Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1545206
JUNE 2026 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 49 • Surface preparation to prevent polishing compound build up on PTFE-coated alumi- num chambers • Clean vacuum pumps and implanters in- place and online between wafer fabrication cycles • Remove fouling from semiconductor molds and dies in-place and online without cooldown or disassembly • Product finishing, plastic deflashing, and adhesive removal from semiconductor parts after manufacturing Advantages of Dry Ice Blasting The notable advantages include: • More effective cleaning: Dry ice blasting is aggressive enough to clean hard-to-reach places and flat spaces alike, delivering supe- rior cleaning over manual methods. • Non-abrasive: Dry ice rates a 1.5 out of 10 on the Mohs Hardness scale, meaning that solid CO 2 can clean sensitive electronic compo- nents without damaging them in the process. • Decreased downtime: Soldering and coating equipment can be cleaned in-place while still online and does not require disassembly or cooldown. Additionally, production cleaning of circuit boards and other electronic compo- nents can be sped up significantly. • Increased safety for staff and environment: Dry ice blasting is chemical-free and does not necessitate exposing employees to dan- gerous cleaning chemicals • No secondary waste: Chemical cleaners must be properly disposed of after use; dry ice sublimates upon impact, leaving no resi- due or waste behind after cleaning. • Environmentally friendly: Dry ice blasting uses dry ice pellets created from recycled CO 2 and does not add additional CO 2 to the atmosphere. • Automatable: Dry ice blasting technology can be integrated into partial or fully auto- mated cleaning solutions that can run 24/7 if needed as part of the production process. Success Across Multiple Industries Electronics manufacturing is not the only industry that benefits from the cleaning power of dry ice blasting. This cold cleaning method's advantages make it highly versatile in the cleaning and manu- facturing tasks it can tackle, seeing significant use in the following industries: • Heavy industry: Mining, oil & gas, power, foundry • Manufacturing: Automotive, plastics, rubber, packaging, electronics • Precision/regulated: Medical, aerospace, food • Services/restoration: Contract cleaning, re- mediation SMT007 Jonathan Dean is a web content writer for Cold Jet.