The authors explain the thermodynamics and operational techniques behind the working of a modern vapor degreaser. They contrasts those systems with old-style solvent degreasers as well as the complexities of aqueous cleaning systems. The pros and cons of each are explored as well as a basic shopping list of features and capabilities that will help Read More

Nearly all medical devices require cleaning during manufacturing. Each cleaning process is designed to remove contamination created during manufacturing processes, such as particulate, oils or inorganics. But achieving high quality cleaning results is a challenge in the world of medical devices because of the complex assemblies, intricate shapes, sensitive substrates and delicate parts. Many device Read More

Late in 2015, a MicroCare client was among the very first companies in the U.S. to deploy Vertrel® Sion™ fluid. Vertrel® Sion™ fluid is a powerful degreaser that can replace aggressive hydrocarbon, chlorinated or nPB solvents. The application was to remove wax from parts made using metal injection molding (“MIM”). This process uses a dry Read More

This is an excellent animation explains the process of coating parts with the Duraglide® lubricant. Note: the video is silent, without an audio track.

Many companies sell aerosol containers of a solvent known as “nPB” or normal propyl bromide. nPB is a great cleaner and affordably priced, but carries substantial toxicity risks. The author explains those risks in easy-to-understand non-technical terms. He then compares nPB aerosols to several modern, safer solvent choices to see if the new products can Read More

Many companies are considering changing from their old-style aqueous cleaning systems to modern, solvent-based vapor degreaser cleaning systems. The author explains the differences between the two choices, highlights some of the myths of aqueous cleaning and shows that a modern vapor degreaser can be more budget-friendly, planet-friendly and people-friendly than aqueous cleaners of equal capacity.

The phase-out of the last major ozone-depleting solvent, HCFC-225, finally has begun. AK-225 is widely used as a carrier fluid, a defluxer, a metal degreaser, and to purge oxygen systems. It can clean PCBs, medical devices, metal parts and for cleaning optics, photonics and lasers. Most cleaning is performed in a vapor degreaser. HCFC-225 was Read More

In the world of precision cleaning, there are four common choices for engineers: hydrocarbon cleaning, aqueous cleaning, semi-aqueous cleaning, and solvent cleaning with vapor degreasers. Each method has its strength and weaknesses, but the authors suggest that the most environmentally acceptable choice for critical cleaning is vapor degreasing with modern specialty solvents.

After years of research and regulatory reviews involving numerous federal agencies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has approved the commercialization of a new molecule from Chemours (ex-DuPont) which is optimized for critical cleaning. With this approval, the new material now can be offered for sale in almost every country in the world. The specific molecule Read More

Advancements in the electronics industry are continuously leading to more sophisticated, intricate and miniaturized circuitry, and cleaning these smaller, denser, hotter components has become a major issue. Additionally, lead-free, no-clean and halide-free flux formulations have introduced new cleaning obstacles, and the phase-out of old-style solvents has eliminated many popular choices.  The purpose of this paper is Read More