Closed-Loop, Zero-Discharge PCB Cleaning System in Operation at Manncorp DEMO Center

Posted by Manncorp

Trident XLD, a fully closed-loop, zero-discharge, aqueous cleaning system, capable of removing both water-soluble or rosin-based flux residues, in addition to other contaminants that can impact the long-term reliability of circuit board assemblies

Electronic assemblers in search of a comprehensive, environmentally-safe solution to their PCB cleaning and defluxing needs will want to visit Manncorp’s East Coast Demo Center for a live look at the Trident XLD. The XLD is a fully closed-loop, zero-discharge, aqueous cleaning system, capable of removing both water-soluble or rosin-based flux residues, in addition to other contaminants that can impact the long-term reliability of circuit board assemblies.

Compatible with a wide range of industry-standard cleaning chemistries, wash solution is automatically mixed, stored, and recovered for re-use in the XLD’s stainless steel wash chamber and plumbing system. The efficiency of the XLD’s wash solvent recovery system has resulted in a 50 to 90 percent reduction in chemical costs compared to other aqueous cleaning technologies. During the rinse cycle, de-ionized water replaces the wash solution and a built-in cleanliness monitor detects when the desired resistivity level is achieved. Twin, counter-rotating, spray bars feature asymmetrical fan-jet nozzles for maximum coverage and penetration into tight areas during both wash and rinse cycles. In the timed drying cycle, convection and radiant heat remove any residual rinse water from the assembly.

Full cleaning profiles (wash/rinse/dry) are created and stored through a Windows®8 operating system with touchscreen user interface, and a comprehensive Statistical Process Control (SPC) system records alpha/numeric recipe names, process times, temperatures, rinse resistivity levels, and other valuable data.

Trident XLD systems also include the ECO-Cycler Rinse Water Recycling System which captures, filters, and re-deionizes rinse water, eliminating the need for drains, wastewater treatment, or discharge permitting. The ECO-Cycler also reduces water use, cutting utility costs and protecting a valuable environmental resource.

To learn more about the Trident XLD or other PCB cleaning systems available from Manncorp, please go to http://www.manncorp.com/smt/cat-78-1/PCB-stencil-cleaning-defluxing-machine.html.

Clean PCBs with Optimum Efficiency and Cost Savings

Posted by Manncorp

Trident XLD PCB Defluxing/Cleaning System: Clean PCBs with Optimum Efficiency and Cost Savings

For more information, please visit the website: Trident XLD PCB Defluxing/Cleaning System

Conformal Coating: How Important Is Cleaning Before Coating?

From Manncorp

For the best possible adhesion, manufacturers should be cleaning boards before applying conformal coating—but it’s not just about adhesion.

Conformal coating can have a huge impact on reliability, which is (ironically) one of the reasons conformal coating is applied in the first place. Many assemblers think that they are protecting the assembly when they coat it, but if residues and contamination are present on the surface, they’ve just sealed in their potential reliability problems.

Another common mistake is the thinking that if you’re using no-clean flux, there’s no need to clean. In addition to no-clean residues affecting adhesion, there will be other contaminants on the board and components—fingerprint oils, metallic salts, mold release agents, particulates, tape residue, halides and more. All of these contaminants get trapped under the coating—along with the moisture that’s inherent in the board itself. The coating then acts like a greenhouse, creating a humid environment in which susceptible residues can become reactive.


This situation leads to electro-migration, dendritic growth and corrosion under the coating as well as possible breakdown of the coating itself, all of which will have a negative impact on reliability in the long run.

Some assemblers have actually found that they’ve been able to improve reliability by washing instead of coating, compared to coating without cleaning.

If your product will have a short expected life or is not going to be exposed to harsh temperatures, corrosives or humidity, the cost of pre-washing before conformal coating may not be worth it (or may be exchanged for the cost of washing instead of coating), but the more critical the reliability and expected life are, the greater the problem coating on unwashed assemblies poses.

At the very least, cleaning the circuit assembly, whether it’s prior to coating or in lieu of coating, takes residue-created reliability issues off the table.

Manncorp offers a number of cost-effective PCB cleaning/defluxing systems, including zero-discharge systems, which require neither a drain nor costly and time-consuming permits and wastewater treatment measures.