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Before Foamtec Logo After
BEFORE AFTER
Vacuum Chamber PM Technique
Thick-Film/Solder Paste/Ink Mixing Equipment Clean
OBJECTIVE:
TO EFFECTIVELY CLEAN THICK-FILM/SOLDER PASTE/INK MIXING EQUIPMENT IN A SAFER, MORE COST EFFECTIVE AND TIMELY MANNER WHILE SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF HAZARDOUS WASTE GENERATED TO PERFORM THIS TASK
 
Vacuum Chamber: THICK-FILM/SOLDER PASTE/INK MIXING EQUIPMENT    
Vacuum Chamber Process Residue: RESIDUAL PRODUCT LEFT BEHIND ON MIXING EQUIPMENT
Vacuum Chamber Components: MIXING-CAN, MIXING BLADES, NOZZLES, DISPENSER VALVES, GASKETS, AND VARIETY OF SPATULAS & SCRAPERS
Old Procedure:

(15+) 12”x12” wipers, 1.0 liters solvent
Solvent: Acetone, mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol, and others . . .

DANGER: Use of some solvents causes a variety of environmental, health, and safety concerns.  Release of hazardous chemical fumes can potentially result in personal injury and property damage.  The use of acid gloves may be required in some cases
 
Vacuum Chamber Products:
  • (1) BC01750 BenchCan (To be reused for ALL Mixing Equipment Cleans*)
  • (3) HT4699 9”x9” UltraSORB® Wipers **
  • 1.5 Liters of Solvent (To be reused for MULTIPLE Mixing Equipment Cleans)
  • 1.0 Ounces of Solvent  (To be used for Final Wipe-Down)
 

* To avoid cross contamination of equipment it may be necessary to use different BenchCans for different product formulations
** Various size UltraSORB® Foam Wipers may be selected for the appropriate application 
NOTE: INITIAL CLEAN MAY REQUIRE THE USE OF ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS TO EFFECTIVELY CLEAN CHAMBER BACK TO BARE METAL

RECOMMEND:  PERFORM A ROUND OF 2-3 PM’S ON SAME TOOL TO ESTABLISH SUFFICIENT DATA FOR EVALUATION
Thick-Film/Paste/Ink Mixing Equipment Clean PM Procedure:
 
View “How to” instructional videos on http://foamtecintlwcc.com/video/
Step 1: Proceed to fill BCO1750 BenchCan with 1.5 liters of solvent
 
Step 2: Remove parts (i.e. nozzles, valves, gaskets, etc.) from mixing equipment that is required to be cleaned
 
Step 3: Gently submerge (1) HT4699 UltraSORB® Wiper into the BenchCan ringing out any excess solvent from UltraSORB® Wiper
 
Step 4: Fold the UltraSORB® Wiper into quarters and proceed to wipe residual product left behind on mixing equipment.  Refold UltraSORB® Wiper as it becomes loaded with deposition to expose a cleaner portion of the UltraSORB® Wiper – continue wiping
 
Step 5: As the UltraSORB® Wiper becomes loaded with deposition, re-submerge wiper into BenchCan continually ring out any excess deposition and solvent from the UltraSORB® Wiper.  Re-fold UltraSORB® Wiper into quarters and continue wiping mixing equipment
 
NOTE: BenchCan solvent should be replaced when rung-out wiper leaves smears of paste/ink on surface being cleaned
 
Step 6: When the UltraSORB® Wiper appears to have lost the majority of its strength, squeeze as much of the solvent/paste back into the BenchCan then dispose of wiper into properly labeled hazardous waste container
 
Step 7: Repeat steps 3 – 6 with the 2nd HT4699 UltraSORB® Wiper
 
Step 8: FINAL WIPE-DOWN:  Fold the remaining clean HT4699 UltraSORB® Wiper into quarters and apply a small amount of fresh solvent.  Perform a final wipe-down, refolding the UltraSORB® Wiper as necessary to complete an effective clean on the mixing equipment
 
NOTE: UltraSORB® Wipers remain in excellent condition, operator still able to effectively clean remaining mixing equipment