An Alkaline Pre-HASL (or Alternative Finish) Cleaner
HASL Pre-Cleaner SL is a powerful, non-foaming, free rinsing, alkaline cleaner specifically designed to clean Copper prior to HASL or alternative finishes. It will remove solder mask developer scum, oven baked oxidation and residues, fingerprints, and oils. HASL Pre-Cleaner SL will not etch copper nor will it damage the soldermask because the cleaner contains a soldermask/organic substrate attack inhibitor.
HASL Pre-Cleaner SL can be used in conjunction with a light microetch, or acid cleaner. If an acid cleaner is used, MicroClean ZE (RD-10) is preferred. If a microetch is used, much lower levels of metal removal are fully acceptable, thus minimizing costs and reject rate.
Use of HASL Pre-Cleaner SL will profoundly reduce the requirement for a second pass through the HASL. This is because the potent cleaning agents in HASL Pre-Cleaner SL destroy organo-metallic compounds (such as insoluble Copper/soldermask compounds) present on the Copper surfaces.
MAKE-UP:
Make up at 25% by volume in tap or deionized water.
OPERATION:
May be used in spray or soak (immersion) application. Use at 100º-160º F, lower temperatures require longer contact times with cleaner. Increasing operating temperature 20° F doubles cleaning speed. Time required for cleaning is controlled by temperature, local water conditions, and choice of soldermask. Typical cleaning time should be 1-4 minutes.
EQUIPMENT:
Heaters may be Stainless Steel, Titanium, or Teflon coated. Flood type nozzles are preferred in spray equipment, although others may be used.
SAFETY:
HASL Pre-Cleaner SL is a mildly alkaline cleaner, and typically should have minimal effect if contact is made with skin. However, contact with eyes can be extremely irritating. RD Chemical Company recommends normal safety precautions for dealing with alkaline cleaners, and avoidance of contact with either concentrate or use solutions. Consult Material Safety Data Sheet for further information.
DISPOSAL:
Biodegradable, containing no solvents, HASL Pre-Cleaner SL is a chelated, mild alkaline cleaner. Spent solutions may contain heavy metals which will need to be removed before disposal. Dispose of in accordance with Federal, State and local regulations. Contact your RD Chemical representative for further information.
PACKAGING:
HASL Pre-Cleaner SL is available in 5 gallon and 55 gallon poly drums.