InsightsSustainable Cleaning in Electronics Manufacturing
Collaborative Partnership Leads to an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solution.
PCB CleaningMore Sustainable Electronics Cleaning
In the midst of the evolving electronics manufacturing industry, the integration of sustainability is gaining significant importance. A recently realized success story vividly illustrates the collaborative partnership between a potential customer, our experts at ZESTRON, Factronix, and Paggen GmbH. Together, a sustainable solution for the customer's cleaning process was developed.
the initial situation New Perspectives - Sustainable Electronics Cleaning in Focus
Previously, our customer employed an HFE cleaning process, facing two significant challenges: high costs and uncertainties regarding its future viability.
The existing HFE process utilized hydrofluoroether, a non-flammable liquid suitable for electronics cleaning. Faced with the imminent end of the existing cleaning system's lifecycle, there was a desire to explore the possibility of a water-based cleaning process.
This evaluation took place at our machine center in Ingolstadt. Here, not only were the results of the cleaning trials analyzed, but the potential of a more environmentally friendly alternative was also highlighted.
the test seriesEfficient Cleaning Trials
01 | Test Objects
PCBs brought in by the customer, featuring uncleaned, double-sided assemblies.
02 | Targeted Test Results
Significant reduction/removal of visible flux residues.
03 | Tested Cleaning Agent
Utilization of VIGON® A 201
04 | Verification of Cleaning Results:
Utilization of a digital microscope for surface inspection at 20- to 100-fold magnification.
05 | Test Description
Trial 1: Batch Spray-in-Air at 55°C, cleaning time: 15 minutes.
Trial 2: Batch Spray-in-Air at 55°C, cleaning time: 30 minutes.
06 | Test Results
The before-and-after images showcase near textbook-perfection, a remarkable feat considering the intricate challenge posed by the PCBs. These boards, featuring both Surface Mount Device (SMD) and Through-Hole Technology (THT) assembly, underwent rework.
Before Cleaning
Clear flux residues are visible in the fine-pitch area.
After Cleaning
No residues are visible in the fine-pitch area after cleaning
Before Cleaning
The reworked assembly shows substantial flux residue amounts
After Cleaning
Almost no residues are visible on the reworked assemblies after cleaning
convincing resultsEffective Cleaning and Sustainability
The results speak for themselves: The synergy of spray-in-air cleaning technology and the water-based cleaner VIGON® A 201 achieves outstanding cleaning results, characterized by low consumption of cleaning agents and water. This not only underscores the efficiency of this solution but also emphasizes the significance of sustainability in electronics cleaning.
Facing similar challenges? Contact us.
Our team of will assist you in identifying the optimal cleaning process for your needs.
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