Technology Update

Technology Update

Ultrasonic cleaning technology tends to be quieter, less environmentally disturbing and generally easier to work with than cleaning processes that use high-pressure sprays. The latest research conducted in the US by the EMPF (Electronics Manufacturing Productivity Facility), Document TS 0040: " Ultrasonic Cleaning of Military PWAs"indicates that no problems are to be expected if using ultrasonic to clean printed circuit boards and other electronics modules. Some experts from the EMPF report are quoted:

Contact Manufacturer for full report

ABSTRACT from Document TS 0040 by Bill Vuono and Tim Crawford:
"Ultrasonic cleaning is a successful method for cleaning printed wiring assemblies(PWAs) to a level required by both industry and military standards. Unfortunately, it is also a controversial technique due to possible component damage. Studies performed in the 1950s determined that ultrasonic energy can damage fragile wire interconnects between the die and the terminal of microelectronic device. Based on this studies, the Department of Defense(DOD) has not allowed ultrasonic to be used when cleaning military PWAs. However, recent technological changes in both component manufacturing and board assembly have caused the military to reevaluate this position."

REPORTS:

Report on Cleanliness Testing: by S. B. Fribbins, involving Orange Solvent for effective white residue removal. "The Orange Solvent has proven to be most effective in the removal of both ionic and non-ionic contaminants. Combine with the two cleaning stages it has proven to be a most effective solvent for no-clean water soluble and RMA fluxes. For full report contact Galsonic P/L.

WATER-BASED cleaning -agents or AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS. Contact Galsonic for advice.

MULTIPURPOSE SOLVENT-for Ultrasonic Cleaning of : Screens and Stencils, PCBs after soldering, Adhesives from the misprinted Boards etc. Report on Ultrasonic Cleaning with Elecrolube's SSS: by S. B. Fribbins, IPC Registered Instructor ID 1477 under ANSI/J-STD-001B ID 2281, class A Instructor IPC-A-610B "The ultrasonic cleaning process in combination with Electrolube SSS appears to be highly effective in the removal of ionic contamination." Test time 15 seconds only. Full report available from Galsonic.

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