Advantages of using a stencil cleaner verses manually cleaning stencils:
1. Using a stencil cleaner ensures no direct contact between operator and solder paste (lead being the primary concern).
2. Most stencil cleaners remove 100% of the solder paste from a stencil. The complete removal of solder paste manually is determined by the operator.
3. Most stencil cleaners will not damage your stencils. Manually cleaning stencils raises the odds that a stencil may be accidentally damaged.
4. Many stencil cleaners have built-in filtration systems to capture and remove solder paste from the cleaning solution. Manually cleaning stencils adds to the possibility that lead will be discharged either "down the drain" or in a garbage can, neither are acceptable.
As for the type of stencil cleaners available, there are several technologies to choose from:
1. Ultrasonic 2. Spray in Air 3. Immersion
Stencil cleaner manufacturers include: Aqueous Technologies (that's us) (800) 218-8128 www.aqueoustech.com PMR (480) 829-8170 www.pmrsystems.com/home.shtml SmartSonic (818) 909-6400 www.smartsonic.com EMC (215) 340-0650 www.emcgti.com
Mike JNJ Industries (508) 478-5290 www.jnj-industries.com
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