Outline
This procedure uses a solvent to remove surface coatings. This procedure can be used for spot or overall coating removal of conformal coatings or solder resists.
Approved solvents may be used to remove specific soluble type coatings on a spot basis by brushing or swabbing the local area with the controlled application of solvent until the area is free of the coating material.
If warranted, all the soluble type coating can be removed by immersing and brushing the entire printed board or printed board assembly.
To determine the appropriate coating removal procedure, the coating must first be identified. Refer to procedure number 2.3.1.
Note: Coating removal may require the use of one or more methods.
Caution: Determine, on a module-by-module basis, the hazards to parts, etc., by short-term immersion in the removal solvents. If chloride-based or other harsh solvents are used, extreme care must be exercised to prevent damage to the base material, component parts, plated-through holes, and solder joints. Some solvent coating removal methods can cause expansion or swelling of the base material, which can degrade the printed board or printed board assembly. Under no circumstances should these solvents be used except in a closely controlled process. It is recommended that the printed board or printed board assembly be inspected to ensure that no damage has occurred.
Before using any solvent, refer to Material Safety Data Sheets
Minimum Skill Level - Advanced
Recommended for technicians with soldering and component rework skills and exposure to most repair/rework procedures, but lacking extensive experience.
Conformance Level - High
This procedure most closely duplicates the physical characteristics of the original, and most probably complies with all the functional, environmental and serviceability factors.
Thermal Parting Tool
Thermal removal tool using controlled heat through specially shaped tips.
Images and Figures
Coating Removal Required At Outlined Area
Figure 1: Apply Kapton tape to outline area for coating removal.
Figure 2: Apply solvent with a foam swab to remove coating.
Figure 3: Removal complete.
Procedure - Local Spot Removal
Apply High-Temperature Tape to outline the area where the coating needs to be removed. (See Figure 1)
Dip the end of a foam swab in stripping solution and apply a small amount to the coating to be removed. (See Figure 2)
Note: Since various substances may be used as coatings, the time required for a given coating to dissolve or soften will vary. Reapply solvent several times as most solvents evaporate rapidly.
Rub the treated surface carefully with a brush or wood stick to dislodge the coating. A wedge-shaped applicator tip, knife, or heated blade may be effective in removing some coatings, particularly polyurethanes.
Neutralize or clean the stripped area and dry.
Procedure - Overall Removal
A single step for removal of all the coating may be completed by providing a continuous flow of solvent. Alternately, process the board in a series of tanks containing mild solvent, starting with a high contamination tank and progressing sequentially to a final, fresh solvent tank.
Evaluation
Visual examination or UV light may be used to verify the complete removal of the coating.
