MicroClean™ CuLX RD-68
January 29, 2010
RD Chemical Company in Printed Circuit Board Fabrication, products
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An Alkaline Soak Cleaner For cleaning Copper & Iron Alloy Foils

MicroClean™ CuLX (RD-68) is a "micro-cleaner" that is designed to remove extremely tenacious soils from copper, iron, iron-nickel and iron-nickel-chrome alloys. MicroClean™ CuLX (RD-68) was created to meet the needs of the Chemical Milling Industry, which is frequently faced with removing the baked-on organic compounds such as those found on sheets of Alloy 42 and stainless steel as they are received or, after stripping baked-on photoresist. MicroClean™ CuLX (RD-68) has been used very successfully as a pre-clean for printed circuit boards before photoresist application or prior to oxide application. To achieve the best results in cleaning prior to photoresist application, follow MicroClean™ CuLX (RD-68) with MicroClean™ NE (RD-15).

MicroClean™ CuLX (RD-68) has also been used successfully in ChemBond oxide preclean line. When used in the oxide preclean, it is followed with MicroClean™ NE (RD-15) acid cleaner, or with Unietch (RD-84) if a microetch is desired.

MAKE-UP:
Use at 25 - 33% by volume, at 130º - 180º F. Cleaning time will vary from one (1) to five (5) minutes, depending upon temperature and tenacity of the soils. Chemical Milling foils require higher temperatures and longer processing times. Printed Circuit Board foils are more easily cleaned.

OPERATION:
For use in spray operations. MicroClean™ CuLX (RD-68) rinses freely and completely with no residues. Maintain at recommended concentration by titration. Keep dissolved Copper at less than 2000 ppm.

EQUIPMENT:
Tanks should be constructed of polypropylene, PVC, or stainless steel. Heaters should be quartz, Teflon, Titanium, or stainless steel.

SAFETY:

MicroClean™ CuLX (RD-68) contains caustic potash (lye) and can cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Wearing safety goggles or a full-face shield is MANDATORY. Also wear gloves and protective clothing. Consult Material Safety Data Sheet for further information.

DISPOSAL:
Completely biodegradable and containing no solvents, MicroClean™ CuLX (RD-68) may be disposed of into most sanitary sewage systems after any heavy metals picked up during use are removed and pH adjusted. Check with your local sanitary district regulators for guidance. Dispose of in accordance with Federal, State and local regulations. Contact your RD Chemical representative for further information.

PACKAGING:

A free-flowing low foam liquid, MicroClean™ CuLX (RD-68) is available in 55 gallon poly drums.

Article originally appeared on RD Chemical Company - Manufacturing Chemists (http://rdchem.com/).
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