Yes, of course print must be washed
HIN A/S has recently entered into a distribution agreement with Kyzen for the distribution of soap for washing prints, stencils, filters and solder frames.
Washing prints is a big challenge and not always easy, but Kyzen, together with HIN, makes both use and logistics easy and simple.
By Jørn Tønder, Product Manager and Gerda Bigum Dam, Head of Internal Sales HIN A/S
There is a constant debate about PCBs, especially about whether to wash PCBs or not. But the overall answer must be: Yes, of course PCBs should be washed. The resin in the flux can be quite fiendish to get rid of, and if you are not careful, there will be flux residues under the varnish when the assembled PCB has received its final finish, and these flux residues can in some cases potentially be harmful to the function of the PCB and shorten its practical life. So washing and cleanliness also apply in electronics manufacturing.
No electronics manufacturer doubts the wisdom of cleaning stencils, filters and solder frames – regardless of whether they are used in wave soldering or reflow processes. Again, cleanliness is a virtue, and clean environments and workpieces ensure the high quality that is ultimately crucial to the profitability of production and thus the bottom line. Kyzen himself claims that “successful electronics assembly starts with a clean stencil”. Have we said it clearly enough? Wash it all.
Now, chemistry in washing is not exactly a question of water and soap. It is about chemistry, and washing, especially of printed circuit boards, must be done gently enough that neither the board nor the components are damaged in the process, but conversely, there must be enough "bite" in the chemical processes that you can be sure that the resin from the flux has actually been washed off effectively. This may require a visual check, but it is just as much about the trust you have in your supplier of soap for washing both the board and the equipment for paste printing and soldering.
First cleaning and refilling is free.
Kyzen is a name you can easily trust. Globally, the company is the second largest on the market, and you don't achieve that position unless the products are in order. And the service, of course. Kyzen is a Western manufacturer that manufactures its soap for the European market in Belgium. You probably won't get any closer to the EU and the regulatory requirements that follow the chemistry for washing prints and equipment, so Kyzen can vouch for the certifications in every way - even when it comes to the non-fluoride chemistry.
Certifications and chemistry are not the whole story about Kyzen, however. The company is known for providing excellent service and has a number of very skilled technicians in Germany who are ready to go out to customers if any unexpected circumstances arise. It is also reassuring for Nordic electronics manufacturers to know that help is at hand – also in terms of language – if there are any doubts about the use of Kyzen's products.
And then Kyzen has a little ace up its sleeve – or actually a pretty big ace. There is always a certain amount of skepticism when changing suppliers, but Kyzen looks at its customer relationships in a slightly longer perspective. The company offers new customers that they will clean their washing machines and deliver the first fill with Kyzen soap completely free of charge. Of course, this sounds like a loss-making business, but this is where long-term relationships make good sense. Kyzen's assessment is that once you have tried washing your prints with Kyzen's products, you will most likely not change suppliers again.
Distribution agreement with HIN in Scandinavia and Iceland
HIN A/S has recently taken over responsibility for sales and support in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Iceland of Kyzen's products, which will now become an important part of the already impressive product portfolio that has met the needs of the electronics industry for more than 125 years. HIN will be an active partner to strengthen Kyzen's presence in Northern Europe, and through the agreement, HIN's customers will have access to Kyzen's internationally recognized process and analysis facilities in Germany - and the aforementioned service.
CEO and owner of HIN A/S, Lars Fensbo, sees Kyzen as one of the strongest players in the market for cleaning printed circuit boards and electronics - if not the strongest - and the partnership will be a great advantage for HIN's customers. A very important factor in the collaboration is the clear focus from Kyzen on the customers' practical needs and the smooth communication that has emerged in the short term between HIN A/S and Kyzen. This bodes well for the future collaboration, and Lars Fensbo is confident that HIN A/S will be able to provide the company's customers with a competitive product with an exceptional service from Kyzen's organization and experts.
All successful assembly processes start with a clean stencil. Kyzen is the world's second largest supplier of cleaning agents for prints, frames, stencils and filters. They are not without reason, and HIN A/S is pleased to be able to distribute Kyzen's products in Scandinavia and Iceland. 
For washing of assembled series, a batch washer can be a good idea. Kyzen offers cleaning and refilling – free of charge for the first time – in customers' existing equipment.
