Hybrid Cleaning System handles large, heavy product.
Press Release Summary:
Single-chamber, closed-loop regenerative system, Model X-40F combines capabilities of X-Series multi-solvent cleaning system and Mega(TM) series cleaners. System enables wash, rinse, and dry cycle automation in one chamber with minimized dragout or cross-contamination. Rinse solvent is recycled and cleaned ionically after each cycle. Featuring counter-rotating spray wand technology, system handles product up to 35 lb and 32 x 18 in. in size.
Original Press Release:
AAT Combines Best of Two Proven Cleaning Systems to Create a New Hi-rel Cleaner
Austin, Texas, USA - Austin American Technology (AAT) has combined the best capabilities of two successful cleaning systems - the popular X-Series multi-solvent cleaning system and the high-precision Mega(TM) series cleaners - into a single high-capacity, single-chamber closed-loop regenerative system, the X-40F. The X-40F was developed for a Hi-rel military waterless application, cleaning product up to 35-lbs. and 32" x 18" in size. The application needed the high-precision cleaning chemistry and technology provided by the Mega(TM) system, but needed the cleaning chamber capacity of the X-series as well as its material handling capabilities. The result, according to David Jeffers, AAT's Engineering Manager, is a hybrid system that combines the best of both machines into an essentially new process whereby the single processing chamber minimizes the unit's footprint, while specialized technologies enable wash, rinse, and dry cycle automation in one chamber with minimized dragout or cross-contamination, plus greater process efficiency and reduced costs due to the use of a new proprietary ion bed filtration/regeneration system allowing the rinse solvent to be recycled and cleaned ionically after each cycle.
Austin American Technology's X-Series cleaners' fully automated systems are typically used for stencil and misprint cleaning. They do not require transferring between wash, rinse, and dry, and are capable of fully automated operation using a wide range of chemistries. They offer a large processing chamber, closed-loop capability, plus highly-effective patented counter-rotating spray wand technology, and the ability to handle large product dimensions and weight.
The Mega(TM) Series is a revolutionary immersion, closed-loop, solvent regenerative, electronic assembly and parts cleaning system with quantitative ion detection and statistical process control capability.
Both systems were combined in many ways, according to Jeffers. The spray in air technology of the X-Series worked excellently with the customer approved cleaning chemistries, resulting in clean boards and back planes that met and exceeded the customer's expectations, these results are attributed to the X-Series patented method of rotational spraying which creates zones of constantly changing force. Although cross contamination is kept to an absolute minimum in the design of this cleaner the wash solution has no adverse affect on the proprietary resin beds used to clean up the rinse chemistry and the wash chemistry ability to clean flux residues is virtually unaffected by rinse contamination in the wash. "This translates to far fewer chemistry change outs, particularly in the rinse, than had been expected", Jeffers adds. This meant much lower operating costs and less waste.
The wash chemistry used in this application is Kyzen Ionox 3330 (heated) in conjunction with a chilled IPA rinse. The process provides cleanliness measurement and alarms, SPC capability and data logging, and more.
Austin American Technology is the recognized global leader in cleaning technology for industrial cleaning applications ranging from electronics manufacturing to specialized parts cleaning. For more information about AAT cleaners, chemistries, and other products, visit www.aat-corp.com, or contact the company at 12201 Technology Blvd. Austin, Texas 78727 USA, tel. (512)335-6400.
