The Problem
Al Schmidt, Technology Manager of Schippers & Crew, ran into trouble with their procedure while operating a printed circuit board manufacturing process with a closed-loop aqueous cleaning system.
After two weeks, they would have to redevelop their ion exchange columns, and weekly they would have to clean remaining build-up out of their aqueous cleaning system. It was becoming too expensive and time-consuming, and they were losing production time.
The Solution
They faced excessive ionic contamination by entering their system and causing the columns life span to be minimized. Although flux and handling soils can generate residual ionic contamination, such sources would not generate the amount of contamination they were seeing.
Through switching their temporary spot mask to Chemask WF, improvements were rapidly realized. With the addition of a micron bag filter and the use of Chemask® WF, the ion exchange columns are now lasting at least 12 weeks, and the following savings have been obtained:
- Time Saved In Labor = 208 hours / year
The considerable labor savings occurred in reducing equipment cleaning from once each week to once every three weeks. The earlier spot mask reacted with the flux and coated the entire process.
- Column Regeneration Savings = $2,070 / year
At last observation, the columns had lasted for over three months, versus two weeks with their previous product.
- Production Opportunity Realized = $520,000 / year
While the cleaning procedure is down, no production can occur. Itis the obtained extra production; the process now runs because of decreased downtime.
Availability
Chemtronics Chemask WF
Solder Masking Agent
The water filterable temporary solder masking agent
CWF8 8 oz. squeeze bottle
CWF1 1 gallon
USAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Discuss with the Technical Data Sheet for full usage instructions.
Study MSDS carefully and Mix well each before using it. ensure the recirculating system contains a minimum 10-micron filter before the resin beds.
While applying by hand using a squeeze bottle, syringe, or spatula, make sure that all areas of the pre-tinned hole are equally covered on the side to be soldered. For screening applications, clean and prepare the screen properly, then similarly apply masking agent as solder paste. Automatic dispensing tools may also be used as appropriate.
Feel free to call us at 847-639-4700 or use our contact form to answer any technological & application questions about Chemtronics.