New Materials and Miniaturization Drive Tougher PCBA Cleaning Requirements

As printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) continue to shrink in size while increasing in complexity, electronics manufacturers are facing new challenges in cleaning performance and reliability. Industry experts report that what was once considered a routine production step has become a yield-critical process requiring greater precision and material compatibility than ever before.

Miniaturized assemblies with low standoff heights and tightly packed components make it increasingly difficult to remove flux residues, oils, and particulates. At the same time, modern PCBAs frequently combine multiple materials—including aluminum, stainless steel, brass, high-performance polymers such as Delrin®, PEEK, Ultem®, and PTFE, as well as laminates like G10/FR4, within a single assembly. Each of these materials responds differently to cleaning chemistries, creating new compatibility considerations that can directly impact long-term reliability.

According to MicroCare stronger chemistry is not the answer. “The solution isn’t harsher cleaning fluids,” said Vince Libercci, National Sales Manager. “It’s effective cleaning, matching the right fluid to both the contamination and the substrate to ensure effective removal without damaging sensitive materials.”

This compatibility-driven approach helps electronics manufacturers reduce rework, maintain process control, and protect product reliability as electronics designs evolve.

MicroCare supports advanced PCBA cleaning requirements by combining in-the-field electronics cleaning expertise with its Critical Cleaning Lab services. The integrated approach allows manufacturers to evaluate material compatibility, optimize cleaning processes, and address production challenges before they impact yield.

As electronics continue to miniaturize and incorporate diverse materials, precision-compatible cleaning strategies are expected to play an increasingly important role in ensuring reliable manufacturing performance.

For more information or to speak with an Electronics Cleaning Specialist, Click Here