Last week I asked for comments on our post-HASL cleaning process.  As 
suggested when the forum started operation, I am offering a summary of 
input I received from several sources.

Our process, in brief, consists of two water sprays, dip in a flux 
remover, dip in a heated flowing water rinse, and a final water spray.

Fellow forum participants submitted the following:

- our process is fairly standard, may consider eliminating the flowing rinse

- conveyorized hot water blaster with Cascade dish detergent and gentle 
nylon brushes works well

- nylon brush in recirculating rinse module with Cascade dish detergent, 
followed by rinse and dry, produced clean and good-looking boards;  water 
hardness may affect results

- mild soap with rinse and dry is one method;  more information is on the way

- "call me for more information";  haven't been able to get in touch yet.

The "Cascade" solution reminds me of something I read in the IEEE 
SPectrum a year or so ago.  Regarding "green" technologies, I believe 
some people at Sandia or Lawrence Livermore or some such place found the 
best way to clean PC assemblies was to put them in a dishwasher with a 
little detergent and a dose of lemon juice.  

Lou Hart   



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