Technet,

The recent discussion surrounding tap water versus DI for black oxide
rinses begs the question

Why use DI anywhere in the PCB shop?

Consider the processes

developers
microetches
rinses
oxide baths
oxide reduction baths
golds and nickels
immersion metals
electroless, palladium-carbon, or conductive polymer
acid cleaners
tin and tin/lead
acid copper baths
tin strip
etchers
tin/lead strip

In a past life a shop had a DI system that leached hydrochloric acid
after regeneration and maybe still does (?).  That was something in its
own to deal with.

What does one do when the DI unit needs regenerated for water?  Shut
down operations?

The input of manufacturers and users is welcomed because the issue seems
one of debate, and I'd like to hear some real facts.
Please respond by actual experience as most manufactures recommend DI,
but perhaps not all of us use DI continuously in all areas?

Or better, yet, if there are alternative water improvement systems out
there, what are they? Is there something more reliable and less cost
intense?

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