Kathie,
 
Interesting, I guess you have asked the first question, is this feasible? What are you hoping to gain from this? Was there a certain event, or group of events that had occurred for management to request this? If they are simply wanting to establish an SPC program, there are a variety of other areas where in my opinion it should begin in.
 
I can't think of too much variable data you would collect in the cleaning processes, perhaps bath temperatures, pH, time parts are in solution, bath life (i.e. how often it is dumped and replaced, or replenished), do you check baume'? ohms? dissolved solids? you already mentioned ionic testing.
 
If I were asked to do what they are asking you to do, I would direct them to other more critical areas. I'm not saying cleaning is not critical, but I'm sure there are other areas that would provide more useful areas for improvement.
 
Franklin D Asbell
Network Circuits, Inc.
Irving, Texas
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Lambert, Katherine A. <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 22 October, 1999 2:23 PM
Subject: [TN] SPC applications for cleaning

Hi folks,

I have 3 cleaning processes for cleaning assembled printed circuit
assemblies - in-line semi-aqueous, batch vapor degreasing, and good old hand
cleaning with various solvents.

My management is requiring me to develop an SPC application for cleaning.
This application should include the use of variable data (actual measurement
of a parameter rather than pass/fail, good/bad).  The measurement should be
something the average assembler can measure and chart with a minimum of fuss
and muss - in other words, keep it simple and inexpensive.

Right now, the only measurement we can do fairly quickly, is an ionic
contamination test (old Alpha Omegameter).  I realize that this test is
really more qualitative than quantitative even though it produces a number.

I have a few questions of my esteemed colleagues out there in the virtual
factory:
1.      Do any of you have SPC applications on your cleaning systems?  If
so, what are you measuring and how often?
2.      Is this even feasible?

Thank you for any help you can provide.

Kathie Lambert
Process Development Engineer
Northrop Grumman
Baltimore, MD
410-765-9746

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