Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1527952
74 PCB007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2024 As a supplier of PCB wet processing equip- ment, we inevitably find ourselves involved in helping customers solve sudden process prob- lems that may or may not be caused by equip- ment malfunctions. For the most part, equip- ment problems are relatively easy to identify and repair: sensors for chemistry and equip- ment control, clogged nozzles and filters, leaks in the plumbing, etc. But what happens when the equipment checks out and the problem is still there? is is where a bit of panic sets in: Produc- tion is backing up, deadlines for shipping are rapidly approaching, and there is no product to ship. Everyone has a pet theory as to the cause of the problem and fingers get pointed. e first step is not to panic. Sit down and think things through. In the long run, this will save time and effort. Consider what has changed recently that might cause the prob- lem. Can the cause of the problem be iso- lated? Don't assume you know the problem, so look at alternative scenarios that might be the cause. Here are some examples from my some- what checkered career. An Airflow Issue A good example of "What has changed recently?" occurred just a few months ago. A customer had a small alkaline etcher in a sep- arate room where they were having chemistry control problems due to low use. We made a site visit and showed them how to control the etchant despite low use. On the second day of the visit, we began to successfully run their product backlog. Troubleshooting PCB Process Problems The Chemical Connection by Don Ball, CHEMCUT