EPP Europe P2.2023
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PCB & ASSEMBLY «<br />
Shitsuke / Sustain<br />
Sustain is the final stage that helps technicians<br />
maintain all that has been implemented over the<br />
previous four stage. Companies must maintain the<br />
5S procedures and update and adapt them as<br />
necessary.<br />
It is essential to involve the entire workforce in the<br />
5S approach: the management team, those working<br />
at the PCB cleaning workbench, and staff in inspection<br />
and quality control. Regular training is a good<br />
way to keep everyone updated on the process and to<br />
ensure long-term success.<br />
The sixth ‘S’<br />
An additional sixth step that some companies<br />
adopt when using the 5S methodology is ‘Safety’. It<br />
concentrates on eliminating workplace risks and<br />
raising standards.<br />
It is important to examine cleaning fluids and<br />
equipment and carefully review the SDS (safety data<br />
sheets) to make sure they are appropriate for usage.<br />
Advanced PCB cleaning solutions are safer for exposed<br />
employees since they are designed to be nonflammable,<br />
have better toxicity profiles, and high<br />
threshold limit values (TLVs), making them safer for<br />
users.<br />
As mentioned above, a controlled cleaning fluid<br />
dispensing system is an effective tool. Cleaning fluid<br />
is distributed through a closed aerosol system, restricting<br />
worker exposure to any gases and lowering<br />
the possibility of spillage<br />
and fire hazards.<br />
As component shortages<br />
continue, PCB manufacturers<br />
are making every part<br />
count. Ineffective PCB<br />
cleaning not only affects the<br />
quality and reliability of any<br />
electronic device but can<br />
also leave the PCB unusable.<br />
When considering PCB<br />
cleaning, look for methods<br />
like ‘5S Plus Safety’ to help<br />
to optimise the process, and<br />
reduce waste.<br />
Productronica, Booth A4.101<br />
www.microcare.com<br />
About the author<br />
Elizabeth Norwood is a Senior<br />
Chemist at MicroCare, provider<br />
of precision cleaning solutions.<br />
She has been in the industry for<br />
more than 25 years and has a<br />
BS in Chemistry from the University<br />
of St. Joseph, Connecticut.<br />
Norwood researches, develops<br />
and tests cleaning-related<br />
products. She currently has one<br />
patent issued and two pending<br />
for her work.<br />
There are always two<br />
sides to every story!<br />
New AOI system for top<br />
and bottom inspection<br />
www.viscom.com<br />
Booth A2.177<br />
NEW<br />
3D AOI<br />
<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2023 47