If you have rust or dirtiness on a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), it is important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.
Cleaning a PCB with an ultrasonic cleaner can be an effective method to remove stubborn contaminants.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a PCB using an ultrasonic cleaner:
- Safety precautions: Ensure that the ultrasonic cleaner is set up in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses.
- Prepare the ultrasonic cleaner: Fill the ultrasonic cleaner tank with a cleaning solution recommended for electronics. Avoid using solvents that may damage the PCB or its components. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for the appropriate concentration of the cleaning solution.
- Disassemble the PCB if necessary: If the PCB is attached to any components or modules that can be safely removed, it is generally recommended to disassemble them. This will help prevent damage to sensitive components during the cleaning process.
- Immerse the PCB: Place the PCB in the ultrasonic cleaner, ensuring that it is fully submerged in the cleaning solution. Be mindful not to overcrowd the tank, as this can affect the cleaning efficiency.
- Ultrasonic cleaning process: Turn on the ultrasonic cleaner and set it to the recommended settings for electronic components. Typically, a frequency range of 40-45 kHz is suitable for PCB cleaning. Allow the cleaner to operate for the recommended cleaning duration, usually a few minutes.
- Rinse the PCB: After the ultrasonic cleaning cycle is complete, remove the PCB from the cleaner and rinse it with clean water to remove any residual cleaning solution. Ensure that the water used for rinsing is free from contaminants.
- Dry the PCB: Use compressed air or an air compressor to blow away excess water droplets from the PCB. Alternatively, you can allow the PCB to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Ensure that the PCB is completely dry before reassembly or further handling.
- Inspect the PCB: Once the PCB is dry, visually inspect it to ensure that all visible contaminants have been removed. Check for any signs of damage or residue. If necessary, repeat the cleaning process or use other cleaning methods to address any remaining contaminants.
It is important to refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your ultrasonic cleaner for detailed guidance on its usage, settings, and safety precautions.
Before cleaning After cleaning
Cleaning concentrates for PCB
When it comes to cleaning concentrates specifically formulated for PCB (Printed Circuit Board) cleaning, there are a few options available. These concentrates are designed to effectively remove contaminants without damaging the PCB or its components.
Ultrasonic Cleaning Solutions
If you have access to an ultrasonic cleaner, you can use specialized cleaning solutions designed for ultrasonic cleaning. These solutions enhance the cleaning process by creating cavitation bubbles, which help dislodge and remove contaminants from the PCB.
AS-PCB
This cleaning concentrate is made for cleaning PCBs and other electronic circuits, especially for removing flux from soldering. Safe removal of contaminants without causing damage, corrosion or darkening the components.
Use a solution with water in a ratio of 10%, depending on the degree of contamination of the object to be cleaned. The optimum cleaning temperature is between 50-60°C. Rinse all items with clean water after ultrasonic cleaning. Change the cleaning solution in the ultrasonic cleaner regularly when it becomes dirty.
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