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PCB cleaning is indispensable in high-end production today. Assembled/mounted PCBs must be thoroughly cleaned of production residues and dirt from the environment and handling. This is the only way to ensure error-free further processing and reliable function. Particularly in industries with high quality requirements - such as aerospace, automotive, medical technology, military or telecommunications - assembly cleaning is an integral part of the production process. However, even in so-called no-clean production, subsequent cleaning may be necessary to prevent malfunctions. The cleaning of a high-quality and expensive electronic assembly only accounts for a small proportion of the total production costs. The longevity, quality and visual appearance of the assembly can therefore be significantly improved with minimal financial outlay.

The main objective of assembly cleaning is the thorough removal of flux, rosin, resin, copper oxide and soldering additives from assembled PCBs and electronic components such as BGAs, flip chips, relays or inductors. It also enables the cleaning of misprints on one side, which could otherwise not be reused.

A clean assembly is crucial for the quality and durability of electronic systems. It is the prerequisite for reliable bonding, coating and painting and contributes significantly to climate and leakage current safety. Cleaning also helps to eliminate errors, enhance misprints and ensure the optical quality of electronic components.

As a manufacturer and system supplier, SYSTRONIC offers a comprehensive solution for component cleaning - from cleaning machines, accessories and cleaning agents to customised, software-controlled, fully automated processes. Everything from a single source for maximum efficiency and the highest quality standards. Through constant research into new cleaning methods and technologies, SYSTRONIC has been developing customised solutions for every requirement for many years - individually, comprehensively and reliably.

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Sophisticated cleaning machines that utilise various processes such as spraying, brushing, dipping and ultrasound are used to clean electronic assemblies. These technologies enable residues to be removed thoroughly and gently at the same time.

Specially customised cleaning agents are used, which are precisely tailored to the requirements of the respective PCBs. Modern cleaning systems offer a high degree of flexibility and can be customised to meet individual customer requirements. A decisive advantage of automated cleaning is its high process stability: it guarantees reproducible cleaning results and at the same time minimises mechanical stress on the assemblies.

The assembly cleaners developed by SYSTRONIC are optimised for demanding cleaning tasks. They ensure reliable and effective cleaning, especially when processing lead-free solder pastes, which pose greater challenges due to their higher resin content and more aggressive activator systems.

There are different types of cleaning agents for cleaning both lead-free and lead-containing assemblies:

Aqueous cleaning

Aqueous assembly cleaners offer a wide process window and enable the thorough removal of all types of resin and flux residues from lead-free and lead-containing no-clean solder pastes.

Thanks to their high flexibility, they can be used in a wide variety of cleaning processes. A decisive advantage is the flashpoint-free process, which makes both work safety and storage considerably easier. In addition, aqueous cleaning is characterised by its high environmental compatibility, as it contains only a minimal amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Semi-aqueous cleaning

Semi-aqueous cleaning processes offer a high broadband capability and enable the reliable removal of all flux residues from lead-free and lead-containing no-clean solder pastes.

Instead of conventional alcohols, modern, organically formulated solvents that are free of halogens are used. These special cleaners are characterised by their high bath loading capacity, which leads to exceptionally long service lives. Thanks to their surfactant-free formulation, they can also be easily rinsed out with demineralised water.

Water-free cleaning

Specially developed solvent cleaners are used for water-free cleaning, which reliably remove both polar and non-polar flux residues from lead-free and lead-containing no-clean solder pastes thanks to their balanced combination.

These cleaners can be completely distilled and are therefore ideal for use in cleaning machines with steam rinsing. Thanks to their surfactant-free composition, they evaporate quickly and leave no residue, ensuring efficient and process-safe cleaning.