Bottlehead Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: John Roman on March 03, 2011, 07:21:37 AM

Title: pcb cleaner
Post by: John Roman on March 03, 2011, 07:21:37 AM

What do you folks recommend for cleaning flux off pc boards? I realize it's probably not necessary but I like to see all the wiring and individual components exposed. If done well, there's a certain beauty to it, No?
Thanks,
John

Title: Re: pcb cleaner
Post by: Jim R. on March 03, 2011, 07:31:10 AM

I use either isopropyl alcohol or 100% pure ethyl alcohol.  Just brush on with an acid brush until the flux dissoolves and it all comes out nice and clean.

I use a small dispenser bottle with a well in the cap that pumps the alcohol into the well when you press down on the lid, and ten has a cover that flips down when you are done.

-- Jim

Title: Re: pcb cleaner
Post by: JC on March 03, 2011, 07:38:56 AM

For the most part, I have used alcohol, denatured if I've got it, "rubbing" if not.  It does not make flux magically vanish, but in conjunction with an old toothbrush, it ultimately gets the job done.

At one time, there was a spray on product called something like "Flux Off", which pretty much sprayed the flux away.  It would also make Styrofoam and products like it vanish instantly, too!  One could spray an entire coffee cup away in an instant!  Because of that, and the expense, I changed back to alcohol and brush.

I, too, like to clean my pcbs.  When solder had primarily resin in its core, I wasn't that diligent about it, but some of the newer flux formulations seem a lot more caustic to me.

Title: Re: pcb cleaner
Post by: Lee Hankins on March 03, 2011, 08:53:53 AM

I have tried the following products: CRC Cable Clean, old and new formula; Isopropyl Alcohol; Acetone; Lacquer Thinner; and 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner Part No. 051135-08984.  The ones that worked the best are the CRC Cable Clean (old formula) and the 3M Adhesive Cleaner(available at your local auto parts store).   Please stay away from using the Cable Clean, the new formula is probably safe but I do not recommend using it.  It is my opinion that the original CRC Cable Clean was the outside agent that caused my Leukemia (AML).  Used it for 20 years cleaning Electric Utility rubber goods until the old formula was determined a carcinogen and taken off the market (quite similiar to dry cleaning fluid that was also determined a carcinogen but removed 15+ years before Cable Clean.)

The 3M Adhesive Cleaner is the best of the bunch (leaves little or no residue), but like any petroleum based product, caution in using is recommend (please at least use gloves).  Isopropyl Alcohol is the least effective in cleaning a PCB in my experience.

Title: Re: pcb cleaner
Post by: John Roman on March 03, 2011, 09:04:01 AM

Thanks Lee,
Sorry to hear about your Leukemia. How are you these days?
best regards,
John

Title: Re: pcb cleaner
Post by: Paul Joppa on March 03, 2011, 10:45:18 AM

Flux removers are widely available in different formulations, but really it depends on the particular flux you are using. Some modern non-rosin fluxes are water-soluble, especially popular in Europe with RoHS regulations to consider.

Title: Re: pcb cleaner
Post by: Steve_in_NV on March 03, 2011, 02:02:45 PM

Some of the cleaners are potent, becareful around painted surfaces.  Don't ask how I know.

Title: Re: pcb cleaner
Post by: Yoder on March 03, 2011, 07:02:58 PM

Alcohol or Naptha. I have found that alcohol leaves more residue than Naptha, but Naptha is some wicked stuff so use it outdoors.