Non -Crest trustable Ultrasonic cleaners& features to look for? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: Radioman23
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 18, 2021, 06:39:35 pm
content: To get right to it: I am a bit frustrated with trying to find a trustable Ultrasonic cleaner for BGA rework, among other tasks with restoring damaged boards being a priority . The idea is that if the unit can effectively clean BGA electronics and corroded boards, al a Rossmann, it will be good for just about anything else. Right now, I am using Amtech 559 TF tacky flux, but I have also used SRA TF5000 flux if that is relevant. Short of Tetrachloroethylene brake cleaners (and even THAT is not the best at cleaning), I can't seem to make much headway removing flux in areas like the spaces between IC leads or under them. In the past I understand Freon/Freon like fluids were used but I refuse to try such, given their environmental impact. IPA works, but it does not get these small areas well enough for my needs.I have looked at crest, and it is unquestionably up to the task, but 1500 USD for a,new, approx 1.6 gallon cleaner is hard to come by.I have looked at Elmasonics, DK Sonics,Powertek,SRA branded cleaners, and X-Tronic as well as GT Sonic from the SDG electronics YouTube page. I understand that all these cleaners are water based cleaning machines, and Branson EC cleaning fluid has been recommended for board clean-ups.Which brands are good to go? Which should I avoid?It seems that the desirable feature are: degassing, sweep, heating. Some have half-wave & full wave adjustments/switch for their transducer outputs but I am unsure what, if any, effect that would have, or if its fancy ad-talk for a sweep function.Which features should I look for, if vetting a unknown brand/make?There are indeed a few threads with a similar goal, but as of typing this, they fall far short, or get lost on a tangent, or just sit there like an elephant on rail tracks.I am still growing and learning, but what would you good folks recommend? What frequencies are better for what tasks? I am in the Southeast (Dixie) United states, if that helps.Any advice and comments are VERY appreciated! I am looking for detail, if possible. I thank you so very much.P.S. If this belongs somewhere else, please forgive my error.

author: Runco990
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2021, 12:19:49 am
content: I have wasted money on cleaners as well. I currently use one of these:https://www.ebay.com/itm/183181888781?epid=3009865027&hash=item2aa67dcd0d:g:GkkAAOSwDtVaylDwPick a size.It just needs HEAT, SWEEP Frequency, and a timer. These things work totally fine with distilled water and Branzon EC.The KEY to these pieces of crap is to NEVER leave them plugged in when you don't use them. I have had multiple "digital" controlled brands fry in the middle of the night due to the expected trash capacitors. My latest one is on a switch and has been working just perfect now for 6 years.It is an elmasonic clone, I believe. So is the Derui.Long story short, stay far away from Branson (nothing but headaches) and anything that does NOT have swept freequency. The only used tank I ever bought that was actuall repairable and WORKS is L&R.