Why is solder mask / resist / overcoat green?
Printed circuit boards (PCB) come in a variety of colors, including green, blue, red, brown, and even purple. The most common is green, but that can vary by application, industry, and the age of the PCB. Fashions change over time, and so do...
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Essential Guide to Sterile Sampling Swabs
Note: This paper is intended as an overview on the topic of sampling swabs and not as an authoritative how-to guide. Consult CDC and other similar sources for specific guidelines. Per CDC guidelines, “All testing for SARS-CoV-2 should...
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Case Study: Electro-Wash CZ Recovers Expensive Medical Equipment
We received a call from a very satisfied customer who had used Electro-Wash CZ High Precision Cleaner (part #ES7100) to perform a quick repair of medical equipment. This repair resulted in a cost savings of more than $6000 over buying new replacement...
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Are Tri-V cleaners good replacements for n-propyl bromide (nPB)?
Yes, Tri-V high performance solvent cleaners are nonflammable, powerful cleaners like nPB, safer than nPB, and are also economically priced.
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How do I figure out the shelf life of a product?
The shelf life of a product can be found on either the technical data sheet (TDS), available on the product page, or by looking on the certificate on conformance (COC). The COC can be downloaded by going to https://www.chemtronics.com/coc. Once...
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n-Propyl Bromide (nPB) Determined Unacceptable Risk by EPA for Vapor Degreasing & Aerosols
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that n-propyl bromide (aka. nPB, 1-Bromopropane, 1-BP, CAS 106-94-5) “presents an unreasonable risk for 16 conditions of use” in an August, 2020 report. “Nontechnical...
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How do you prevent the valve from clogging up when using aerosol conformal coating?
I suggest you get into the habit of clearing the valve after every use. You turn the can upside-down and spray until it only sprays propellant. If you don’t do that, you run the risk of dried coating building up in the valve or actuator...
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How to Avoid Products with Methanol Contamination
Note: Chemtronics does not manufacture or sell hand sanitizer, but offers alcohol-based products that are commonly used for surface cleaning. The FDA has issued a warning about methanol contamination in over 75 different hand sanitizers on...
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What is desoldering wick made of?
Desoldering braid (wick) is made of fine strands of ultra-pure copper woven and coated with flux. Its geometrically precise weave design allows for maximum capillary action and solder capacity. Soder-wick optimizes heat transfer through the...
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How do you use a desoldering wick?
Place the braid over unwanted solder, preferably on the greatest solder build up so that it maximizes the contact of the braid to the surface area of the solder. Next, place your iron tip over the wick at 45 degrees and allow heat to transfer...
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New Products
FOCCUS CCT Clear Connection Tool
Easy to use tool for fast and effective end-face cleaning of fiber connectors
Electro-Wash QD Degreaser
Fast drying, nonflammable electronics cleaner degreaser