ultrasonic cleaner machine

 

All circuit boards are required to be cleaned to solve faults. As dust and moisture are hidden enemies of all electronics i.e printed circuit boards (PCBs), it is the first step to remove all dust, dirt and guest particles. For simple cleaning, all repair professionals first try with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or a circuit cleaner and a brush. If the problem is solved, we do not need to proceed further. But if it is not solved, then we need to go through the procedure of ultrasonic cleaning.

 

All technicians either clean them with mild solution directly or by using an ultrasonic cleaner machine. The procedure for cleaning will be the same for circuit boards of all gadgets and electronic items like cell phones, tablets, laptops, computers, etc. Ultrasonic cleaning removes all sort of dust, dirt and foreign particles that create problems in the proper functioning of the motherboard.

 

What does ultrasonic cleaner machine actually do?

 

It is a cleaning device that uses ultrasound which is between 20 to 400 KHz. The items are cleaned with the help of any solvent like Elma or a mild soap solution which is poured into the machine. The cleaning procedure takes usually between 3 to 6 minutes. Other than PCBs, many items like jewellery, surgical instruments, optical parts, coins and watch parts are also cleaned using this technology.

ultrasonic cleaning

 

Ultrasonic Cleaning Procedure In Cell Phone Repairs:

 

1. Pour Elma solution or any mild soap solution into the ultrasonic machine. The quantity should be such that the PCB can be submerged easily into it.

 

2. In cell phones and tablets repair, you need to just dip just the circuit board into its tub. So remove the LCD, camera, flex and any other delicate part if it is attached to the PCB and dip it into the solution in the machine.

 

3. Switch on the machine and let the machine do its work. It will deep clean the entire PCB. Switch it off after 3 to 6 minutes, depending upon the situation.

 

The procedure is now over. Now you have to clean the entire PCB with IPA or circuit cleaner and then dry the PCB entirely. Make it completely dry using a hair drier, blower or in direct sunlight.

 

Alternate Method

 

If you do not have an ultrasonic cleaner, you can dip the entire PCB in Elma or soap solution and keep it submerged for 1 to 2 hours. After 1 to 2 hours, remove the PCB and clean it with a brush thoroughly. Than you have to clean the PCB with IPA or circuit cleaner and then dry the PCB completely. But this procedure is not as effective as the one using ultrasonic technology.

 

Note: If even a droplet of soap solution or water remains on the PCB, it will lead to short-circuit, when you put the battery. Water remains hidden below the chips and components and is not visible. Hence, make it 100% sure that you have completely dried the PCB after cleaning and than connect battery or a power supply.