Homebrew PCBs

Hey guys, I was wondering if it would be possible to use an Ultrasonic
Cleaner to clean Copper Clad boards instead of scrubbing them before
transfer? Has anyone tried this approach or see any problem with it
working? Thanks in advance.

On Tue, 10 May 2005 21:56:27 -0000, oatmealnick <NickC84@...>  
wrote:

> Hey guys, I was wondering if it would be possible to use an Ultrasonic
> Cleaner to clean Copper Clad boards instead of scrubbing them before
> transfer? Has anyone tried this approach or see any problem with it
> working? Thanks in advance.


i don't think it is thorough enough. I haven't tried it tho because i have  
no ultrasonic (they are very expensive).
I use 1000grit paper, which also roughens the surface for a good hold.

ST

It is very difficult to get copper clean enough with chemical cleaners. 
Mechanical scrubbing under water is the easiest method for small production 
runs.  Use a wet/dry sandpaper, a Scotchbrite pad, or pumice as an abrasive.

----- Original Message ----- 

From: "Stefan Trethan" <stefan_trethan@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2005 6:13 PM
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Ultrasonic Cleaner For PCB's?


> On Tue, 10 May 2005 21:56:27 -0000, oatmealnick <NickC84@...>
> wrote:
>
>> Hey guys, I was wondering if it would be possible to use an Ultrasonic
>> Cleaner to clean Copper Clad boards instead of scrubbing them before
>> transfer?

> i don't think it is thorough enough. I haven't tried it tho because i have
> no ultrasonic (they are very expensive).
> I use 1000grit paper, which also roughens the surface for a good hold.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Earl T. Hackett, Jr."
<hacketet@c...> wrote:
> It is very difficult to get copper clean enough with chemical cleaners. 
> Mechanical scrubbing under water is the easiest method for small
production 
> runs.  Use a wet/dry sandpaper, a Scotchbrite pad, or pumice as an
abrasive.
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Stefan Trethan" <stefan_trethan@g...>
> To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2005 6:13 PM
> Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Ultrasonic Cleaner For PCB's?
> 
> 
> > On Tue, 10 May 2005 21:56:27 -0000, oatmealnick <NickC84@C...>
> > wrote:
> >
> >> Hey guys, I was wondering if it would be possible to use an
Ultrasonic
> >> Cleaner to clean Copper Clad boards instead of scrubbing them before
> >> transfer?
> 
> > i don't think it is thorough enough. I haven't tried it tho
because i have
> > no ultrasonic (they are very expensive).
> > I use 1000grit paper, which also roughens the surface for a good hold.


I've used both those methods, Which work fine for now I was just
trying to cut down some of the muscle work involved =P. That and a
local store has Ultrasonic Cleaners on sale for $29.99. I might pick
one up to clean my small tools and parts. If I do get one I'll try it
on a Copper Clad board and tell you guys the results.

On Wed, 11 May 2005 01:35:08 -0000, oatmealnick <NickC84@...>  
wrote:

>
> I've used both those methods, Which work fine for now I was just
> trying to cut down some of the muscle work involved =P. That and a
> local store has Ultrasonic Cleaners on sale for $29.99. I might pick
> one up to clean my small tools and parts. If I do get one I'll try it
> on a Copper Clad board and tell you guys the results.


I'll be curious to hear what you find. I want to buy a cleaner for some  
time, but i think the really cheap units might not have the power, and the  
more industrial looking things with more power are mighty expensive. If  
you buy one tell me the wattage please, and if it is general cleaning of  
small stuff.

thanks


ST