Actions
Forum Thread Details
  • State Not Answered
  • Replies 3 replies
  • Subscribers 305 subscribers
  • Views 655 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Related
See a helpful answer?

Be sure to click 'more' and select 'suggest as answer'!

If you're the thread creator, be sure to click 'more' then 'Verify as Answer'!

Board Cleaning

Former Member

What is the best method for spot cleaning CCA's when a component is replaced?  Specifically, flux which remains under the components.

  • 0

    Different flux requires specific solvents. Check with the bigger solvent companies on what type to use for your application. Try Kyzen or Zestron.

     

    But if you are willing to take a risk, use isopropyl alcohol (IPA). It does work in some cases, though not industry recommended.

     

    Cabe

  • 0

    I use 99.9% isopropyl alcohol.  MG Chemicals sells it as wipes and as a bottle.  I generally use the bottle and Q-tips to clean the area.  It works great and I can't think of any reason this is a "risk."  I've been doing it for years.  The bottle part number I use is "824-1L" and the wipes are "1610-100DSP" (the wipes are from tech spray).  I generally use no clean solder and a flux pen (catalog #951 from Kester).  If I want to clear a whole board at once, I use the MG spray bottle (PN 824-500ml), coat the board and go after it with a toothbrush.  I only did this when I used flux solder and I find that now I rarely do this.  When I spray a whole board, I use a toothbrush to clean it dislodge the flux, then I coat it a couple of times with the spray and let it roll off only a paper towel. 

  • 0

    IPA is not doing a satisfactory job in removing the flux from underneath the components, but if we flood the area with IPA or Toluene, and vacuum it up with a suction hose, we get a much cleaner board.  Do you see any issues with this method?  I'm concerned that using a vacuum would create an ESD issue.