PCBs are the heartbeat of modern electronics. However, contaminants like dust, oils, and oxidation may hinder their performance. This is where circuit board cleaning is essential. This process provides reliability since it may prevent short circuits.
However, not all cleaning methods are created equal. Today, plasma cleaning is emerging as a go-to solution. This article will help you understand why is this so.
What is the purpose of PCB cleaning?
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are vital to electronic devices. Over time, they can accumulate contaminants like dust, oils, and oxidation.
Circuit board cleaning removes impurities. If left untreated they can do the following:
- Disrupt electrical components
- Reduce functionality
- Shorten the board’s lifespan
Thus, PCB is key to ensuring device performance and reliability.
Why PCB Cleaning Is So Important
Maintaining a clean PCB is critical for several reasons.
Contaminants on a PCB can cause poor conductivity, resulting in signal loss or failure. Proper PCB cleaning prevents short circuits. It also enhances the durability of electronic components.
In addition, when conformal coating PCB is applied, a clean surface allows for better adhesion. Moreover, it protects the PCB from moisture, chemicals, and temperature extremes. Without thorough circuit board cleaning, devices can fail prematurely, costing both manufacturers and consumers.1
How to Clean Printed Circuit Boards
There are various methods for how to clean printed circuit boards.
Traditional cleaning often uses solvents to remove dust and oil residues. However, these can leave chemical traces and might not effectively reach all areas.
Another option is ultrasonic cleaning. It can eliminate deep-seated contaminants. However, it is limited by component sensitivity.
A newer, more efficient method is Plasma Cleaning. This process uses ionized gases to break down contaminants at a molecular level. Ultimately, plasma cleaning leaves no since it reaches even the tiniest area on the board.
Benefits of Plasma Cleaning in the PCB Industry
Plasma cleaning provides unique advantages in the PCB field. Here are some of them:
- It is environmentally friendly and leaves no chemical residue, unlike traditional PCB cleaning methods.
- Delivers a higher-quality clean, ideal for conformal coating pcb applications requiring a contaminant-free surface.
- Extends PCB lifespan and improves coating adhesion.
- Reduces the risk of contamination-related failures.
Due to the mentioned benefits, manufacturers are turning to Plasma Surface Treatment as a more effective and sustainable solution.2
The Process of Plasma Cleaning in PCB Production
In the Plasma Cleaning process, ionized gas, or plasma, interacts with the PCB surface. The latter removes organic contaminants.
First step: The board is placed in a plasma chamber. Afterward, a specific gas mixture is introduced.
Second step: Once ionized, the gas cleans the surface at a molecular level. It breaks down contaminants into smaller particles.
Third step: Contaminant residues are vacuumed out. The technique ensures a consistent and precise cleaning, preparing the PCB for further processing.
Is Plasma Cleaning Suitable for All Types of PCBs?
While Plasma Cleaning is highly effective, it is not ideal for every type of PCB. For instance, boards with very sensitive components might require milder cleaning methods. However, most industrial-grade PCBs can benefit significantly from Plasma Surface Treatment.
Partner with Keylink Technology Today
Keylink is a leading plasma treatment manufacturer in Asia. We specialize in both Atmospheric and Low-Pressure Plasma systems to improve adhesion and wettability for a wide range of materials. Our advanced processes replace traditional methods, reducing the CO₂ footprint in production.
For efficient and sustainable plasma treatment solutions, contact Keylink today to see how we can support your production needs.
2. Low-pressure plasma cleaning: a process for precision cleaning applications; W Petasch, B Kegel, H Schmid, K Lendenmann b, H.U Keller
