SMT Boards Need Lint-Free Quality Stencil Cleaning

1 – Lower Fiber & Particle Counts

The fabric will contain fewer broken fibers, resulting in less

visible contamination 100m or larger. The binders used in other

nonwovens tend to abrade from the fabric, yielding higher

particle counts in the 0.5m range or higher.

2 – Less Ionic Contamination

Soonerclean® does not release any sodium and chloride ionic

contamination which could be redeposited on the stencil and

boards. Fabrics not manufactured by Soonercleaning may have higher

extractables, often up to 1% of the weight of the sheet — nearly

two grams per standard 450mm/18-inch stencil roll.

3 – Reduced Non-Volatile Residues

Binders often leave white residues. Sometimes these are

misdiagnosed as problems with the solder paste or solvents.

While not ionic, these residues are detrimental because they

are highly visible, impair the effectiveness of conformal

coatings and increase the rejection rates during QC inspection.

4 – Greater Durability

Once any binders are dissolved, the strength of the paper

begins to deteriorate. Laboratory testing proves that Soonercleaning

papers are almost completely unaffected by electronics-grade

solvents. Soonercleaning wipes exhibit a tensile strength of up to

400N/90 lbs., depending upon the fabric, and will retain 75%

of this strength even when wet.

5 – Wider Solvent Choice

To avoid dissolving the binders (see Item #4, above), many

paper companies limit the solvent choices which may be used

with their papers. Soonercleaning products are compatible with nearly

any type of electronics-grade solvent so process engineers

have more options.

6 – Greater Consistency

Since there are no nonvolatile binders, chemicals, adhesives,

or surface finishes added to the paper during the manufacturing

process, the fabric is more consistent from lot to lot,

and the wiping process will be more reliable.

7 – Greater Absorption

Binders fill the gaps between the fibers in the fabric,

clogging spaces that would otherwise absorb solvents, solder

paste and epoxies. Soonercleaning fabrics lead the industry in purity,

puffiness and softness.

8 – No Unexpected Reactions

Some papers use binders which are not miscible with the

solvents in the solder paste. This will cause the solder paste to

move away from the paper, rather that to be absorbed by it, and

create a “solder-ball” effect during the cleaning process.

9 – Improved Hypoallergenic Properties

Lacking glues or binders, Soonercleaning fabrics do not exhibit

allergic or toxic responses when in contact with skin. In fact,

the material is so clean it is used in hospital operating rooms.

10 – Greater ESD Protection

Unlike paper clogged with electrically-insulating binders

and glues, in most modern manufacturing plants Soonercleaning is

slightly conductive and reinforces the ESD control program