Q: We need to remove RMA solder flux on indium/lead soldered sub assemblies. Most aqueous cleaners attack this solder. A: Generally speaking, indium lead solders are alkali resistant solders. Rosin mildly activated (RMA) flux traditionally consists of rosin, solvent, and a small amount of activator. The RMA solder flux is best cleaned by alkaline/saponifying cleaners with … [Read more...] about Removing RMA Solder Flux
Electronic
Defining Free Rinsing Detergent
Q. Your website and literature often describes your detergents as free rinsing. What does free rinsing detergent mean? A. A free rinsing detergent means it will rinse away very easily or freely. This is vital to critical cleaning applications. Analytical glassware, medical device implants or biopharm process lines are just a few examples where clean, residue-free surfaces … [Read more...] about Defining Free Rinsing Detergent
Electronics cleaning with no hazardous chemicals or volatile solvents
Q. Why is it beneficial to use Detergent 8 when doing electronics cleaning like circuit boards and electronic components? A. For electronics cleaning, Detergent 8® Low-Foaming Ion-Free Detergent no chelating agents, halides or conductive metal cations such as sodium, and therefore it cannot leave conductive residues. Its coupling ability keeps soils suspended in the … [Read more...] about Electronics cleaning with no hazardous chemicals or volatile solvents
Parts Cleaning: Removing Residue from Gold Plating
Q: Our gold plating process leaves some residue and someone recommended chlorine bleach for cleaning, but we're afraid that will negatively effect the finish. Can Alconox assist with safely removing residues from gold plating? Should we use a soak or ultrasonic cleaning process? A: Yes we can and you're right to reconsider bleach. Let's start by addressing the ideal … [Read more...] about Parts Cleaning: Removing Residue from Gold Plating
Residual Chlorine on Printed Circuit Boards
Q. We have found chlorine present on our printed circuit boards after ultrasonic cleaning and distilled water rinse. As the ultrasonic cleaning detergent, we’re using either Liquinox or Detergent 8, but are unsure which one was used on affected boards. Could either be contributing to this issue? A. It’s highly unlikely that either detergent, or your cleaning process, is the … [Read more...] about Residual Chlorine on Printed Circuit Boards