Printed Circuit Board Assembly & PCB Design Forum

SMT electronics assembly manufacturing forum.

SMTnet
»
Electronics Forum
»
Steaming boards

Steaming boards

Subscribe to Thread

I am curious on some opinions on cleaning of boards. We have... - Apr 22, 2003 by

So, steaming your boards in a box makes them cleaner? Never... - Apr 23, 2003 by davef

I've never heard of steaming a board either. You said that s... - Apr 23, 2003 by k_h

This is sensetivity and heat and direct pressure of this boa... - Apr 23, 2003 by

We autoclave our medical PC boards (Sorry Bad Joke). With ... - Apr 24, 2003 by CAL

Yes it is Di water and is tested after washing. The customer... - Apr 24, 2003 by

Sorry for responding with questions... Exactly what is it th... - Apr 24, 2003 by razor

I thought autoclaving was cleaning (well sterlizing) somethi... - Apr 24, 2003 by Stephen

Mr. B

#24224

Steaming boards | 22 April, 2003

I am curious on some opinions on cleaning of boards. We have a board wash but after the wash we still need to stem them for better cleaniness. The timed steaming is prox. 2 mins a side and by the way this is a medical board. So if you got and suggestions or something for me let me know. And we also use the 4200 amtech paste if you need to know. I need something to speed up this process if possible.

reply »

davef

#24235

Steaming boards | 23 April, 2003

So, steaming your boards in a box makes them cleaner? Never heard of that. What are you removing from your boards?

The longer the conveyor in your washer, the faster you can run it, but then again it's longer. Consider that a saponifier or something like that may be required to increase the efficiency of your cleaning process. Talk to your cleaner equipment supplier for advice.

reply »

k_h

#24238

Steaming boards | 23 April, 2003

I've never heard of steaming a board either. You said that steaming cleans it better after the wash process. What is the steaming process cleaning that the washer isn't, flux residue, solder balls, or what? Also, try and identify the main difference between the washer and steaming process that makes the boards cleaner, is it the heat? I agree with Dave, you may need to consider a saponifier, ask your solder paste supplier what they recommend then make sure it will work in your washer.

reply »

Mr. B

#24243

Steaming boards | 23 April, 2003

This is sensetivity and heat and direct pressure of this board. I guess they have tried different things in the past with new washers and paste. The customer is satistified with this method so if not broken dont fix it I guess. I thought I would throw this out there and see responses thanks all.

reply »

CAL

#24262

Steaming boards | 24 April, 2003

We autoclave our medical PC boards (Sorry Bad Joke). With the Steam process I am concerned that the water (Solution) is not Clean. So I am curious to the process of steam cleaning: Is It Presure Steam? is the Water DI, ION free, street water...? you maybe be making the PCB's dirty-er than they were before wash. Is Ionic testing or chromatography being done to ensure the boards are "Clean"? I have worked with medical and mil boards and agree with Dave....what ever is left behind from the assembly process can be removed with the right soponifier combination.

Cal Communications Test Design, Inc

reply »

Mr. B

#24271

Steaming boards | 24 April, 2003

Yes it is Di water and is tested after washing. The customers boards pass inspection testing before the wash but the customer likes to see them CLEAN.

reply »

razor

#24279

Steaming boards | 24 April, 2003

Sorry for responding with questions... Exactly what is it that you are removing from the board? How clean does your customer want it, aka... how clean is CLEAN?

reply »

Stephen

#24285

Steaming boards | 24 April, 2003

I thought autoclaving was cleaning (well sterlizing) something with steam and pressure. It almost sounds like that is what is happening to the boards in question. Are they being "cleaned" or sterilized? During this steam cleaning, is all air evactuated from the cleaning chamber? Or is it an inline steam cleaner? If it is a matter of sterilization, would some kind of UV light inline system be sufficient? That would be faster than if it is a batch steam cleaner (Still sounds like an autoclave to me). How are they handled and packaged after? To me it's how clean (and sterile?) they are leaving the door, not how clean they were at the cleanest stage. I presume they are handled with gloves after the steam cleaning? Do they get vaccuum sealed after? I'm just curious how "CLEAN" clean is.

reply »

Peter

#29676

Steaming boards | 27 July, 2004

We had a similar application to rewash excessive flux residues through a chemical wash, steam clean, and DI rinse. We currently have an inline cleaner. Can you comment what kind of steamer (made and manufacturer) is being referred to in this discussion?

reply »