Tag Archives: polyester wipes

Polyester wipes are high-performance cleaning cloths made from 100% polyester fibers. They offer excellent durability, low lint generation, and high absorbency, making them ideal for use in cleanrooms, electronics manufacturing, laboratories, and pharmaceutical environments. These wipes resist chemicals and solvents, effectively removing oils, dust, and contaminants without leaving residues. Polyester wipes are soft yet strong, suitable for wiping delicate surfaces, optical lenses, and precision instruments. Their consistent quality and cleanroom compatibility help maintain contamination control and ensure product integrity.

PCB Cleanroom Wipes: Selection & Use Guide

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In the precision-demanding fields of PCB manufacturing and electronics, the choice of cleanroom wipes directly influences product quality and production environment cleanliness. This guide provides an in-depth overview of how to select and properly use cleanroom wipes specifically for PCB circuit board cleaning, covering material selection, edge finishing, size, cleanliness level, and practical usage tips.

1. Cleanroom Wipe Selection Guide

Material Selection:

  • Polyester Fiber: Most standard cleanroom wipes use 100% polyester double-knit fabric. This material offers a soft surface with low fiber shedding due to friction, suitable for general PCB cleaning tasks.

  • Ultrafine Fiber: Made from 80% polyester and 20% nylon blend, ultrafine wipes provide superior liquid absorption and are ideal for precision cleaning tasks such as chips and microprocessors, effectively removing fine particles.

Edge Finishing:

  • Laser Edge Sealing: Uses high-temperature fusion to melt fibers, reducing lint generation. Edges are relatively rigid but ensure high cleanliness, fitting most PCB cleaning scenarios.

  • Ultrasonic Edge Sealing: Offers softer edges, better for highly sensitive surfaces like optical components, though at a higher cost.

  • Avoid Raw Cut Edges: Unsealed wipes tend to shed lint, posing risk of secondary contamination.

Basis Weight and Size:

  • Basis Weight: Polyester wipes with ≥120g/m² balance absorption and durability. Ultrafine wipes with ≥120g/m² are also recommended for enhanced performance.

  • Size: Common sizes include 4″×4″, 6″×6″, and 9″×9″. Larger wipes (9″) suit broad surface cleaning, while smaller sizes are better for delicate or confined areas. The 9″ size is widely used.

Cleanliness Grade:

  • Choose wipes based on the production environment’s cleanroom class. For example, Class 100 cleanrooms require Class 100 cleanroom wipes.

Additional Features:

  • Anti-Static: Wipes with anti-static properties (often achieved via conductive fibers) prevent static buildup and dust attraction, safeguarding PCB performance. For less stringent needs, solvent-wetting can reduce static.

  • Pre-Wetted Options: Some wipes come pre-impregnated with alcohol (e.g., IPA), reducing on-site spraying. More common internationally than domestically.

2. Proper Usage of Cleanroom Wipes

Pre-Wetting:

  • Use high-purity solvents such as ≥99% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or ethanol.

  • Ensure uniform wetting via controlled soaking devices to avoid overly wet or dry spots.

Unpacking Procedures:

  • Perform unpacking in Class 1000 or higher cleanroom environments, wearing cleanroom garments, gloves, and masks.

  • Wipe the outer packaging opening with a cleanroom wipe moistened with solvent to prevent external contamination.

Wiping Techniques:

  • Fold wipes to enclose edges internally, preventing lint from edges contacting PCB surfaces—especially important for ultrasonic sealed wipes which can be abrasive.

  • Use unidirectional wiping with light, consistent pressure to avoid redeposition of particles or surface scratching.

  • Adjust wiping force according to PCB surface sensitivity, with extra care on pads or sensitive areas.

Solvent Use:

  • Apply enough solvent to moisten the wipe without dripping to avoid residue from evaporation.

  • Test new solvents on small PCB areas first to confirm compatibility and avoid corrosion.

Storage and Reuse:

  • Seal unused wipes immediately to prevent dust absorption.

  • High-end wipes may be reused after cleaning with ultrapure water (18 MΩ·cm) and drying in a cleanroom; ordinary wipes are generally single-use.

3. Important Precautions

  • Wear anti-static wristbands and ensure grounded workstations to prevent ESD damage to components.

  • Avoid wiping multiple areas with the same wipe to reduce cross-contamination risks.

  • Regularly monitor cleanroom temperature and humidity.

4. Recommended Brands and Models

  • Brands: Preferably YUSTER (domestic) or TEXWIPE (international).

  • Models:

    • K122 Series: 120g basis weight, laser or ultrasonic sealed edges, suitable for PCB boards and applications involving liquids. Available in four sizes.

    • K610 Series: 180g basis weight ultrafine fiber with laser or ultrasonic sealing, excellent absorption for high-precision cleaning.

Summary

For budget-conscious scenarios, 120g laser-cut polyester wipes provide reliable cleaning. For higher requirements and budgets, 180g laser-cut ultrafine fiber wipes offer enhanced absorption and gentler cleaning for delicate PCB surfaces.

microfiber dust-free cloths

Dust-free wipes

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Dust-free wipes are an indispensable cleaning tool in modern life, especially in the cleaning of electronic devices, glasses, glass and other occasions that require dust-free and fiber-free residue. However, it is crucial to use dust-free wipes correctly and follow a few key precautions to ensure efficient cleaning while avoiding potential problems. This article will introduce the proper use of dust-free wipes and key precautions.

Classification of dust-free cloths:
Polyester Fiber Dust-Free Cloth: This dust-free cloth is usually made of polyester fiber, which has a soft surface and good water absorption, and is suitable for wiping sensitive surfaces such as electronic devices, optical lenses, etc. It can be customized with different edge banding methods.
Microfiber Dust-Free Cloth: This dust-free cloth is usually made using microfiber materials and has a very fine fiber structure, so it is better able to capture dust and stains. It is also very soft and suitable for demanding cleaning tasks.
Non-woven fabrics: Non-woven fabrics are usually made from fibers such as polypropylene, polyester, etc., and unlike traditional fabrics, they usually do not need to be woven, but are made by thermal or chemical bonding. Nonwovens are typically thicker and are suitable for disposable or low-cost cleaning tasks, but may not be as suitable for demanding tasks as microfiber dust-free cloths.
Proper use:
Prepare the work area: Before you start cleaning, make sure the work area that is cleaned and wiped is clean. This helps to reduce dust and impurities that adhere to the cloth.
Choose the right wipe: Depending on the nature of the task and the requirements of the surface, choose the right dust-free wipe. Different surfaces may require different types of wipes, so make sure you choose the right product.
Clean the surface: Clean the surface with an appropriate detergent or method to remove dirt and grease before using a dust-free wipe. This step ensures that the cloth not only removes dust, but also effectively removes other dirt.
Gentle wipe: Use gentle gestures to wipe the surface, making sure you don’t use too much force. You can use a one-way wipe or a spiral wipe, but avoid wiping too hard to avoid scratching the surface.
Avoid multiple uses: Dust-free wipes are often single-use, as they may accumulate dust and dirt after use, and re-use may reverse-contaminate the surface.
Key Considerations:
Avoid wet cleaning: Dust-free wipes are generally not suitable for wet cleaning. If wet cleaning is required, use appropriate wipes or purified water.
Anti-static properties: Dust-free wipes generally have anti-static properties, but some cleaners may weaken this property. Make sure the detergent doesn’t destroy the anti-static properties of the dust-free wipe.
Avoid harmful chemicals: Avoid using bleach, alcohol, or other harmful chemicals with dust-free wipes to prevent damage to surfaces or fabrics.
Caution in storage: Dust-free wipes should be stored in a dry, clean place to prevent contamination. Airtight packaging can help maintain the quality of the fabric.
Manufacturer’s Advice: Different brands of dust-free wipes may have different instructions for use, it is recommended to read and follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.