Ultrasonic PCB Cleaner-How To Use It

Published on May 7, 2018 , Last modified on August 14, 2024
by Hommer Zhao

Just like any other component, PCBs get dirty and require regular cleaning.

Distilled water may work well, but if the process is not well done, it can lead to many problems.

Also, using stronger solvents like acetone may ruin your PCBs.

When using acetone ultrasonic PCB cleaner, ultrasonic vibration atomizes acetone, making the PCB soft.

However, detergents and distilled water can help you do a great job.

Ultrasonic Cleaner for PCB

When the PCBs used in our domestic equipment, such as cell phones, get dusty and dirty, they must be cleaned immediately.

If left uncleaned, they will likely deteriorate and may not provide the required service. Consequently, it would help if you found an appropriate way to clean your PCBs.

If you have no idea about how ultrasonic cleaning works, it will be necessary that you partner with a company that provides ultrasonic PCB cleaning services.

Ultrasonic Pcb Cleaner.png

Notice that cleaning PCBs is a delicate process that requires utmost care to avoid damaging, loosening, or compromising the components used.

It means that you must care when selecting the cleaning method to use. There are a few potholes that need to be avoided when doing this.

• Avoid using contaminants that may accumulate on your PCB by ensuring that they are removed before they cause problems.

• Do not allow the accumulation of dust and dirt on your PCB by using a smooth brush to dust it off gently.

How to Clean the Dirt

Using a brush can effectively remove the dust. Unfortunately, there is always a limitation to what the meeting can remove and where it can reach.

This is where the use of compressed air comes in. It has the advantage of getting many areas, but care must be taken since it can damage vital connections.

You may also use specially designed vacuum cleaners to remove dirt and dust from your PCBs.

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Cleaning

This cleaning machine uses high frequency to cause cavitation and results in the implosion of billions of bubbles in solutions in the tank.

The transducer creates these bubbles at the bed of your tank, and when they blast contaminants, they clean the surface.

Ultrasonic creates sound waves with high frequencies of about 20 kHz that lead to cavitation hence the cleaning process.

Benchtop Ultrasonic Cleaner

This technique is not used much because it can loosen connections or cause damage to the components.

The method can also cause separation of the features and damage the bond wire pads of the devices, even though this is the preferred cleaning method capable of reaching the most difficult parts of your component.

It is also the quickest method of cleaning components.

Ultrasonic PCB Cleaner

Cavitation can remove gross contaminants by creating high temperatures and pressure over 10,000PSI.

When FR4 PCBs are NEMA-grade designated material for glass-reinforced laminate material. They are made of woven fiberglass with an epoxy resin binder.

Moreover, they have high frequency; they create smaller bubbles that clean gently and can penetrate the crevices, cracks, and blind holes.

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Ultrasonic Cleaner PCB Board

Dirt and dust could affect printed circuit boards used in electronic devices such as cell phones and other commercial and domestic appliances.

It, therefore, requires Gadgets such as electronic ultrasonic cleaners to help clean the delicate parts.

The devices can also clean complex PCB boards safely and efficiently.

Ultrasonic cleaning is an advanced and innovative technique that uses technology to offer cleaning services initially thought to be complicated.

The technology has been around for a while and has many applications in military and medical areas. It uses ultrasonic technology to help clean surfaces faster.

Considered excellent when it comes to cleaning PCBs because:

  • It allows you to clean your gadgets fast
  • Components that are cleaned using this method become more reliable and efficient
  • It can be used to clean components with blind holes
  • It is the safest way to help remove contaminants without damaging your component.

How It Works

It works through cavitation, where microscopic bubbles are formed and forced to fall violently on the surface to be cleaned.

Doing so helps to remove dirt and dust. Immersing the PCB in a tank filled with a cleaning solution is allowed, but it must be adequately dried for a safe outcome.

Ultrasonic cleaning of devices should take 15 minutes and help you save a lot of money and time.

It also protects your electronic parts and eliminates any possible damage to your PCBs.  

5. PCB Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution

There are plenty of ultrasonic cleaner solutions to choose from. Some of them are designed to remove flux and deposits on PCBs.

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The answers come in concentrated form but could be added to water to dilute them before use.

When used, they help to remove contaminants and do not corrode or damage metal components.

Most solutions are safe on copper, brass, aluminum, and other metals. It is recommended that you test the solution before using them.

Conclusion

Cleaning PCBs using ultrasonic cleaners has become common because it is the only way to help preserve PCBs and electronic devices.

PCB Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution is a reliable cleaning option that guarantees that your PCB remains clean and in good working condition.

It helps to clean sensitive and complex parts of your PCB.

It means that PCB cleaning need not be daunting and should be used to ensure that our components remain clean.

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Hommer Zhao
Hi, I'm Hommer Zhao, the founder and Chief Editor at WellPCB. With extensive experience in the PCB industry, I oversee all content to ensure it meets the highest standards of accuracy and insight. We proudly serve over 4,000 customers globally. For inquiries or more information, don't hesitate to reach out. Your satisfaction is my top priority!