Abstract: Systems, methods and processes for cleaning and testing electronic assemblies are described. A cleaning and testing apparatus may include a cleaning chamber, a solvent input into the cleaning chamber, a resistivity sensor within the cleaning chamber for sensing resistivity of the solvent; and a solvent output for removing the solvent from the cleaning chamber. The cleaning chamber may receive one or more electronic assemblies. A user may initiate a cleaning cycle, a testing cycle or a cleaning cycle followed by a testing cycle. The one or more electronic assemblies may be contacted with a solvent. Resistivity of the solvent after contact with the electronic assemblies may be measured and compared with an original resistivity of the solvent before contact with the electronic assemblies. The amount of ionic residues on the electronic assemblies may be determined based upon the comparing step.

Abstract: The invention is of a methodology for cleaning electronic components, particularly of contaminants which remain after soldering of printed circuit boards. The novel methodology uses a uniquely effective, and heretofore unused solvent which is environmentally benign, lends itself to serving as a measurable indicator of board cleanliness as it cleans, and can be, according to the methodology, regenerated to conserve solvent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning solder paste from stencils, screens, misprinted circuit boards, and tools associated with the manufacturing of surface mount technology circuit boards. The apparatus includes a holder assembly for holding the solder-laden objects during cleaning and rotatable spray arms connected with a chemical pump for spraying a transversely directed, cyclic waves of solvent onto the object's surfaces. The cleaning action of the spray arms permits use of the solvent at or below room temperature thereby substantially reducing evaporative loss of solvent, environmental injury resulting from such evaporative loss, and exposure of workers to solvent vapors. The apparatus includes filters for filtering heavy metal particles washed from the objects to contain the heavy metals for safe disposal. Safety mechanisms are included in the apparatus to prevent worker injury.

Abstract: A repair terminal is disclosed for reworking defective components on printed circuit boards. The terminal has a heater arm which lowers itself over the component, and directs hot gas thereon. A vacuum shroud surrounds the heat zone around the component and removes excess heat so as to minimize damage to surrounding components. The heater arm has inner and outer tubes, the inner tube delivering hot gas the outer tube removing it. Thus the outer tube prevents an operator from being burned by the dangerously hot temperature of the inner tube. A workholder is also disclosed for holding and aligning the circuit board with the heater arm. The workholder is capable of adjustment along the X- and Y-axes as well as in the theta orientation.