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Cleaning Copper Surface

Views: 12513

#60926

Cleaning Copper Surface | 26 January, 2010

Hi,

I have a copper plate that we received from supplier with oils and some sort of stains. We tried most of the general type of degreasers by soaking but didn't work until we tried a Floor Stripper from Ace and it does make the copper clean and shiny and we just use our Aqueous Cleaner to wash and clean them.

I am not happy still with this as I believe that there must be some chemicals out there or solutions for proper application in cleaning copper or removing copper stains.

Please help provide info in case anyone knows anything.

Thanks in advance!

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#60931

Cleaning Copper Surface | 26 January, 2010

Interesting selection for a cleaner (floor stripper). I'm curious as to what made you try it?

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#60933

Cleaning Copper Surface | 26 January, 2010

what made us to try it?

after testing most general degreases including some electronic degreasers in spray can from reputable manufacturers without having success in achieving a clean and shiny (no stain) surface. we do not want to re-etch or use etching solution to clean it so that's out from the picture.

anything you can recommend sir isd.jwww ?

cheers!

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#60934

Cleaning Copper Surface | 26 January, 2010

Standard Prep for waxes and oil includes Acetone wash/rinse/dry.

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#60935

Cleaning Copper Surface | 26 January, 2010

You can try a 5% solution of sulfuric acid. It's used to clean copper foils to IPC-TM-650 method 2.3.15 prior to testing for purity.

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#60961

Cleaning Copper Surface | 28 January, 2010

how about a light sanding ?

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#60962

Cleaning Copper Surface | 28 January, 2010

We tried light sanding but we still have to find out the proper way not to sacrifice the evenness (surface level) of the surface. The flatness of the surface is a requirement.

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#60995

Cleaning Copper Surface | 1 February, 2010

can anyone share how copper is being cleaned a a PCB Fab House prior to applying HASL?

thanks

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#61004

Cleaning Copper Surface | 2 February, 2010

How about sanding then plating fresh copper?

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#61005

Cleaning Copper Surface | 2 February, 2010

smt_guy: In removing passivation coats and handling oil, board fabs do light washes with: * Sulfuric acid * Alkaline * Water ... and then blow dry.

They do not see "oil" like you seem to be talking about. Their "oil" is the assumption that someone in-house has touched the copper and left finger oils on it.

Why haven't you rejected this product?

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#61006

Cleaning Copper Surface | 2 February, 2010

Like Dave said, you need to use an acid solution. This is what is used prior to HASL. You will think I am crazy but you can use vinegar or even catsup/ketchup. The acetic acid will clean the oxidation. Just rinse the board off before using.

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#61058

Cleaning Copper Surface | 6 February, 2010

We do this sort of thing for a living, provide cleaning materials to clean things such as copper. If you'd like we can chat off line.

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#61618

Cleaning Copper Surface | 15 April, 2010

Will this work for Tin Immersion plating or does anyone have suggestions on what will work?

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#61622

Cleaning Copper Surface | 15 April, 2010

I normally use a particularly aggressive Hand Cleaner for cleaning oil off your hands at garages/ workshops and then Benzotriazole. The Hand cleaner comes from an industrial chemical supplier. It usually contains some NaOH while most Hand-cleaners don't as it is too hard on the skin. An alternative would be a little NaOH dissolved in water. Secondly the Benzotriazole which strips the oxide and leaves the copper shinier for at least one day. An alternative is 4% Acetic acid i.e. that clean vinegar on the bottom of the supermarket shelf but it will quickly re-oxidise the copper, Benzotriazole can be bought from many chemical suppliers McDermid are a big supplier to the PCB industry.

regards Andrew

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#61623

Cleaning Copper Surface | 15 April, 2010

"BiRAL SC" is a water displacing cleaner. - effective for cleaning most metals including carbon- and stainless steel, copper, aluminium etc. - cleans electrical motors, brush holders, bearings, armatures etc, - cleans and treats most types of plastics including polyester, polyethylene and polypropulene - also PTFE-based materials, - removes oil, grease and dirt, evaporates quickly without leaving any oil film, - will not cause corrosion on metals, BIRAL USA=WWW.ADVANTAGELUBES.COM

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