The act of removing contaminants from a printed circuit board (PCB) is a necessary procedure for maintaining optimal functionality and extending the lifespan of electronic devices. These contaminants can include dust, debris, flux residue from soldering, oils, and other particulate matter that accumulates during manufacturing, assembly, or use. The presence of these materials can lead to performance degradation, short circuits, corrosion, and eventual failure of the electronic components.
Effective contaminant removal ensures reliable electrical conductivity, prevents premature component failure, and enhances the overall performance of electronic systems. Historically, cleaning processes were less stringent, but as circuit board densities increased and component sizes decreased, the need for thorough and precise cleaning became paramount. This evolution has led to the development of various cleaning methods and specialized cleaning agents tailored to different types of PCBs and contaminants.