Printed circuit board (PCB) cleaning refers to the process of removing contaminants from the surface of the board. These contaminants can include solder flux residue, dust, oils, fingerprints, and other particulate matter introduced during manufacturing, handling, or use. A board with accumulated debris can experience reduced performance and reliability, making the cleaning process critical.
Effective removal of contaminants is essential for ensuring the longevity and reliable operation of electronic devices. Residue buildup can lead to corrosion, electrical leakage, and eventual component failure. Furthermore, cleanliness is increasingly important in applications involving high-density circuits and surface mount technology, where minute amounts of contamination can significantly impact functionality. Historically, manual cleaning methods were common, but advanced automated systems are now prevalent in high-volume manufacturing environments.