Opinions on in-line wash equipment?

We're a CM doing low volume/high mix and are considering buying from one of the two big names, TR** or Sp*******/El*********. We need saponified wash for some of our no-clean over wave; the great majority is OA from our SMT lines. Any thoughts?

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You may want to rethink using an inline for both OA and No-Clean applications. Since the majority of your applications are OA, it would not make a lot of economic sense to run saponifier in your inline for a minority application. My suggestion is that you consider a stand-alone batch system for your chemical applications (no-clean, RMA, etc) and use an inline for your higher volume OA applications.

Mike (800) 218-8128

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| We're a CM doing low volume/high mix and are considering buying from one of the two big names, TR** or Sp*******/El*********. We need saponified wash for some of our no-clean over wave; the great majority is OA from our SMT lines. Any thoughts? | | Deon Response:

John, I agree with Mike. I don't think it is a wise idea to mix up chemistries. Doing so can cause you a lot of headaches unless you customize a in line system to your specific needs.

If you do purchase an inline washer take a look at Westkleen's "Triton". In my opinion this system has one of the better low cost functional closed loop D.I. systems. I recommend if you go elsewhere and want closed loop D.I ask them if they can customize the D.I. and entire system to better suit your needs. I have evaluated several machines in the past with closed loop D.I systems and was very disapointed in the poor design and high cost related to maintain the proper D.I level. So I ended up customizing the entire system with isolated D.I. isolation air knifes etc... It worked great afterwards. Proven clean boards with a much lower D.I water consumption which in the long run saves a lot of $$$'s. Good luck.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Deon Nungaray SMT Mfg. Process Engineer GMI USA CA

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| You may want to rethink using an inline for both OA and No-Clean applications. Since the majority of your applications are OA, it would not make a lot of economic sense to run saponifier in your inline for a minority application. My suggestion is that you consider a stand-alone batch system for your chemical applications (no-clean, RMA, etc) and use an inline for your higher volume OA applications. | | Mike | (800) 218-8128 | John,

You should read an article that was published in either the February or march issue of Precision Cleaning magazine.

The author works for Lockheed Martin and he went through the whole gambit to determine the most suitable process in dealing with cleaning under LCC's.

The result was to use a saponifier in the wash. OA water alone is NOT ENOUGH. This means using an extended wet isolation to then ensure the best rinsing and keep your de-i good and cheap. Drying usually demands some customisation of the system to suit individual needs.

Toi my knowlegdge the only folks who can do all this for you are TR**

Good luck, Graham

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