The Q Source Resource

Friday, July 22, 2016

Using ACL 7600 IPA Wipes in Conjunction with ACL 8690 Acrylic Conformal Coating for PCB Rework/Repair Prep – Guest Blog

by Steve Allen, VP Marketing and Innovation, ACL Staticide

In Steve’s latest Guest Blog for the Q Source Resource, he recommends a process of PCB preparation for rework/repair.

Preparing PCBs (printed circuit boards) for rework or repair is a very important process. ACL Staticide has developed and manufactures an array of precision cleaners and surface preparation products, along with final finishing conformal coats to aid in this application. These products’ primary focus is in the area of printed circuit board repair and OEM manufacture. Let’s cover some key areas of PCB rework and repair using a two-step process for surface preparation and finishing.
In many instances of PCB repair, surface preparation with a pre-saturated wiper followed by treatment with conformal coating is the process of choice for reworking a board and getting it back into service.

With that in mind, ACL’s 7600 IPA Wipers are perfect for surface preparation following repair. The 7600 is a pre-saturated wipe using a precise 70/30 blend of extremely pure, electronics-grade isopropyl alcohol blended with deionized water to prevent premature evaporation of the cleaning solvent. The solvent is added to the wiper in a cleanroom environment. These wipers use a non-woven Sontara® technology designed to be extremely low linting, even at the perforation. Available in a 100-wipes reclosable container (made of non-hazardous material), the 7600 product is perfect for final finishing work of any circuit board. It is great for removal of hand oils, conductive greases, carbonized soils, dust/dirt, light flux residues, and a variety of other soils.

A 2-wiper use process is recommended for general-purposed cleaning and hand wiping of larger components and various board surfaces. One wipe is used for initial cleaning of heavier residues, and a second wipe for final surface cleaning and finishing. All surfaces should be allowed to gently dry for one to two minutes, or dry using compressed air or a duster product like the ACL 8640 Turbo Blast Duster.

Following this process, the board is prepared and ready for application of surface protection like acrylic conformal coating. ACL’s 8690 Acrylic Conformal Coating is the product of choice for protecting the PCB and all surface components from oils, moisture, and most soils. It is used following surface cleaning and preparation with the 7600 IPA wipers. ACL 8690 can be applied to the entire board surface. It is dry to the touch in less than 30 minutes and completely cures in 24 hours. It provides protection as well as heat resistance and contains a UV dye indicator so that the user can be sure the entire board and all components have been treated. ACL 8690 leaves behind a high-gloss cure (making it suitable for final presentation to the customer at contract manufacturers) and prepares the board for final installation.

This process of using both the 7600 wipes and 8690 conformal coating in conjunction with each other for final board preparation and final surface finishing prior to installation helps eliminate potential failures and damage to PCBS or devices. Please contact us with related questions or comments.

Thank you, Steve! That sounds like the way to go when preparing printed circuit boards. We look forward to your future articles.

For information about , or to order, any of the ACL products mentioned in this blog, please visit QSource.com. You may also contact us via email or phone at 800-966-6020 and we will be happy to assist you.

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Friday, June 10, 2016

Make Common Home/Office Repairs w/Eclipse’s Household Tool Kit

Save 13% off the Q Source price of the Eclipse (PK-2028T) 13-Piece Household Tool Kit. Our FPF061016 Coupon Code is auto applied when you add a PK-2028T Tool Kit to your shopping cart. This Featured Product Friday (FPF) promo is valid from today, June 10, 2016 through Sunday, June 12, 2016 and the code is unlimited use.

This 13-piece tool kit features a versatile selection of tools for common, basic home and office maintenance. Includes a durable carrying case.

Follow our weekly FPF selection on The Q Source Resource Blog, via our email newsletter, or on our social media accounts. Please help us spread the word about Featured Product Friday by sharing the FPF code with your friends and colleagues.

For further questions about Featured Product Friday, please read our informational blog post, call us (800-966-6020), or send us an email. Please note: This promo is valid only at QSource.com and expires on June 12, 2016.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

What You Need to Know When Selecting ESD Flooring – Guest Blog

by Craig Zander, Transforming Technologies

Craig’s newest Guest Blog, for the Q Source Resource, provides valuable tips about selecting ESD flooring for your workplace

The use of ESD flooring and footwear is a popular way to ground people working with ESD-sensitive devices that cannot use a conventional wrist strap/cord system because they need to be mobile, or because they are working near equipment with moving parts that could pose a hazard. ESD footwear and flooring provide a convenient method to drain the charge from the operator to ground.

There are many options for ESD flooring that are “permanent” solutions, such as conductive tiles and epoxies. These products generally have very good durability and can last for many years. Unfortunately, they also present a few challenges.

PERMANENT ESD FLOOR CHALLENGES

Cost: ESD floor tiles and epoxies are an expensive option. The cost of the tiles or epoxy in combination with the conductive undercoat and installation expense makes permanent flooring one of the more expensive options.
Moisture: In some cases, the moisture content in the sub-floor is too high to allow successful or long-term adhesion. Hydrostatic pressure from floors can cause tile lifting or epoxy bubbles. Testing must be done prior to installation to be sure that the floor can be installed.
Installation: Installing an ESD tile or epoxy floor requires experienced installers. The conductive undercoat must be applied in a precise quantity and manner. Mistakes can lead to poor adhesion and poor electrical readings on the installed floor.
Maintenance: While new floors may look amazing shortly after installation, they must be maintained to keep their appearance and their electrical performance. Some floors require certain floor finishes, and some floors cannot be waxed or their electrical properties will become diminished.
Permanence: While a permanent floor can be an advantage, it may be a disadvantage to companies that occasionally change facility layouts or to companies that lease space.

TEMPORARY OR PORTABLE ESD FLOORING

There are a number of options for those that need to ground their operators through footwear and flooring, but do not want a permanent ESD floor.

ESD Mats

ESD mats come in a variety of options including size, thickness, contour, and conductivity. ESD mats are generally placed in front of standing operations and provide a path to ground for the operator and, possibly, a more ergonomic standing surface than the standard floor.

Floor mats may be offered in specific sizes (i.e., 2’ x 3’, 3’ x 4’, etc.), or may be offered with interlock to provide a variety of lengths. They are easy to relocate should production equipment need to be moved.

ESD Runners

ESD floor runners offer a solution in front of long assembly lines, or areas where mobile equipment is being used and needs to be grounded.

ESD floor runners are generally smooth or slightly textured to allow mobile equipment to move, thus they offer less ergonomic benefit than mats.

Interlocking Tiles

ESD interlocking tiles provide an effective way to cover a larger area, or an entire floor, while still offering some portability. The tiles can be easily cut to fit an area and they are free floating on the floor so there are no moisture issues that come with permanent floors. Many of the interlocking tiles also provide ergonomic properties. Yellow safety edges are also available if the floor does not terminate at a wall.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLOOR

Whether you select permanent flooring or temporary/portable ESD flooring, you need to verify that the electrical properties of the footwear and flooring combination will meet your requirements.

To be in compliance with ANSI/ESD S20.20 you must verify two specific measurements. First, you need to measure the resistance of the person, through the footwear, through the flooring and to ground (ANSI/ESD STM 97.1 Floor Materials and Footwear – Resistance Measurement in Combination with a Person). Second, you need to verify the voltage being generated by people using your selected footwear (shoes or foot grounders) and flooring (ANSI/ESD STM 97.2 – Floor Materials and Footwear – Voltage Measurement in Combination with a Person).

ANSI/ESD STM97.1 (Warmbier Metriso 3000 Resistance Meter)

ANSI/ESD STM97.2 (Warmbier WT-5000 Walking Test Kit)

We’ve briefly reviewed the factors to be considered when choosing ESD flooring. With these in mind, you can select the floor that meets your needs for ESD properties, overall cost, and ease of use.

Thanks, Craig! That’s excellent information to assist our readers in choosing the proper ESD flooring solution to meet their needs. We’re excited for the next time you share your expertise with our Q Source community.

For information about Transforming Technologies and their ESD control/monitoring products, please visit QSource.com. You may also contact us via email or phone at 800-966-6020 and we will be happy to assist you.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Create a Proper Spill Control Plan w/Brady SPC Absorbents

Implementing a proper Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasure plan (SPCC) helps create a safe and productive work environment for your employees. With that in mind, we’ve recently added a broad-reaching Brady Absorbents Department to QSource.com.

OSHA and EPA regulations (29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2), 40 CFR 112.7(c)(1)(vii), and 29 CFR 1910.120(j)(1)(vii)) require specific spill control and cleanup procedures to protect employees. The cost of non-compliance can be devastating in a number of ways. Brady’s SPC product line offers hundreds of spill control solutions for your workplace so you can avoid those costly cleanups.

Our new Brady SPC Absorbents Department features everything you need to create an effective SPCC plan with products in the following categories:

When creating your SPCC plan, you need to consider three main factors.

What Are You Absorbing?

Universal spills include coolants, solvents, gasoline, vegetable oil, kerosene, and other water-based fluids
Oil only spills include hydraulic oil, motor oil, brake fluid, cooking oil, turpentine, and other oil-based fluids
Chemical spills include aggressive chemicals, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, and other unknown chemicals

What Type of Absorbent Application?

Wiping, dripping or foot traffic applications use pads, rolls, SOCs, and pillows
Barrier-backed or heavy traffic applications use mats and rugs
Emergency spill response use spill containment and spill kits

What Size & Weight Do You Need?

Brady SPC products are available in a wide variety of sizes and absorbency weights in many categories

Visit QSource.com’s Absorbents Department to start building your SPCC plan. If you have questions about what your specific work area requires, you may contact us by phone (800-966-6020), email, or via our Web site. We also offer a complete line of Brady Labeling and Identification products.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

SCS’ New Air Ionizers Offer Reliable Static Control

These two reliable ionizers feature built-in automatic emitter point cleaners, adjustable fan speeds, and steady-state DC ionization. If you’re looking for a dependable solution for ionization, these units are a smart choice.

SCS 9110-NO - BENCHTOP AIR IONIZER

The SCS 9110-NO 100-240 VAC Benchtop Air Ionizer w/Power Source helps eliminate the build-up of static charges on insulative materials. It has an easy access cover for maintenance, a white powder-coated metal housing, and an illuminated power switch. In addition, it features the following specifications:

AC/DC Power Adapter Power Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz - Power Output: 24 VDC, 2.5A
Operating Voltage: 24 VDC, 1.8 A maximum
Power Consumption: 14 watts (normal operation) 42 watts (auto cleaning operation)
Fuse: 2 QA, 250V, 5.2 x 20 mm glass tube
Ion Emission: Steady-state DC
Balance Voltage: ± 15 volt (25 ± 5°C, 45 ± 10% RH)
Decay Time: ≤ 2 sec
Air Speed: 500' per min (152 m/min)
Audible Noise: High fan speed: 54 dB (sustained), 57 dB (auto cleaning)/Low fan speed: 48 dB (sustained), 55 dB (auto cleaning)
Ozone Level: < 0.05 ppm
Certifications & Approvals: cULus, CE, RoHS, WEEE

SCS 9310-NO - OVERHEAD AIR IONIZER

The SCS 9310-NO 100-240 VAC Overhead Air Ionizer w/Power Source includes most of the same features as the 9110-NO Benchtop unit. In addition, its specifications include:

Operating Voltage: 24 VDC, 2.5A maximum
Power Consumption: 43 watts (normal operation) 60 watts (auto cleaning operation)
Fuse: 5 A, 250V, 5.2 x 20 mm glass tube
Decay Time: ≤ 3.5 sec
Air Speed: 200' per min (61 m/min)
Audible Noise: High Fan Speed: 57 dB (sustained), 60 dB (auto cleaning)/Low Fan Speed: 46 dB (sustained), 51 dB (auto cleaning)

Please Note: Neither unit includes a power cord. The compatible SCS 770000 North America Power Cord is available separately.

Please visit QSource.com to purchase one of these new SCS Air Ionizers. You may also contact us by phone (800-966-6020), email, or via our Web site.

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