Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I buy a Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaner? - A message from our President.
Process and Other Cleaning Applications
- What is the most important factor of any stencil cleaner?
- How do I dry the stencil?
- What size stencil can be cleaned?
- Will ultrasonics damage the adhesive bonds of a stencil?
- What is the normal cycle time for cleaning a solder paste stencil?
- Will the Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaning Process damage a stencil?
- Why should I buy a turnkey process from Smart Sonic?
- Who else uses the Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaning Process?
- What is the operating cost of a Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaning Process?
- Why use ultrasonics?
- What makes the Smart Sonic's ultrasonic stencil cleaner different?
- Can I clean misprinted substrates in a Smart Sonic System?
- What about cleaning populated misprinted PCBs (Double-sided misprints)?
- Will ultrasonics damage components of a populated misprint?
- I currently use 3 different solder pastes. Do I need three different stencil cleaners?
- How can Smart Sonic improve print yields?
- Are all ultrasonic stencil cleaning machines the same?
- Why doesn't the Model 1500 and 2000 totally immerse a 29" (750mm) stencil?
Chemistry
- Will 440-R SMT Detergent clean SMD adhesives?
- Will 440-R SMT Detergent clean post solder flux residue from pallets, oven radiators and other tooling?
- How much chemistry is used to clean stencils? Adhesives? Post solder flux residues?
- How often do I need to change the 440-R SMT Detergent?
- Can I use other chemistries in Smart Sonic cleaning machines?
Wastewater Treatment
- How is the waste solder paste removed from the stencil cleaner?
- Is the Smart Sonic Process closed-loop?
Certifications and Awards
- Why is California EPA Certification and U.S. EPA Verification important?
- Is CAS Certification (Clean Air Solvent) by the South Coast Air Quality Management District important?
- Has Smart Sonic ever received an industry award? Why is that important?
Service & Warranty
- What is the warranty?
- What about maintenance?
- What about service?
Dear SMT Assembler,
As President of Smart Sonic, I enjoy customer interaction and feedback. As a result, I am often asked, "Why should I use the Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaning Process?" Like the Smart Sonic process, my response has remained the same over the years.
The foundation of the Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaning Process is the 440-R SMT Detergent, which has enabled us to provide the same superior process to hundreds of users worldwide since 1990 - the best chemistry, the right machines and the correct waste management. Without 440-R SMT Detergent, Smart Sonic would be "just another stencil cleaner." Since it's introduction, the Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaning Process has been Certified by the California Environmental Protection Agency and also Verified by the U.S. EPA's ETV Program*, evaluated by industry experts resulting in two SMT Vision Awards, the Global Technology Award, the Canadian High Technology Award, finalist in the NEPCON West Milton S. Kiver Award for Excellence, and nominated for the President's Green Chemistry Challenge Award. The Smart Sonic Process has been field tested by hundreds of satisfied customers such as Motorola, Intel, H.P., IBM, Sony, Jabil, and Flextronics... Plus, we guarantee our process to clean any type of solder paste from any fine-pitch stencil!
Competitive stencil cleaners have had to change their process several times since 1990 in an attempt to keep up with the ever changing environmental and user safety regulations and new solder paste formulations. None of the current competitive processes have been used for more than a few years, which means that their long-term safety and effectiveness are unknown. The fact that these systems have not been certified certainly makes them suspect.
EPA regulations have forced assemblers to change from CFC based processes and are now targeting VOC based systems. Safety regulations have forced assemblers to stop using flammable solvents such as alcohol in stencil cleaner machines because of the fire and explosion hazards. New flux types have forced assemblers to search for new chemistries, new cleaning machines and often, new waste management systems. Assemblers not using the Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaning Process may have gone through 2, 3 or even more stencil cleaning systems since 1990.
Smart Sonic is the only stencil cleaning system to withstand the "test of time." Smart Sonic users are the only assemblers that have used the same chemistry, the same machine and the same waste management since 1990. We have saved our customers thousands of dollars and much aggravation involving stencil cleaning process changes. It's a complete and guaranteed process that passed Cal/EPA Certification and completed the U.S. EPA Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program*." There is no risk placed on the buyer. Why would anybody want to buy anything else?
If you should have any questions regarding stencil cleaning, please do not hesitate to contact me. I truly enjoy discussing the topic.
Sincerely,
Bill Schreiber
President
E-mail: bill@smartsonic.com
Tel.: +1-818-610-7900
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Process and Other Cleaning Applications
What is the most important factor of any stencil cleaner?
The chemistry! The most important factor of any cleaning process is always the chemistry. The chemistry will determine the:
- Reaction with the contaminant and cleaning ability
- Environmental Impact
- User health and safety issues (risk of fire, explosion, cancer, fetal disorders, etc.)
- Operational cost
- Presence of odors
- Cleaning cycle time
- Ability to clean different solder pastes (flexibility)
- Requirements for heat (stencil damage, energy use)
- Maintenance requirements
- Special storage and transportation requirements
- Waste management
- Machine design and specifications
- Ability to close-loop the process
The cleaning machine will only determine the:
- Initial capital cost
- The footprint
- Scrubbing action and the ability to deliver the chemistry into fine-pitch areas.
- User interface
- Potential to damage the stencil (high pressure sprays can bend delicate land mass area, heat, etc.)
- Ease of maintenance
- Ergonomics
When selecting a stencil cleaning process, always consider the chemistry first. How the chemistry is applied will depend on the geometry of the part to be cleaned and the production throughput.
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How do I dry the stencil?
Stencils that are cleaned for storage purposes should be allowed to dry naturally. Natural air-drying conserves energy and frees the machine for additional wash cycles. Automatic drying of every stencil on every cycle wastes time, energy and, if heated, will damage the stencil.
In cases where the stencil is required for production, the fastest and safest way to dry a stencil is with hand-held, low-pressure (15 psi) dry compressed air (the same air used to operate a pick and place machine). The principal is not to "blow" the water off of the stencil; it is to apply the dry air to the surface of the stencil. The dry air absorbs the moisture. It's like seeing alcohol evaporate. You can dry a 29" stencil in approximately 2 minutes. Or, the Model 6000 Stencil Cleaner is available with optional automatic drying using low-pressure and low temperature dry air, which takes 6-8 minutes to dry a stencil.
Heat will damage the stencil and high-pressure air will bend delicate land mass areas between fine-pitch apertures. High-pressure nozzles are also a hazard. If loose, they can become projectiles and cause injury. High-pressure air (air knives) can cause "fugitive" solder balls to become airborne.
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What size stencil can be cleaned?
All Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaners are designed to clean up to a 29-inch (750mm) stencil. Larger stencil may be cleaned with minor modifications to the machine.
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Will ultrasonics damage the adhesive bonds of a stencil?
No! Studies have shown that there are four primary factors that can affect the adhesive bond of the screen to the frame and metal etched foil. Heat is the most common cause of adhesive breakdown. The adhesives used to construct the stencil are heat-cured at approximately 160 degrees F (70 C). If a stencil is washed in hot water or dried with hot air, the heat-cured adhesive can weaken and fail. Also, the metals used to construct the stencil (aluminum frame, stainless steel or polyester screen and stainless steel, brass or nickel metal etched foil) will expand and contract which stresses the adhesive bond.
The second factor is long exposure to moisture due to long cleaning cycles or "soaking" the stencil prior or after cleaning. Adhesives are hygroscopic (absorb moisture). Long cleaning cycles or soaking times will cause the adhesive to swell and weaken.
Third are cleaning chemicals containing miscible solvents (VOCs). These harsh solvents can be aggressive and attack the adhesive bond of the stencil.
Finally, High-pressure sprays and high-pressure air knives will bend the delicate land mass areas between fine-pitch apertures.
The Smart Sonic process cleans without heat, wash cycle times are less than 2 minutes, high pressure sprays and air knives are not used and 440-R SMT Detergent is the only VOC-free stencil cleaning chemistry. Stencils are safely cleaned and fast.
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What is the normal cycle time for cleaning a solder paste stencil?
Wet solder paste will clean in 1 - 2 minutes, depending on the flux type. Drying can be accomplished naturally, or expedited by using hand-held low-pressure dry compressed air (approximately 2 minutes). The total cycle time to wash, rinse and dry a stencil, when using hand-held dry air is approximately 3 - 4 minutes.
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Will the Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaning Process damage a stencil?
No! Many stencil manufactures recommend the Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaning Process not only because it cleans better than other stencil cleaners, but also because it will not damage the stencil.
High temperatures and high pressures are what cause stencil damage. Hot wash water or hot drying air will breakdown the glue on a stencil and cause distortion due to expansion and contraction. High-pressure sprays and high-pressure air knives will bend the delicate land mass areas between fine-pitch apertures.
Another issue is long exposure to moisture due to long cleaning cycles or "soaking" the stencil prior or after cleaning. Adhesives are hygroscopic (absorb moisture). Long cleaning cycles or soaking times will cause the adhesive to swell and weaken.
Cleaning chemicals containing miscible solvents (VOCs) can be aggressive and attack the adhesive bond of the stencil.
The Smart Sonic process cleans without heat, wash cycle times are less than 2 minutes and 440-R SMT Detergent is the only VOC-free stencil cleaning chemistry. Stencils are safely cleaned and fast.
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Why should I buy a turnkey process from Smart Sonic?
Other stencil cleaners require that the user buy the machine from one vendor, the chemistry from another and the waste management system from still another. No one vendor is expert on the complete process and the user is expected to take total responsibility. When the process fails, the different vendors blame each other and the user is stuck in the middle with little recourse.
Smart Sonic provides the complete process and guarantees the performance. The Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaning Process has been field tested since 1990 by well over 1,000 users. The process works, it is safe and it is economical. For more reasons, click here.
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Who else uses the Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaning Process?
Smart Sonic is the most widely used stencil cleaning process in North America. Over 1,000 systems have been installed worldwide. Customers include: Intel, Motorola, Jabil, Sony, Flextronics, Temic, Nokia, For a complete list of companies, visit the Smart Sonic Web Site: www.smartsonic.com/users.html
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What is the operating cost of a Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaning Process?
The Models 1500 and 1550 will use approximately 2 gallons (7.5 liters) of 440-R SMT Detergent per month. The Model 6000 will use about 4 gallons (19 liters) per month.
The energy required to operate the machines is very low because 440-R SMT Detergent cleans at low temperatures, the ultrasonic generator has a very low amp draw and the cleaning cycles are very short.
When using the EnviroGuard Closed-loop System, electrical consumption is negligible and filters are replaced when needed.
When using a wastewater evaporator to manage the wastewater, energy consumption is very low because wastewater is evaporated at a rate of 4 - 6 gallons per hour. Therefore, an evaporator servicing a Model 1500 or 1550 will only be operating approximately 10 - 12 hours per month (20 - 30 hours per month for a Model 6000).
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Why use ultrasonics?
Ultrasonic technology is capable of delivering the 440-R SMT Detergent into fine-pitch apertures where spray systems cannot penetrate. High-pressure spray systems are known to bend delicate land mass areas between fine-pitch apertures. In addition, spray systems will "broadcast" the solder paste throughout the cleaning chamber causing solder ball contamination of misprinted PCBs.
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I have tried a competitor's ultrasonic stencil cleaner and could not obtain good cleaning results. What makes the Smart Sonic's ultrasonic stencil cleaner different?
The most important factor of any cleaning process is always the chemistry. Smart Sonic's 440-R SMT Detergent is the "backbone" of the cleaning process. Without 440-R SMT Detergent, ultrasonic stencil cleaners will not clean as well.
Smart Sonic introduced the original ultrasonic stencil cleaning process in 1990. We have more experience in ultrasonic stencil cleaning than all other competitors combined.
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Can I clean misprinted substrates in a Smart Sonic System?
Yes. Misprinted substrates clean in much the same manner as fine-pitch stencils. Solder paste from within vias will also clean well.
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What about cleaning populated misprinted PCBs (Double-sided misprints)?
Populated misprinted PCBs should never be cleaned in a "spray" style stencil cleaner. The solder balls from side "B" will broadcast throughout the wash chamber and contaminate the components on side "A".
A Smart Sonic Ultrasonic Stencil Cleaner does not spray or circulate the wash solution. The PCB can be oriented with the paste side down. When using an ultrasonic stencil cleaner, the solder paste from side "B" falls freely away from the board by gravity. Components on side "A" are less likely to become contaminated with solder balls when using ultrasonics.
When cleaning populated misprints, frequencies should be kept at 40 KHz or higher (the lower the frequency, the more aggressive the cleaning action) and ultrasonic power (power density) should be kept at a minimum. Because of the efficiency of 440-R SMT Detergent, Smart Sonic does not need to use high-powered ultrasonic energy. Research indicates that ultrasonic power should be kept lower than 10 watts per liter of wash solution. Because of the superior cleaning efficiency of 440-R SMT Detergent, Smart Sonic systems are able to clean effectively at less than 10 watts per liter of wash solution! Assuring the utmost safety for populated assemblies. [Total power of ultrasonic energy (watts) / Total capacity of wash tank solution (liters) = Total watts/liter]
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Will ultrasonics damage components of a populated misprint?
When ultrasonics was first developed in the 1950s, the technology was very crude and uncontrollable and the PCBs were very cumbersome and delicate. The two technologies were not compatible. Delicate wire bonds would break because of the low (20-25 kHz) and constant frequencies that were used. The lower the frequency, the more aggressive the ultrasonic cleaning action.
Today's ultrasonic systems are the most controllable precision cleaning technology available. The user can control virtually every parameter. In addition, today's PCBs are very compact and durable. The two technologies are now very compatible. Many Smart Sonic customers clean double-sided misprints with their ultrasonic stencil cleaner.
When cleaning populated misprints, frequencies should be kept at 40 KHz or higher (the lower the frequency, the more aggressive the cleaning action) and ultrasonic power (power density) should be kept at a minimum. Because of the efficiency of 440-R SMT Detergent, Smart Sonic does not need to use high-powered ultrasonic energy. Research indicates that ultrasonic power should be approximately 10 watts per liter of wash solution. Smart Sonic systems are able to clean effectively at less than 10 watts per liter of wash solution, assuring the utmost safety for populated assemblies. [Total power of ultrasonic energy (watts) / Total capacity of wash tank solution (liters) = Total watts/liter]
Visit the Resource Articles section of our website for copies of published papers on this subject.
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I currently use 3 different solder pastes. Do I need three different stencil cleaners?
No! With Smart Sonic's 440-R SMT Detergent, you will be able to clean any type of solder paste in the same machine at the same time.
Other stencil cleaners use chemistries that only selectively clean a few types of solder paste. They may clean RMA well but fail when attempting to clean no-clean or lead-free. (Alcohol is a good example of a selective or "vertical" type of chemistry).
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How can Smart Sonic improve print yields?
It is estimated that up to 72% of all solder defects are a result of the screen printing operation. Thus, having a clean and accurate stencil is a major concern. An SMT stencil that has maintained good structural integrity and has zero contamination within the apertures will produce a better and more consistent print, which reduces incidence of misprints and downtime.
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Are all ultrasonic stencil cleaning machines the same?
Yes and no. They are similar in that they all use ultrasonic cavitation as the mechanical scrubbing action. However, some require very high ultrasonic power because of the poor cleaning characteristics of the chemistry used. It has been demonstrated that high power ultrasonics can damage populated PCBs. The cleaning efficiency of 440-R SMT Detergent allows Smart Sonic to use the lowest effective ultrasonic power in the industry, assuring safety when cleaning populated misprints yet effectively cleaning stencils better than any other process. Without the proper chemistry, all ultrasonic stencil cleaners are similar. Some may have a few more "bells and whistles", some may be better engineered ergonomically or for ease of use, but they all use ultrasonic cavitation as the mechanical scrubbing action. For more differences, click here.
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Why doesn't the Model 1500 and 1550 totally immerse a 29" (750mm) stencil?
Smart Sonic has been manufacturing ultrasonic stencil cleaners since 1990. We have made the mistake years ago that new competitors are just now experiencing. A 29" stencil is only contaminated a maximum of 25-26 inches from one end. Therefore only 26 inches of the stencil requires immersion. The remaining 3 - 4 inches remains outside of the wash solution and serves as a convenient "handle." Otherwise, the user would need to wear gloves or the stencil would need to be placed into a basket.
Systems that totally immerse a 29" stencil need to be made taller to accommodate the additional 4 inches. This additional height makes it more difficult to load and unload. If the stencil is totally immersed, the user will need to load the stencil into a basket. Now, the user will need to lift the weight of the stencil and basket. The basket handles will be above the stencil which means the user will need to use a step ladder to clear the top of the machine.
OSHA frowns on an operator lifting anything above their shoulders. Therefore an automatic hoist may be required. If a step is used, OSHA may require a handicap ramp installation. A ramp will occupy 3 times the floor space as the cleaner.
Buy making the tank only as large as the required cleaning area, the system is more efficient, uses less wash solution and therefore generates less wastewater.
This is just one of the many advantages that Smart Sonic has gained from years of experience.
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Chemistry
Will 440-R SMT Detergent clean SMD adhesives?
Yes! However, cleaning adhesives is not quite as easy as cleaning solder paste. Wash cycle times are usually 2-3 minutes and most adhesives require warm wash water (95 degrees F, 35 degrees C).
Ultrasonic scrubbing (cavitation) is a pulling action caused by the implosion of millions of microscopic vapor bubbles. This pulling action is very affective in cleaning particulate matter (such as solder balls in solder paste). The particulates actually help carry the paste away from the stencil.
Adhesives, on the other hand, are soft, elastic and without particulate matter. Ultrasonic cleaning of adhesives is like "pulling on a rubber band". Contact Smart Sonic for a copy of the recommended protocol for cleaning adhesives with a Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaner.
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Will 440-R SMT Detergent clean post solder flux residue from pallets, oven radiators and other tooling?
Yes! This is an excellent application. The only variables are that the wash water should be approximately 120 degrees F (46 degrees C) and the detergent will "load" with flux during the cleaning process. If oven radiators or large quantities of pallets are being cleaned, a filter recirculator system may be required to help keep the wash solution fresh. Smart Sonic is the only ultrasonic stencil cleaner recommended by Permali for cleaning Durostone pallets.
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How much chemistry is used to clean stencils? Adhesives? Post solder flux residues?
When cleaning no-clean, RMA and lead-free solder pastes, the Models 1500 and 1550 will use approximately 2 gallons of 440-R SMT Detergent per month. The Model 6000 will use approximately 4 gallons per month. The bath life can be extended up to 6 months with the optional Filter Recirculation System or the EnviroGuard system.
Because 440-R SMT Detergent does not react with the solder paste and is not consumed during the cleaning process, the amount of chemistry used to clean solder paste is very predictable.
When cleaning post solder flux residue or SMD Adhesives, the amount of 440-R SMT Detergent used will depend on the amount of contaminant cleaned. If large flux contaminated items are cleaned, such as oven radiators, a filter recirculator system installed on the wash tank will remove excess flux and prolong the life of the chemistry.
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How often do I need to change the 440-R SMT Detergent?
440-R SMT Detergent does not react with the solder paste and is not consumed during the cleaning process. The only reason the chemistry need be changed is for preventative maintenance purposes. An ultrasonic bath is a "standing pool of water." As with any standing water, if left long enough, it may begin to develop odors. Because 440-R SMT Detergent is so economical, the fastest and cheapest way to maintenance the wash water is to change it regularly. When cleaning solder paste, we recommend that the wash water be emptied and replaced with fresh solution once per month.
Because 440-R SMT Detergent does not react with the solder paste and is not consumed during the cleaning process, the amount of chemistry used to clean solder paste is very predictable.
When cleaning no-clean, RMA and lead-free, the Models 1500 and 1550 will use approximately 2 gallons of 440-R SMT Detergent per month. The ErgoSonic and Model 6000 will use approximately 3 and 4 gallons per month respectively (based on changing the wash water every four weeks). The bath life can be extended up to 6 months with the optional Filter Recirculation System or the EnviroGuard system.
When cleaning post solder flux residue or SMD Adhesives, the amount of 440-R SMT Detergent used will depend on the amount of contaminant cleaned. If large post-solder flux contaminated items are cleaned, such as pallets and oven radiators, a filter recirculator system installed on the wash tank will remove excess flux and prolong the life of the chemistry.
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Can I use other chemistries in Smart Sonic cleaning machines?
Yes. However, the EPA Certification and performance guarantees are based exclusively on the use of 440-R SMT Detergent. If another chemistry is used, the Smart Sonic machine may only perform as well as some other stencil cleaners.
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Wastewater Treatment
How is the waste solder paste removed from the stencil cleaner?
The waste solder paste simply falls to the bottom of the wash tank by gravity. Models 1500 and 1550 Series have shallow tanks where the waste solder paste may be easily accessed by wiping the tank bottom after draining the wash solution. An optional removable tray (Quick Kleen Liner) is available to capture the solder paste. The Quick Kleen Liner is removed from the tank bottom, wiped clean and replaced.
The Model 6000 and ErgoSonic incorporate a "Sparge" system that flushes the tank bottom with water, forcing the waste solder paste out a drain outlet and then captured in a gravity trap (Quick Kleen Trap). The solder paste is removed from the trap by simply unscrewing the plastic container. The container is wiped clean and replaced.
The waste solder paste can be recycled via a dross process or dehydrated and melted in a wave solder pot.
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Is the Smart Sonic Process closed-loop?
There are three ways to close-loop the Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaning Process:
- Incorporate the EnviroGuard Closed-loop Filtration into the process. EnviroGuard filters the rinse and wash water for reuse. Solid waste is collected in cartridge filters. Nothing goes to drain.
- Incorporate a wastewater evaporator into the process. Smart Sonic evaporators evaporate the non-hazardous liquid waste to atmosphere and the hazardous solids are separated by gravity for solid waste disposal and/or heavy metal recycling. Nothing goes to drain.
- When using only water washable solder paste, the Model 900 and EnviroGuard Stencil Cleaners can be closed-looped by using a simple micron filter to clarify the wash/rinse water for reuse and the DI filtration system used for cleaning assembled PCBs can usually be incorporated to DI water generation.
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Certifications and Awards
Why is California EPA Certification and U.S. EPA Verification important?
Environmental regulations are constantly changing. A stencil cleaner that is legal today might not be legal in the near future. In the early 1990s, virtually everyone was cleaning with CFC solvents. Today's regulations disallow CFCs. Many companies have purchased equipment to utilize other solvents, such as alcohol or terpenes. Today's regulations have restricted the use of these solvents, because of VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions and/or fire, explosion and safety hazards placed upon the user, resulting in additional process changes and equipment purchases.
A California EPA Certified Process and U.S. EPA Verified Process provides the user with specific information relevant to environmental safety, user safety and process efficacy.
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Is CAS Certification (Clean Air Solvent) by the South Coast Air Quality Management District important?
Smart Sonic's 440-R SMT Detergent was the first stencil cleaning chemistry to be CAS Certified in 1997. However, CAS Certification certifies only the chemistry from its original container. It does not take into account the resulting waste stream. Stencil cleaning has been identified as the most hazardous process confronting an SMT assembler because of the lead from the solder paste and because of some of the hazardous chemistries associated with cleaning raw solder paste. Just because a chemistry is CAS Certified does not mean that the process is environmentally safe. Only California EPA Certification and U.S. EPA Verification encompass the entire cleaning process and waste streams.
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Has Smart Sonic ever received an industry award? Why is that important?
Yes, The Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaning Process has received more industry awards than any other cleaning process. This is important because experts within the industry have evaluated the process and have acknowledged its advantages and merits.
Awards include:
- 2005 Global Technology Award for "Best Cleaning Product" (440-R SMT Detergent)
- 1995 SMT Vision Award for "Best Cleaning Product" (440-R SMT Detergent)
- 1998 SMT Vision Award for "Best Cleaning Product" (Model 5000 Stencil Cleaner)
- Canadian High Technology Award for "Excellence in Packaging and Production"
- NEPON West Milton S. Kiver Award for "Excellence in Packaging and Production" (Finalist)
- Clean Air Solvent (CAS) Certification by the South Coast Air Quality Management District
- Passed California EPA Certification (1999)
- Completed U.S. EPA Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program*
- Nominated for the U.S. Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award.
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Service & Warranty
What is the warranty?
Warranty: All Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaners are backed by the best warranty in the industry. The ultrasonic transducers are unconditionally guaranteed not to crack, depolarize, deteriorate or become detached from the radiating surface for ten years. The Ultrasonic Generator is guaranteed to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of two years and the remainder of the Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaner is guaranteed for one year. All guarantees include parts and labor, f.o.b. Smart Sonic.
Plus, when using Smart Sonic's 440-R SMT Detergent, all Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaners are guaranteed to clean any type of solder paste from any fine-pitch stencil!
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What about maintenance?
Smart Sonic Stencil Cleaners are very easy to maintain:
- Change wash water (every 4 weeks without filtration)
- Wipe down work deck (weekly)
- Check all hoses and fittings (monthly)
- Blow off electronics (monthly)
EnviroGuard Closed-loop System
Wastewater Evaporators:
EZ-0
- Clean out process chamber (weekly)
- Blow-off electronics (monthly)
- Wet vacuum reservoir tank (6 months)
- Change thermal transfer media (yearly)
SE-1
- Clean out process tank (monthly)
- Blow-off electronics (monthly)
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What about service?
Factory service is available. However, the Smart Sonic systems are designed so local personnel can perform service, a tremendous post warranty advantage. Machine designs are very simple and straightforward. Complete electrical, plumbing, mechanical and layout schematics are provided with every Operations Manual. Free unlimited technical support is available to all Smart Sonic customers.
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* Information on the performance characteristics of this technology can be found at www.epa.gov/etv, or call Smart Sonic at 1(818) 610-7900 for a copy of the ETV verification report. Use of the ETV® Name or Logo does not imply approval or certification of this product nor does it make any explicit or implied warranties or guarantees as to the product performance.
SMART SONIC CORPORATION
6724 Eton Avenue · Canoga Park, CA 91303 · U.S.A.
TEL: 1(818) 610-7900 · FAX: 1(818) 610-7909
E-mail: smt@smartsonic.com · Web Site: http://www.smartsonic.com
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