lower the pH and increase the conductivity, while being relatively unaffected by variations in concentration. • Refractive index, or BRIX, gives a measurement of the solids level in the cleaner. Although this can give some indication of contamination...

Refractive Index Concentration of SWAT in deionised water (v/v) Further information on application parameters and solution control can be found on the individual datasheets for each product. 10 SWAT solution Typical contaminated solution

SWA/SWAJ/SWAS -Safewash 2000 Range • The original Safewash (SWA) is ideal for removing flux residues and many other cleaning applications which do not contain sensitive metals. Can be used prior to plating operations as a micro etching process. • SWAJ is specifically formulated for safe cleaning of all metals including aluminium, copper and brass. SWAJ is also used extensively to clean flow solder jigs or pallets to remove the build up of flux deposited throughout the wave soldering process. • SWAS is similar to SWAJ but with enhanced cleaning performance. Cleans flux residues and no-clean...

The Product Range Electronic and General Cleaners ARW – Aerowipes • Efficient removal of uncured and semi-cured adhesives and sealants • Impregnated with an isopropanol and de-ionised water blend • Designed for the aerospace and automotive industries • High quality cloths • Available in liquid form and impregnated lint-free wipes • Packaged in individual sachets • Excellent degreaser, also removes flux residues and metal oxide • Non-flammable CCC – Non-flammable Contact Cleaner • Non-conductive with high materials compatibility • Fast drying solvent cleaner for efficient removal of flux...