Austin American Technology brings revolutionary Crossfire Ultrasonics Technology to Mega Cleaning Systems

Citation

(1999), "Austin American Technology brings revolutionary Crossfire Ultrasonics Technology to Mega Cleaning Systems", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771bad.005

Austin American Technology brings revolutionary Crossfire Ultrasonics Technology to Mega Cleaning Systems

Austin American Technology brings revolutionary Crossfire Ultrasonics Technology to Mega Cleaning Systems

Keywords Austin, Cleaning, Ultrasonic

Austin American Technology has brought a new ultrasonic cleaning technology to its Mega^®II and III cleaners ­ Crossfire^TM Multiple Frequency Ultrasonics (Plate 4). Crossfire^TM technology represents an advance in the science of cleaning with ultrasonics, because it brings together multiple frequencies ­ both high and low ­ operating simultaneously in the same system, for highly efficient cleaning across the full range of cleaning requirements.

Plate 4 The Mega II ultrasonic cleaner

It is reported that both high and low frequency ultrasonics clean differently. High frequency systems have the capability to remove contaminants down to submicronic levels, but lack the power required to remove industrial-level contaminants. Low frequency systems have the power to remove even rust from steel components, but are not suitable for tiny, sensitive electronic circuits. Low frequency cleaning also produces cleaning patterns represented as "bands" of cleaning effectiveness, with gaps between the bands, that can lead to uneven cleaning results.

According to AMT, until Crossfire^TM technology was developed, it was impossible to combine high and low frequencies in a system, owing to vibrational interference between neighbouring transducers that can damage the ultrasonics-producing components. Thanks to a new, proprietary transducer design, Crossfire^TM technology is now said to be possible, reliable and proven. Since multiple frequencies in Crossfire^TM are operating simultaneously, the gaps between active cleaning bands (standing waves) are reportedly completely filled, eliminating the "dead spots" or level sensitivity typically found in every single-frequency system.

Patented Crossfire^TM technology was developed by Zenith Ultrasonics Inc., and has licensed Austin American Technology to use the technology in its Mega^®II and III cleaning systems. Mega^® systems are stated to be high reliability, precision batch cleaners, featuring dual on-board solvent capabilities with a pre-wash, pre-soak cycle. The Mega III is a patented closed loop cleaner with a regenerative rinse cycle that cleans and rinses to a pre-selected cleanliness level. The Mega^® III process utilizes a wide range of cleaning agents including DI water, IPA, organic solvents, and semi-aqueous solutions.

The Mega^® III is said to be ideal for de-fluxing PWBs, precision cleaning for pre-wire bonding applications and pre-conformal coating, as well as tight-tolerance cleaning under flip chip, post ball attachment cleaning BGAs, and precision metal parts cleaning. The dual chemistry feature has extended the Mega III's capabilities to include the removal of silicones, oils, salts, and high temperature non-eutectic baked-on fluxes. The fully automated cleaner comes with precision process control, data logging and optional ultrasonic capabilities for applications in critical parts cleaning.

For more details contact Austin American Technology Corporation. Tel +1 512 335 6400; Fax: +1 512 335 5753.