tomizett
Active Member
Hi All,
This is a general question rather then one pertaining to a particular repair. As a repair technician by trade, I spend a lot of time cleaning things - but I sometimes wonder if there might be better ways of doing it.
Specifically, I'm interested in hearing peoples experiences and favorite methods of cleaning and drying entire PCBs contaminated with mostly "organic" type fluids such as oils and sugars (read smoke fluid and beer).
I have discussed with a colleague the possibility of using an ultrasonic cleaning bath - does anyone have experience of using one? What is the preferred cleaning medium - just (de-ionised?) water or something more fancy? Is there any possibility of damage, and what type/grade/power of machine would you recommend?
Cleaning with water of course raises the problem of thorough drying. I wonder if placing in an oven at a reasonably high (50-80 degC maybe?) for a few hours would be the most effective? What maximum temperature could be sustained without degrading component (particularly caps?) life? Drying has to be completely thorough and reasonably quick to stop any kind of corrosion or tarnishing setting in. If using an oven, would it be necessary (or beneficial) to remove the moisture be some means?
Anyway, I'd be interested in hearing what techniques others have used, particularly on the trade trade or in manufacturing.
This is a general question rather then one pertaining to a particular repair. As a repair technician by trade, I spend a lot of time cleaning things - but I sometimes wonder if there might be better ways of doing it.
Specifically, I'm interested in hearing peoples experiences and favorite methods of cleaning and drying entire PCBs contaminated with mostly "organic" type fluids such as oils and sugars (read smoke fluid and beer).
I have discussed with a colleague the possibility of using an ultrasonic cleaning bath - does anyone have experience of using one? What is the preferred cleaning medium - just (de-ionised?) water or something more fancy? Is there any possibility of damage, and what type/grade/power of machine would you recommend?
Cleaning with water of course raises the problem of thorough drying. I wonder if placing in an oven at a reasonably high (50-80 degC maybe?) for a few hours would be the most effective? What maximum temperature could be sustained without degrading component (particularly caps?) life? Drying has to be completely thorough and reasonably quick to stop any kind of corrosion or tarnishing setting in. If using an oven, would it be necessary (or beneficial) to remove the moisture be some means?
Anyway, I'd be interested in hearing what techniques others have used, particularly on the trade trade or in manufacturing.