Flux-Free PCB Cleaning for a Contract Electronics Manufacturer
The Challenge
A mid-size contract manufacturer producing PCBs and small precision hardware fought a daily loop of flux residue, light stamping oil and handling dust after soldering. Hand-brushing and solvent dips took around 40 minutes per batch, missed blind holes and under-component gaps, and pushed rejects and rework up. Operators handled solvent fumes every shift — slow, inconsistent, hard to scale.
The Solution
One ACMESONIC A30L Ultrasonic Cleaner — 30 L SUS304 stainless tank, 600 W ultrasonic power, 40 kHz cavitation, adjustable heating to 80°C. Boards and hardware load into mesh baskets with a mild aqueous detergent, tank heated to about 60°C; high-frequency cavitation lifts flux, oil and dust out of blind holes and tight clearances with no brushing and no harsh solvents.
The Outcome
- QC first-batch pass rate stabilized
- One operator redeployed to line duties per shift
- Payback inside the first months of operation
