Electronics manufacturing process engineers are faced with significant challenges when selecting a cleaning system as a consequence of the wide ranges of cleaning processes and equipment. Currently available cleaning systems include aqueous processes, semi-aqueous processes, monosolvent vapor degreasing and co-solvent vapor degreasing; while equipment options include inline, batch, centrifugal and ultrasonic immersion. When matching the right process with the right equipment for a specific application, many other factors must be considered including performance, capital expense, SHE (safety, health and environmental) restrictions, throughput, available floor space, chemical compatibility and operating costs and maintenance costs. An analysis of the total cost of ownership of a cleaning process is an important step in choosing the right process. This analysis helps identify the lifetime costs of acquiring, maintaining and operating a process. This paper discusses the factors, advantages and disadvantages that should be considered for each of the commonly used processes in the electronics cleaning industry to help determine the total cost of ownership.
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