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Cleaning Equipment and Materials

Booming Equipment Sales

Reflect Imminent CFC Ban by Katherine O’Brien, Managing Editor

Worldwide sales of electronics cleaning equipment will double from $491 million this year to $984 million in 1998, accord- ing to a recent report from Market Intelli- gence Research Corp. (MIRC) (see table). Reason: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) must be phased out by December 31, 1995, and assemblers are scrambling to implement non-ozone depleting systems. Further fueling the equipment boom is the so-called “Label Law,” which mandates that products manufactured after May 15, 1993, containing ozone-depleting sub- stances be affixed with warning labels.

Procrastinators beware. ‘If you haven’t ordered your equipment yet, you’re dead,” says Bill Kenyon, senior research associate, DuPont Electronics. “People who are putting their faith in magic or hoping for some kind of governmental re- prieve are in for a rude surprise. The Montreal Protocol is an international, binding treaty. It’s not something the U.S. government can change.”

Equipment procurement is but one cleaning problem to solve. There are no drop-in cleaning solutions. “We imple- mented no-clean flux [for wave solder- ing] in our Milwaukee plant about three- and-a-half yeah ago,” says John Field, production manager, circuit board tech- nology, Allen-Bradley. “It hasn’t been easy. We’re still ‘playing’ with it. We’re using it on a two-shift basis, 52 weeks a year, but because of the process vari- ables involved, we’re still refining our technique. Sure, we’re all after the same thing, ‘building it right the first time’ and ‘zero defects,’ but when you get into a new process, the unknown variables bite you-they’ll take a percent or so out of your yields.”

The company is investigating no-clean solder pastes with a “leave-on” type flux for surface mount boards to replace the 1 , I ,I-trichloroethane currently in use.

The overall effect of a non-CFC pro- cess on the production process “means more stringent monitoring and real-time feedback,” says Field. “It has narrowed our process window. In our business, long-term reliability is key. We have to ensure that 99.9 percent of the solids are burned off through the wave and reflow processes. Keeping ionic contamination at a minimum is also critical for reliabili- ty. Although these concerns have been with us all along, 100 percent monitor- ing is necessary to ensure compatibility or integrity of the cleaning process. Once we’ve done that, cleaning is just like any other manufacturing process-you have to be able to repeat it on a day-by-day, minute-by-minute basis.”

The following products are represen- tative of currently available equipment and materials intended to address the urgency of the cleaning problem.

Two Percent Solids No-Clean Flux “Enflux NCF-8655” no-clean flux contains two percent solids for wave soldering of through-hole, mixed technology, and SMT PCBs. Soldered assemblies have a tack-free surface with virtually no residues, eliminating the cleaning oper- ation. Noncorrosive and nonconductive, and is said to result in high surface insu- lation resistance (SIR). Enthone-OM1 Inc., New Haven, Conn. Mark 350 on Reader Service Card

“Mixable” No-Clean Solder Paste “291AX permits mixing and thinning be- fore dispensing, aiding homogeneous consistency for consistent print results. Jars feature large lids for mixing prior to placing on a stencil. In 50 g cartridges. AIM Products, Smithfield, R.I. Mark 351 on Reader Service Card

Ultrasonic Stencil and Screen Handler “Multiclean 1000 cleaning system fea- tures 316 stainless steel construction for durability, side-mounted transducers for

’88 ’89 ’90 ‘91 ‘92 ‘93 ’94 ‘95 ‘96 ’97 ’98 Source MlRC

CLEANING EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

maximum cleaning efficiency, a separate spray rinse tank, and analog controls. Has 24 transducers and a 17-gallon ca- pacity. Robotic Process Systems, Inc., Simi Valley, Calif. Mark 365 on Reader Service Card

Non-Post-Treatment Flux “970 is a no-clean flux free of volatile or- ganic compounds (VOCs), CFCs, and halides. A water-based material, flux nevertheless eliminates the need for water treatment and hazardous waste disposal. Kester Solder, Des Plaines, Ill. Mark 352 on Reader Service Card

GP and Spot Cleaners “Electro-Wash 2000 is a CFC-free gen- eral purpose degreasing agent. Cleans and degreases inaccessible areas such as plated through-holes and fine-pitch crevices, and evaporates instantly after application. “Flux-Off 2000 spot clean- er and flux remover washes organic, in- organic, and synthetic fluxes. Applica- tions include SMD pads, relays, chip carriers, and PCBs. Chemtronics Inc., Norcross, Ga. Mark 354 on Reader Service Card

Aqueous Solventless Oegreaser “RB”-degreaser contains no solvents, and is biodegradable and odor free. For- mula lifts oil, grease, and other soils from metals and other hard or soft surfaces while allowing for zero-discharge. Fully

constant-Sweep Benchtop Ultrasonics - #367

aqueous cleaner is not chlorinated or fluorinated and is not subject to the new pollution tax. ETUS, Inc. Sanford, Fla. Mark 356 on Reader Service Card

Constant-Sweep Benchtop Ultrasonics “Tru-Sweep” benchtop ultrasonic clean- ers constantly sweep through many fre- quencies, eliminating dead spots in the cleaning bath. In seven sizes from 1.75 to 28 liters in both standard (analog) and digital variations. Analog units feature 0 - 30 min. timers; digital models provide control of the power level, timer, and heater functions along with a preset degas cycle for quick start-up. Crest UI- trasonics Corp., Trenton, N.J. Mark 367 on Reader Service Card

Semiaqueous Modular Batch Defluxers - #362

40 March 1993 Surface Mount Technology

SprayNltrasonic Equipment Options A line of aqueous and semiaqueous PCB cleaning equipment comes in a variety of configurations, including fluid delivery via spray for aqueous cleaning and com- bination immersion-spray with optional ultrasonics for semiaqueous cleaning. All standard systems include a 90 psi, four- stage cascade rinse and final rinse with available closed-loop water recycling. Chemcut Corp., State College, Pa. Mark 360 on Reader Service Card

“Mixable” No-Clean Solder Paste - #351

Immersion Cleaner “Act II” multiple-use, mildly alkaline, water-based, nonflammable cleaner is formulated to penetrate into deep re- cesses of PCBs. Features rapid wetting of all surfaces and complete displace- ment and emulsification of organic soils. Replaces solvent-based cleaners in a variety of operations and contains no hazardous ingredients. MacDermid Inc., Waterbury, Conn. Mark 357 on Reader Service Card

large Board Batch “Model 1600” cleans up to one dozen 16“ PCBs while the “Model 2400” ac- commodates boards up to 24”. Machines combine the cleaning efficiency of ultra- sonics with the convenience of traditional

automatic batch cleaners. Systems are compatible with most aqueous cleaning chemistries for removal of all rosin, water-soluble, and synthetic fluxes. Smart Sonic, Newbury Park, Calif. Mark 366 on Reader Service Card

Inorganic (Na/K) Flux Cleaner “Armakleen E-2000” cleaners remove fluxes, inorganics, and soils from PCBs with no odor and moderate pH (typically 10.8). Nonflammable, non-ozone-deplet- ing, low BODKOD, and no VOCs or gly-

CLEANING EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

col ethers. Can be close-loop filtered. Church & Dwight Co., Inc., Princeton, N.J. Mark 353 on Reader Service Card

Evaluation Tool for CFC Alternatives “CFC-Link” is a self-contained Person- al Computer database program. User selects the combinations of compatible flux, cleaning equipment, and cleaning chemistries that meet application re- quirements. Data are compiled for avail- able solder pastes, batch and in-line cleaning systems, cleaning chemistries,

Mark 21 on Reader Service Card 42 March 1993 Surface Mount Technology

and closed loop waste treatment svS tems. User ‘’wish list” input data are & ied to explore flux, chemistry, and equ ment alternatives. Advanced Electroni Interconnect Center, Westford, Mas Mark 374 on Reader Service Card

Polar/Nonpolar Soils Remover “Soni-Kleen SK-100” nonflammab “drop-in” CFC replacement can be used as a vapor degreaser or a cold-clea Features a low boiling point, fast air time, and removes both polar and no polar soils. Can be used for metal pa compatible with some nonmetal part Urban Chemical Co., Inc., Deerfield, I Mark 355 on Reader Service Card

Ultrasonics Plus Semiaqueous for “Model 9400 employs a digit trolled gated generator source aspect of frequency and output duce standing waves, cavitation, an ergy-absorbing bubbles, it produce driven pulses of peak-power ene trains of bursts. Controller provides a tomatic timing of the cleaning, p drain, and refill cycles. Electronic trots Design, Inc., Milwaukie, Ore. Mark 363 on Reader Service Card

Ultrasonics Plus Semiaqueous

“Perfluorinated” GP Cleaners “Performance Fluids” reportedly CFCs in high density, dielectric st thermal stability, low surface tensi chemical reactivity, and nonflam ty-yet contain no ozone- materials. For cleaning and

/vent, Multi-Parts Batch - #370 lex and delicate parts where water

be tolerated; not for defluxing Engineering Fluids and Sys- , St. Paul, Minn. n Reader Service Card

rifugal Cleaning System erforms all washing, rinsing, and drying 1 .a sealed process chamber. By rotat-

hg the parts in custom holders, the total peaning and drying process is complet- ed automatically. Works with all varia- tions of semiaqueous, aqueous, alcohol bend and traditional cleaning agents; of-

matives to degreasers and in-line shers. Accel, Plano, Texas. on Reader Service Card

rosin and water-

steel spray nozzles mounted be- h, above, and to either side of board

-$ding rack, and boards are simultane- )?sly cleaned from each side. Fixed-po- rition and rotating spray nozzles permit 9rface mount and through-hole clean-

reportedly to Mil-spec levels. Aque- Technologies, Chino, Calif. k 369 on Reader Service Card

Zone” Eliminator Wave” utilizes an enhanced cavi-

Ion system said to permit complete ontrol of ultrasonic waves for cleaning fficiency. Dead zones are said to be

eliminated. Units are microprocessor con- trolled. S&C Co., Ltd., Palmdale, Calif. Mark 368 on Reader Service Card

Solvent-Use Plus Closed loop S” offers an alternative to high sol-

ent consumption vapor degreasers for leaning of precision electronic and me-

chanical devices. Utilizes nonflammable, non-CFC solvent in a closed loop format. Average solvent usage is reportedly less than one quart of solvent per day while reeovering over 85 percent of emissions. Cobehn Inc., Winchester, Va. Mark 361 on Reader Service Card

On-Board Emulsion, Decanting “EnviroClean 3500” semiaqueous clean- er incorporates an on-board emul- sioddecanter stage, compatible with a variety of semiaqueous materials, which

serves to separate rinse water and spent solvent, allowing the water to be recy- cled through a closed loop system. Vit- ronics Corp., Newmarket, N.H. Mark 372 on Reader Service Card

PCB Assembly Station Contact Scrubber PCB contacts are mechanically cleaned at any assembly station, reportedly at a rate of at least 100 boards per hour. Self- contained stainless steel reservoidma- chine minimizes vapor leakage and elim- inates the need for a hood vent for

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CLEANING EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS

portability. Nylon cleaning brushes are continuously moistened with solvent as they turn and scrub the contacts clean. Harvard Products, Inc., Harvard, Mass. Mark 364 on Reader Service Card

Semiaqueous Modular Batch Defluxers “Model 9600” batch cleaners and com- panion modules remove water-soluble fluxes from PCBs. Also perform closed- loop rinsing of semiaqueous solvents from PCBs cleaned in the “6307” semi- aqueous batch cleaning system. The 6307/9600 combination offers a closed- loop solution to cleaning PCBs contain- ing rosin (RA and RMA) fluxes. Electronic Controls Design, Inc., Milwaukie, Ore. Mark 362 on Reader Service Card

Multi-Solvent, Multi-Parts Batch “ X series batch cleaners handle screens, stencils, PCBs, and production tools and fixtures, using most solvents or aqueous solutions. Compatible solvents include Axarel, Bioact, Cobar, Kyzen, isopropyl alcohol, all saponifiers, and water. Inks, solder paste or thick film paste, and reflowed flux residues may be removed. Austin American Technology Corp.,

Contact Deoxidizer - #373

Austin, Texas. Mark 370 on Reader Service Card

Uncured Epoxy/Residue Batch “Atlantis” non-CFC batch cleaning sys- tems remove uncured epoxy and solder paste/flux residues from PCBs and sten- cils. Utilize noncombustible alcohol sol- vents and water, requiring no fire sup- pression systems. Performance is based on low surface tension of the alco- hol/water solution and its solubility with water. Cleaning via solvent spray, spray- under-immersion, or optional ultrason-

ics. Conceptronic, Portsmouth, N.H. Mark 371 on Reader Service Card

Contact Deoxidizer “DeoxlT” fast-acting deoxidizing solution cleans, preserves, lubricates, and im- proves conductivity on all metal con- nector and contact surfaces. Prevents dissolved oxides and contaminants from reattaching to metal surfaces, providing longer lasting protection. Applications include switches, potentiometers, relays, and PCB edge connectors. Caig Labo- ratories, Inc., Rancho Bernardo, Calif. Mark 373 on Reader Service Card

Replacement “Safety” Solvents “Rosstech” solvents are nonhalogenated, nonaromatic, and non-ozone-depleting. A good replacement for solvents such as 1,l , I -trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, acetone, xylene, MEK, CFC-113, and aro- matics. Although solvents are not a “drop- in” replacement, they are said to perform well in most applications and without the health and environmental risks. Solvents do not require a water rinse. JNJ Indus-

smt tries, Inc., Milford, Mass. Mark 377 on Reader Service Card

PACPoffers more choices for fume

extraction systems. PACE Fume Extraction provides a healthier, more productive environment for your employees with its proven 3-stage removal process. PACE Fume Extraction virtually eliminates hazardous particu- lates and absorbs irritating contaminants. Filtered air can be recirculated into the workplace, resulting in significant energy savings.

PACE offers a full range of Fume Extractor systems incorporating a wide variety of fully adjustable arms, nozzle attachments, and soldering iron extraction tubes to suit any application. We have several instal- lation options from single station units up to 150 station systems. PACE Fume Extractors are excep- tionally quiet, easy to install, and simple to operate.

Fume Extraction ... by PACE!

Mark 39 on Reader Service Card 44 March 1993 Surface Mount Technology