In the PCB production process, cleaning PCBA circuit boards is a crucial step. Failure to effectively ensure the cleanliness of the PCB surface can lead to resistance and leakage, causing PCB circuit boards to malfunction and significantly affecting their lifespan. So, how do we clean PCB circuit boards? Let me share with you several methods:
- Solvent Cleaning: This method is used when there is no cleaning flux or no-clean solder paste during soldering, and the boards are directly cleaned after soldering. Solvent cleaning technology is the most common alternative technique nowadays, especially in mobile communication products. It mainly relies on solvents to dissolve and remove contaminants. Solvent cleaning is favored for its fast evaporation and strong solvency, requiring simple equipment.
- Semi-Aqueous Cleaning: This method typically involves using organic solvents and deionized water, along with a certain amount of surfactants and additives to form a cleaning solution. Positioned between solvent and water-based cleaning, this type of cleaning agent is safe to use due to its low toxicity and high flash point. However, it requires rinsing with water followed by air drying.
- Water-Based Cleaning Technology: Water-based cleaning technology is the future trend in cleaning techniques. Establishing pure water sources and wastewater treatment facilities is essential. This method uses water as the cleaning medium, supplemented with surfactants, additives, corrosion inhibitors, and chelating agents to form a series of water-based cleaning agents. It can remove water-soluble and non-polar contaminants.
- Fully Pneumatic Cleaning: Fully pneumatic cleaning can be used for cleaning various types of screens such as steel mesh, copper mesh, and micro-hole mesh, as well as PCB circuit boards, fixtures, and squeegees. Compared to ultrasonic cleaning, fully pneumatic cleaning is safer, offers excellent cleaning results, high automation, and does not damage the boards.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: Ultrasonic cleaning machines utilize high-frequency vibrations converted into kinetic energy in a liquid medium, generating cavitation effects that dislodge dirt from surfaces. This method is highly effective and fast, capable of cleaning multiple surfaces simultaneously with no dead zones. Ultrasonic cleaning can restore and improve the solderability of pads and components while reducing electromagnetic interference.
These are the various methods for cleaning PCB circuit boards. I hope this helps you gain a better understanding.
