PCB cleaning procedure

How to effectively clean boards after soldering from fluxes? We present a solution for companies that need cleaning of development or small series boards. But also a solution for high-volume production, where the purity of PCBs comes first.

The combination of Spray In-Air technology and vertical layout secures the highest efficiency of the cleaning process with zero shadowing effect. Maximizing the efficiency of the cleaning process is achieved by spraying cleaning fluid directly onto the cleaned component.

All of the processes (cleaning, pre-rinsing, rinsing and drying) are fully automated, and take place in one, two or three process chambers. It mainly depends on whether you have a single-chamber (batch cleaner) or multi-chamber washer.

Single-chamber cleaning systems have one (InJet® 388 CD), two (InJet® 388 CRD) or three (InJet® 388 CRRD) independent loops. Cleaning with chemistry/agent/detergent, pre-rinsing with DI water and final rinsing with ultraclean DI water.

Multi-chamber cleaning systems have two to three independent chambers in which the individual processes take place. This primarily increases the capacity of such devices. Cleaning with chemistry takes place in the first inlet chamber. Then the cleaned part is automatically transported to the central pass-through (InJet® 388 CRD TWIN, InJet® 388 CRRD TWIN) or stops (InJet® 388 CRRD TRIPLE) in its own central chamber where the pre-rinsing process takes place. The third and last outlet chamber is designed for the final rinsing and drying processes.

We are bringing the methods (solutions) for a huge cleaning capacity with the lowest possible process costs as there is zero cross-contamination between the separated chambers we have InJet® 388 DOUBLE TRIPLE. The main benefit of this device is three separate process chambers with two positions for the PCB carrier in each chamber.

We can arrange extra pure DI water for the final rinse either by means of a unique 2PR filtration or by means of an external filtration, which ensures still crystal-clear DI water for rinsing or pre-rinsing.
 

2PR filtration

Is an implemented element of the active sandwich filter on the rinsing loop. The active sandwich filter includes active carbon and ionex to remove all organic and ionic residues from rinsing water. Due to our unique construction, it is possible to set for each program if the active filter should be used or not. This solution makes it possible to use an active filter only for parts for which it is useful or necessary like misprinted or soldered boards (PCBs).

External filtration

Large-capacity external filtration, made completely of stainless steel, is another of a number of unique solutions (methods) for filtering rinse water from the production of DCT Czech s.r.o. The system uses sandwich filtration with active carbon and IONEX continuously connected in three filter tanks. These are interconnected by stainless steel distribution pipes and placed on a separate structure with rollers, which ensures trouble-free handling and the possibility of connecting to any type of machine from the production of DCT Czech. Easy maintenance and service are commonplace without any disassembly.

All chambers can be used simultaneously, which doubles/triple/sixfold the capacity of the process. Separation of the individual processes saves time, minimizes cross-contamination and lowers the process fluid consumption, therefore reducing process costs.

How to hold a PCB for cleaning?

We supply standard frames for mounting your PCBs or we will design and manufacture precise holders for your boards of various shapes and sizes. Standard frame for PCB use for safe fixing of PCBs during the cleaning process in vertical spraying InJet® systems. Contains several sliding arms whose distance and the amount can be easily changed according to the size of the PCB. The unique construction of fixing springs allows easy and fast loading and unloading. Is recommended to use it together with a mechanical table holder for PCB carrier frame

How to achieve a perfectly dry PCB?

Air knife is an option designed for our vertical spraying Injet systems. It consists of two movable arms with nozzles that blow pressed air on the surface of cleaned parts. This system works during the dripping and drying process. During dripping between the cleaning and rinsing process it removes residues of cleaning fluid from the surface and apertures of cleaned parts. It brings lower consumption of cleaning agent and lower contamination of rinsing fluid. Both of these save process costs. During drying it helps to remove water residues from the surface, apertures of stencils or pumpprints and from components and connectors on assembled boards. This improves makes drying time shorter. Running time of air knife is possible to set by the user according to the type of cleaning application.
The cleaning process is monitored and controlled by the PLC. All the process parameters such as time, temperature and other variables can be quickly adjusted on the touch screen.

All processes and parameters recorded by our cleaning system can be stored in the device or can be transmitted via traceability to any internal factory system.

The unique feature of video manuals can be accessed directly from the touch screen. These videos easily guide you to keep the system properly maintained.

The whole system is designed for easy access and regular maintenance tasks such as the exchange of filters and seals that can be done quickly and without using any tools. Stainless steel construction ensures the long term reliability and stability of the machine.

The cleaning chemistry can be easily refilled through the process chamber.

Thanks to the manual welding and quality of the materials, DCT offers the longest warranty in the market which is 5 years.