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PCB Cleaning after Soldering

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Discussion in 'PCB Layout, Design and Manufacture' started by chopnhack, Dec 7, 2014.

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  1. Dec 7, 2014 #1
    chopnhack

    chopnhack

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    How do you clean your PCB's after soldering? If you were preparing to spray a conformal coating?

    I was thinking of using the coating to prevent oxidation for one of my projects that will be in a harsh environment. To prepare for the coating, the substrate needs to be clean and free of residue from soldering. My thoughts are to use alcohol and a toothbrush followed by a deionized water wash. Blow dry with compressed air.

    Your thoughts?
     
  2. Dec 7, 2014 #2
    KJ6EAD

    KJ6EAD

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    Use whatever flux removal method works with your flux, including mechanical action such as brushing. This may be a water based process or other. Follow any water rinses with compressed air then alcohol to scavenge the remaining water. Blow off again and bake in a low temperature oven.
     
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  3. Dec 7, 2014 #3
    chopnhack

    chopnhack

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    Awesome, thanks for the input - low temp oven would easily and quickly evaporate the alcohol, good thinking :)
     
  4. Dec 7, 2014 #4
    Bluejets

    Bluejets

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    Mineral turps seems to remove residual flux quickly.
     
  5. Dec 7, 2014 #5
    KJ6EAD

    KJ6EAD

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    More importantly, it will evaporate it completely so no hidden pocket of liquid trapped in or under a component can cause a thin spot or bubble in the conformal coating.
     
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  6. Dec 7, 2014 #6
    chopnhack

    chopnhack

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    Interesting, I had not thought of using that as a solvent - I thought it would leave a oily residue for some reason...

    Again, good point, especially since I have vias all over the intended board! Thanks again.

    I have read 170F was a good temp, any information from your experience?
     
  7. Dec 8, 2014 #7
    KJ6EAD

    KJ6EAD

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    That's fine. You should of course familiarize yourself with the best practices recommended by the manufacturer of your conformal coating.
     
  8. Dec 8, 2014 #8
    davenn

    davenn Moderator

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  9. Dec 9, 2014 #9
    Daniel Robertson

    Daniel Robertson

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    Cellulose thinners for me every time.
     
  10. Dec 10, 2014 #10
    jack20140512

    jack20140512

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    two methods when clean the residue flux, one is use alcohol and a toothbrush. the Alcohol must be standard industy or the PCB will became white. the other is to use Ultrasonic machine. but some of the parts may be damaged
     
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