MEDICAL


Optimising Medical Device PCB Cleaning Through Collaborative Partnerships


Elizabeth Norwood, Senior Chemist at MicroCare A


s medical devices become more complex, keeping stringent cleanliness standards during manufacturing is essential but increasingly difficult. Densely packed printed circuit boards (PCBs) with small components and varying materials challenge traditional cleaning methods, threatening device functionality, patient safety and regulatory compliance.


When PCB manufacturers postpone the selection of cleaning methods and fluids until the final stages of the design phase, the challenge escalates. Rather than determining cleaning processes upfront, they delay this crucial step until later in the process. By proactively optimising critical cleaning procedures and carefully choosing a cleaning fluid partner, medical electronics manufacturers can overcome these hurdles.


Early Collaboration


In medical electronics manufacturing, where even the slightest contaminants can jeopardise device performance, defining cleanliness requirements with precision is vital. Engage with a critical cleaning vendor partner at the start of the PCB design process to maximise efficiency. By involving their chemists and cleaning specialists early on, you can anticipate and address potential cleaning challenges before they arise.


Look for a cleaning fluid vendor with on-site technical expertise in cleaning various PCB substrates using different methods. Their


By involving cleaning specialists early on, you can anticipate and address potential cleaning challenges


technicians can perform detailed cleaning audits, identifying materials and contamination levels to recommend the most effective cleaning tools and techniques without risking substrate integrity.


Importantly, prioritise an experienced cleaning fluid vendor that offers ongoing support throughout the PCB design and manufacturing process. This ensures that any cleaning-related issues can be addressed promptly, minimising disruptions, and accelerating the delivery of high-quality finished PCBs.


Stay Informed About Regulations Staying informed about regulations is not just a responsibility for manufacturers alone; it is a collaborative endeavour that also involves their critical cleaning partner. In the highly regulated world of medical electronics manufacturing, keeping pace with evolving regulatory frameworks is paramount. Manufacturers must seamlessly integrate regulatory considerations into their cleaning processes to ensure compliance with industry standards. Factors such as environmental sustainability and worker safety are pivotal and can profoundly influence cleaning fluid formulations and procedures.


Densely packed PCBs with small components challenge traditional cleaning methods


For instance, recent regulations impose restrictions on the use of ozone-depleting


38 MARCH 2024 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS


and global warming substances. This has prompted manufacturers to adopt cleaner practices, emphasising protecting air quality. Moreover, regulatory initiatives like the USA EPA’s regulations on hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and the EU’s REACH program for chemical management exert substantial influence on cleaning practices within the medical electronics sector.


Through knowledge sharing, manufacturers and cleaning partners can proactively address regulatory requirements. This collaborative approach not only ensures compliance but also promotes the adoption of cleaner and greener practices, emphasising lower emissions and enhanced safety air quality.


Make an Informed Choice of Cleaning Fluid


When it comes to PCB cleaning, selecting the right cleaning fluid is paramount. Contaminants can create a whole host of performance and reliability problems for the boards. These include dendrite growth, electrochemical migration, noise on the board, or even a catastrophic field failure. With a multitude of brands and formulations available, it is crucial to match the cleaner to the specific contaminants present on the PCB, and ensure it leaves no residue, is quick


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54