Cleaning boards

Jan 04, 2010 49 Replies

A most interesting thread. Where I work these days, some specialised electronics assembly is done according to ancient lore laid down by folk long gone, and I am deeply dubious about some aspects of it. They sometimes put PCB's in an ultrasonic bath filled with some kind of thin citrus-smelling liquid for 10 minutes of shrill abuse.

It doesn't seem to clean flux off much though. And I wonder whether the ultrasonics could damage stuff (I asked if it could be used on a device with exposed wire bonds, and the manufacturers said definitely not.) I would be interested in information on that. Meanwhile, I'll give RMA flux and acetone a go.

Nemo

Yes, we knew all of your gears were stripped, DimBulb.

I've seen crystal oscillators that had a warning on their datasheet to not ultrasonic clean.

John

formatting link

36 for $4.99

They are on sale for $1.99 on page 11 of their current flyer:

No coupon required.

Along with trimming them to 1/2", I like to solder the seam at the bristles, where the handle is crimped. That keeps the bristles from falling out for a longer time, and doesn't let the crimp fill with flux.

Greed is the root of all eBay.

He's a real circle jerk, of one. :(

Greed is the root of all eBay.

Most definitely. I have seen some damaged before too, so I guess the warnings are justified.

Never was and never will be either one.

Totally both.

John Larkin writes

OK, thanks. I'll cast an eye over the types of boards they clean that way for non solid state components.

Nemo

No, those are 'C.I.N.O.'

Greed is the root of all eBay.

I believe your best bet is to use an ultrasonic pcb cleaner. This will clean your pcb board but the cost may be a lot you can find some dealer that probably will save you some money.

Paul

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required