Source: MicrocareAs
Source: MicrocareAs printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) become increasingly complex, achieving reliable and consistent cleaning is becoming more challengingVapour degreasing: The benchtop cleaning upgradeElevating PCBA cleaningto new heightsAs printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) become more complex, reliable cleaning isincreasingly challenging. Traditional methods often fail to remove all contaminants fromdensely packed components. For precision-critical industries, cleaning inconsistencies canlead to serious reliability issues. This drives more manufacturers to adopt vapour degreasing,an efficient process that reduces operator variability and ensures thorough cleaning.» Elizabeth Norwood, Senior Chemist, MicroCareFor decades, benchtop or manual methods have beenthe go-to solution for PCBA cleaning processes. Thisapproach relies on hands-on techniques such asscrubbing, rinsing, and wiping to remove contaminantsfrom PCBAs using specialized cleaning fluids.While effective for small batches or non-critical applications,manual cleaning introduces notable challengesthat modern electronics manufacturers mustconsider.Challenges of benchtop cleaningContamination risks: If not performed correctly,benchtop cleaning is prone to leaving residual contaminants,such as flux, cleaning agents, or debris,on the PCBA. Despite the operator‘s best efforts,these contaminants can be difficult to remove fully,especially from intricate areas or hard-to-reachcomponents. Contamination can lead to issues likecorrosion, poor solderability, or dendrite growth,20 EPP Europe » 05 | 2025
« PCB & ASSEMBLYcritical concerns for industries with high reliabilitydemands.Inconsistency: Benchtop cleaning is heavily relianton operator skill. Variations in cleaning pressure,cleaning fluid application, or drying time can leavecontaminants behind. This inconsistency can causedefects, performance issues, and reliability concerns,particularly in high-precision sectors like aerospace,medical, and automotive.Labour-intensive: Cleaning each board manually istime-consuming and slows down productionthroughput, especially in larger-scale or more complexproduction environments. As manufacturing demandsincrease, this method becomes inefficient andcostly, with longer lead times.Limited effectiveness: Benchtop cleaning oftenstruggles with intricate designs and small components,leaving contaminants in hard-to-reach areas.As PCBA designs grow more complex, the limitationsof manual cleaning become clearer, necessitating amore automated and reliable solution.Why vapour degreasing is betterVapour degreasing is an automated cleaning methodthat uses solvent vapours to clean and remove contaminantsfrom PCBAs, addressing the challenges ofbenchtop cleaning. It offers a range of benefits thatmake it a good solution for precision-driven industries:Cleaning power: Vapour degreasing effectively removescontaminants such as flux, oils, and grease,even from difficult-to-reach areas. The vapours dissolveresidues that would otherwise require manualscrubbing, ensuring a higher standard of cleanliness.The process ensures that even stubborn contaminantsare removed, providing the level of cleanlinessneeded for industries with high reliability standards.Consistency and repeatability: Unlike benchtopcleaning, vapour degreasing is an automated process,cutting the variability that comes with manualmethods. The controlled environment of the vapourdegreasing system ensures that the cleaning processis repeatable and consistent, with every cycle meetingstringent cleanliness standards. This level of consistencyis crucial for cleaning complex and criticalcomponents, where even slight variations can compromiseperformance.Enhanced efficiency and throughput: Vapour degreasingsystems can clean multiple PCBAs simultaneously,greatly improving cleaning efficiency andthroughput. This is particularly helpful for high-volumemanufacturing environments where meetingtight deadlines is paramount. Manufacturers canmanage larger batches faster, reducing lead timesand improving production capacity.Environmental and operator safety: Modern vapourdegreasing systems are designed with environmentalresponsibility at their core. Features like fluidrecovery and recycling, along with advanced filtrationsystems, help minimize waste and reduce theconsumption of cleaning materials.The cleaning fluids used in these systems haveoutstanding ecological and safety credentials. Theyare highly effective at thoroughly cleaning componentsand meet the stringent regulatory requirementsof industries governed by international standards.Modern vapour degreasing fluids follow regulations,such as those set by the US EPA (EnvironmentalProtection Agency) and the EU’s REACH (Registration,Evaluation, Authorisation and Restrictionof Chemicals) framework. With zero Ozone DepletingPotential (ODP), low Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCs), and low Global Warming Potential (GWP),Manual cleaning is effective for small batches or non-critical applicationsthese fluids contribute to a safer and more sustainablecleaning process.Moreover, these systems enhance operator safetyby automating the cleaning process, minimizing directhuman intervention and ensuring a safer workingenvironment.Cost-effectiveness: While the upfront investment invapour degreasing systems may be higher thanbenchtop cleaning methods, the long-term benefitsoutweigh the initial cost. Vapour degreasing reducesSource: MicrocareEPP Europe » 05 | 2025 21
