How to choose Cleaning Solution
Cleaning solution
The cleaning solution is selected according to the type of contamination and workpiece material.
Contaminants include oil, flux, abrasives, mold release agents, and particulates. Materials targeted include metals (iron, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), resins, and inorganic materials (glass, semiconductors, sintered materials).
Cleaning solutions are broadly classified into aqueous and non-aqueous systems.
Aqueous cleaning solutions include neutral and alkaline cleaning agents. They are nonflammable and relatively easy to handle, but require frequent rinsing, are difficult to dry and stain easily, and require wastewater treatment.
Nonaqueous cleaning solutions include hydrocarbon-based and solvent-based (fluorinated, brominated, alcohol-based) cleaningagents, which have high solubility and good drying properties, but some are flammable. Although an initial cost is required, the cleaning solution can be regenerated by using a distillation/regeneration system.
The final selection should be made based on the company's enlightened thinking about the work environment and environmental impact.
■Types of cleaning solutions
| Type | Cleaning solution | Purpose | Feature |
| Aqueous |
Alkaline | Degreasing, swarf, dust | No fire hazard due to non-flammability Surfactant is the main ingredient Requires wastewater treatment |
| Neutral | |||
| Acidic | Descaling | ||
| Cleaning before plating | |||
| Hydrocarbon-based | Isoparaffinic | Degreasing Flux |
Inflammable but has a high flash point Inexpensive and recyclable Low toxicity and low impact on the human body |
| Normal paraffin-based | |||
| Solvent-based | Fluorinated | Degreasing, swarf, dust | High solubility and good drying properties Expensive but recyclable |
| Bromine series | High solubility and good drying properties Expensive but recyclable |
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| Alcoholic | Flammable but dries well inexpensive |
*Depending on the type of cleaning solution, an indirect tank may be required, or the equipment may require anti-flammability measures or exhaust ventilation.
