Even as electronic products become more complex and compact, they must meet strict safety, reliability, and stability standards. Hence, defluxing becomes a key activity in the PCB assembly process. And for that, the right cleaning system must be used.
For PCBs, the cleaning process is done at two different stages, i.e., before and after the assembly of components. Before assembly, the circuit board is easily contaminated by dust, fingerprints, etc, and hence needs to be cleaned; whereas, after assembly, residual flux, resin, etc, need to be removed. There are a variety of cleaning technologies to choose from, so the cleaning process and SMT cleaning equipment must be carefully selected based on the product being manufactured, the cost involved, the performance and the environmental impact of the technology selected. Mentioned below are four new launches in the PCB cleaning domain.
| Model: HyperSWASH; Manufacturer: PBT Works |
The nozzles of the HyperSWASH can be changed, depending on the solubility of flux residues. For most difficult PCBA geometries and hard-to-clean flux residues, this system uses direct spray against surfaces. For easily soluble flux residues, it can use another nozzle assembly with a tangential spray beam, directed towards the assemblies and baskets for higher PCBA loading capacity. The changeover of the spray system can be done in less than ten minutes. The design of the baskets or frames for loading/unloading into the machine enables easy robotisation.
The machine works in a closed loop for washing and for both independent rinsing systems. The amount of fresh water to be refilled is programmable. The machine can be configured to have an automatic adaptive cleaning liquid dosing system, maintaining the programmed cleaner density. - Advertisement -
The control system, which runs on Windows 10, is fully connectable to a factory LAN system. Data logging of all process parameters is done, and traceability data is stored in the memory of the control system or the external factory disk. Besides that, easy-to-read continuous graphical visualisation of all parameters helps the maintenance team to predict or watch out for any irregularities in the cleaning process. Indian distributor: iNETest Technologies India Pvt Ltd |
| Model: Electrovert Aquastorm 200; Manufacturer: ITW EAE |
The Electrovert Aquastorm series of precision cleaning systems is designed to provide complete cleaning process flexibility, improved cleaning and drying performance, process monitoring, and reliability. The Aquastorm 200, with its dual tank design, is ideally suited to RMA (rosin mildly activated) and no-clean de-flux applications, as well as the removal of water-soluble organic acid flux.
The Aquastorm is configured with a Windows based operating system that provides familiar pull-down menus, includes data logging, and has the barcode reading capability. The system is easily networked for the downloading of recipes and offers remote access to operating data. Important cleaning parameters on flows, pressure and temperature are displayed on the GUI to optimise the machine and process controls. Indian distributor: Leaptech Corporation |
| Model: Zero-Ion G3; Manufacturer: Aqueous Technologies |
| The Zero-Ion G3 is used for detecting ionic contamination on bareboards and printed circuit assemblies, allowing potential failures to be avoided.
IPC-001 and IPC TM650 recognise ROSE testing as an approved method of determining the cleanliness of circuit assemblies. Zero-Ion meets the IPC and other industrial cleanliness specifications including MIL-STD-2000A (in which the Zero Ion is specifically cited), MIL-P-28809, IPC-TM-650, ANSI/J-STD-001B and IPC-TM650. Zero-Ion G3’s built-in SPC data recording feature captures all relevant testing data. Cleanliness results may be stored for later viewing, saved as a PDF on the hard drive or over a network, or sent to any Windows-compatible printer. The cleaning results database can be searched by date range, recipe name, board serial number and other details. The Zero-Ion G3 can be connected to the company’s network for remote viewing of SPC data. Real-time process information can be viewed during testing on the system’s 46.99cm LCD display. Indian distributor: Accurex Solutions Pvt Ltd |
| Model: AQUBE LH5; Manufacturer: Kolb Cleaning Technology GmbH |
The new Kolb AQUBE systems are used for advanced water management. They are ready for the smart factory (SF ready). The AQUBE LH5 is a fully automatic standard fine cleaning system for assemblies, hybrids, etc, with a capacity of up to 176 (2.8 m²)  eurocards. The dual-tank, triple-circuit configuration also ensures short turnaround times.
The event output and software controls are done via a high-resolution 25.4cm capacitive multi-touch display. The system automatically measures residual ion contamination and controls rinse water quality. It has horizontal rotor systems with up to four asynchronous spray motors for thorough wetting. Indian distributor: Bergen Associates Pvt Ltd |
| Model: Crystal Clean 980W; Manufacturer: Dynamite International Corporation |
The Crystal Clean 980W cleaning system is powered by compressed air and requires no electricity. It features two rotary jet wands that use low-pressure, high volume spray for effective stencil cleaning. The system comes with an aluminium pump and pneumatic  actuators that are used with a 20μm filtration system. The standard cleaning and drying cycle of this product is 10 minutes. The smallest effective stencil hole in this machine is 0.1mm for BGA and 0.3mm (0201) pitch for QFP.
The machine is equipped with a cleaning solvent recycle system that has a 10μm filter, carbon media, DI resin media and another 1μm filter. This process significantly extends the life of the cleaning agent (solvent consumption is 120ml/wash). Other features include the dual chamber stencil cleaner 960T available for both lead and lead-free or paste/glue applications. (An independent solvent tank and control system is available for handling two different stencils in a single machine.) The system supports cleaning of stencils that range in size from 15.2cm (6 inches), to 61cm (24 inches), 73.7cm (29 inches), 81.3cm (32 inches), and so on. The 980W supports independent rinsing, PLC control and hot air blow functions. Indian distributor: NMTronics India Pvt Ltd |
