Inline Aqueous Wash for WS and RMA fluxes

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We currently have RMA and WS soldering processes here and do... - Dec 07, 2006 by

Hi 'K', We manufacture both batch and inline defluxing eq... - Dec 08, 2006 by

The Speedline Technologies- Electrovert AquaStorm 200 is one... - Dec 08, 2006 by PeteC

You already have some good answers. A chemical isolation ... - Dec 08, 2006 by Bill West

#46053

Inline Aqueous Wash for WS and RMA fluxes | 7 December, 2006

We currently have RMA and WS soldering processes here and do batch cleaning for both. We are experiencing some capacity issues and are interested in looking at an IN-LINE aqueous wash. My experience with in-line wash is only with WS. 1. Since RMAs require a saponified wash, can the same inline aqueous wash process RMA and WS at the same time, or will that create problems? 2. For such an inline wash system, what are some of the requirements (must haves) from a equipment perspective. 3. Can complex connector structures be reliably cleaned in this type of system? (my experience with saponified batch cleaning of complex connectors is the saponifier gets into nooks & crannys, and doesn't rinse out).

Bottom line, I'm looking for the answers to these questions, and also a good contact with extensive cleaning experience in the RMA and WS processes that I can talk to offline and learn what questions I should even be asking.

Any input/feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks;

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Mike Konrad

#46090

Inline Aqueous Wash for WS and RMA fluxes | 8 December, 2006

Hi 'K',

We manufacture both batch and inline defluxing equipment so we have no axe to grind with either technology. There are pros and cons associated with both technologies under specific conditions. Batch machines are typically good cleaners but have relatively low throughputs (compared to inline). Inline machines are typically good cleaners with high throughput capabilities but, when operating with a chemistry (for RMA and no-clean), quickly become budget busters from an operational cost perspective.

Your choices are not limited to batch or inline. There is also "multi-batch" (multiple chambered batch machines) that feature multiple process chambers within one machine. They can match the throughput of an inline machine while maintaining a batch format and avoiding the high operational costs associated with inline.

Some batch machines can handle complex connector structures while some can not. It depends on the specific board / connector design, specific loading relative to the spray angles, and the diffusion pattern of the nozzles.

Regarding washing RMA and water soluble (OA) at one time... No problem. I would recommend using a chemical additive on all cleaning applications. Keep in mind, a cleaning system is designed to remove flux and other contamination. Just because the flux is water soluble, does not mean the other contamination (environmental, operator, fabrication) is water soluble. There is little sense in removing flux while leaving other contamination on the assembly. Additionally, if you are working a lead-free process, the higher reflow temperatures associated with lead free frequently mandate the use of a chemical additive, even in water soluble applications.

You may contact me offline for specifics (I do not want to use this forum as a sales platform).

Mike Konrad Aqueous Technologies www.aqueoustech.com konrad@aqueoustech.com

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PeteC

#46095

Inline Aqueous Wash for WS and RMA fluxes | 8 December, 2006

The Speedline Technologies- Electrovert AquaStorm 200 is one machine that can do the trick. You'll need the Chemical Isolation option for the RMA flux and you'll need a cleaning chemistry like what Zestron and Kyzen have. Yes, hi-density boards with connectors can be effective cleaned with the proper machine configuration. You can send boards to the factory and they can clean for you to recommend a machine configuration.

http://www.speedlinetech.com/electrovert/aquastorm.aspx

Please feel free to contact Dirk Ellis at 573-317-3050 or dellis@speedlinetech.com

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Bill West

#46117

Inline Aqueous Wash for WS and RMA fluxes | 8 December, 2006

You already have some good answers.

A chemical isolation zone for RMA is a good idea. If you are looking for new see the two references you have and Austin America.

If you are looking for used, see us at http://www.ietechnology.net. We presently have:

12/1999 Electrovert Aqua Storm 200, In-Line Cleaner, S/N # 11878785 10 HP Wash and Rinse w/ Hurricane, 1-15, 1-10 & 1-15 HP Turbine Dryers, 18� Dual Belt, Entrance Conveyor, 440 Volt, 160 FLA, in San Jose, Excellent Condition, 25�

1998 Electrovert Aqua Storm 200, In-Line Cleaner, S/N # 11874857 10 HP Wash and Rinse w/ Hurricane, 1-15, & 1-10 HP Turbine Dryers, 24� Dual Belt, Entrance Conveyor, 440 Volt, 160 FLA, Like New Condition, located in Orange County

1998 Electrovert Aqua Storm 100, In-Line Cleaner, S/N # 11875945 10 HP Wash Pump w/ Hurricane, 1-15, 1-10 & 1-15 HP Turbine Dryers, 24� Dual Belt, Utility Sink, 480 Volt, 145 FLA, in Orange County, 18�

1999 Triton IV MIL SMT, SMT In-Line Cleaner, S/N # T4/799/820DW 10 HP Wash and Rinse, 1-15 HP Turbine Dryers, 18� Dual Belt, Entrance Conveyor, 480 Volt, 157 FLA, in Orange County, 21�

1997 Triton IV SMT, SMT In-Line Cleaner, S/N # T4/297/47E/644DW 15 HP Wash Pump, 2-15 HP Turbine Dryers, 24� Dual Belt, Internal Close Loop Capable, 440 Volt, 105 FLA, in Orange County, 19�

1999 Aqueous Technology Batch Cleaner, AQ-400, S/N # Closed Loop and Chemical Capability, 220 Volt, Single Phase, Refurbished, Orange County

Depending on the specifics of your application, these may or may not fit your specific need.

Feel free to contact me directly at bill@ietechnology.net

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