Cleaning after rework, no clean flux

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Hi, The guys here have some boards that have been reworke... - Feb 26, 2003 by

Grant, No-Clean paste + IPA = White Residue! #1: Stop... - Feb 26, 2003 by

Grant Petty

#23542

Cleaning after rework, no clean flux | 26 February, 2003

Hi,

The guys here have some boards that have been reworked however as we use no-clean paste we are getting the white residue after ultrasonic cleaning.

We are using an alcohol based cleaner in the ultra sonic cleaner. Does anyone have any ideas, or a better cleaning method?

Regards,

Grant Petty Blackmagic Design www.blackmagic-design.com

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Mike Konrad

#23543

Cleaning after rework, no clean flux | 26 February, 2003

Grant,

No-Clean paste + IPA = White Residue!

#1: Stop using IPA

#2: Switch to either a solvent-based de-fluxing chemical or an aqueous-based de-fluxing chemical.

If you are using an ultrasonic cleaner for your boards as stated, do not use saponifiers (an aqueous chemical that chemically converts flux to soap). Although saponifiers are the most common aqueous-based solutions, they require a lot of mechanical energy (more common in spray-in-air systems).

De-fluxing chemicals that are effective in an ultrasonic cleaner are:

Aqueous Chemicals: Aqueous Technologies: PCB-Wash http://www.aqueoustech.com

Zestron: Vigon A200 http://www.zestron.com

Kyzen: 5020 http://www.kyzen.com

Solvent-Based Chemicals: Petroferm: AXAREL 32 or BIOACT EC-7R� Defluxer http://www.petroferm.com

Kyzen: IONOX FCR http://www.kyzen.com

As a general rule, consider most aqueous-based de-fluxers non flammable and (in most cases) able to be sent to drain (after filtration).

As a general rule, consider most solvent-based de-fluxers flammable (if you�re use to IPA then no big deal) and (in most cases) not able to be sent to the drain.

As far as a better method is concerned, not many people are using ultrasonic cleaning equipment for post reflow cleaning applications. Although ultrasonic technology works very well for wash (placing flux into solution), most ultrasonic cleaners do not adequately rinse. If you are considering another de-fluxing chemical (aqueous or solvent) consider the following. The only thing worse than leaving flux on a board is leaving de-fluxing chemistry on a board. Many modern de-fluxing chemicals are high pH. Although they are highly effective and environmentally safe, they must be thoroughly removed. Rinsing is the most important feature of any de-fluxing system. The most common technology used for de-fluxing are spray-in-air systems. Available in batch or inline format, they come in all sizes and capabilities from a number of manufacturers.

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

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