FAQ
TL;DR: For phone boards, a 2.5 L tank (245×145×70 mm) like the CD‑4820 works well; “heating intensifies cavitation.” [Elektroda, Godziks, post #16658205]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps repair techs choose a cleaner, liquids, and settings to safely wash phone and laptop motherboards.
Quick Facts
- Value pick: CD‑4820 ultrasonic cleaner—2.5 L tank, heater, fits typical phone PCBs. [Elektroda, Godziks, post #16658205]
- Use isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for electronics; keep it in the tub, covered; replace only when dirty. [Elektroda, Godziks, post #16658292]
- K3/DEMA are water‑dilutable concentrates; better for general/mechanical parts; K3 adds corrosion inhibitor. [Elektroda, Godziks, post #16658292]
- Laptop boards demand larger tanks; select by tank size; sub‑PLN 1000 setups are inadequate. [Elektroda, Jawi_P, post #16658358]
- Known weak point: CD‑4820 basket ears/hinges can crack under use. [Elektroda, wentyl215, post #16713860]
What’s the best ultrasonic cleaner for phone motherboards right now?
A proven budget‑friendly choice is the CD‑4820. It offers a 2.5 L tank, heater, and enough space for phone PCBs. Users report solid results washing electronics with IPA. Heating the bath improves cleaning by intensifying cavitation. It balances price, power, and capacity for small boards. [Elektroda, Godziks, post #16658205]
Will a 2.5 L tank actually fit phone logic boards?
Yes. The CD‑4820 tank measures 245×145×70 mm. That footprint accommodates typical phone motherboards without diagonally forcing the board. Technicians report it “will definitely wash all your phone’s motherboards.” Use the basket to avoid parts contacting the tank. [Elektroda, Godziks, post #16658205]
What should I buy for laptop motherboards—what size and budget?
Choose strictly by tank size for laptops. Larger boards need bigger, deeper tanks, which raises price. Expect to exceed entry budgets; sub‑PLN 1000 solutions are not sufficient for full laptop boards. Measure the board and compare against tank dimensions before purchase. [Elektroda, Jawi_P, post #16658358]
Which liquid is safest: IPA, K3, or DEMA?
Use isopropyl alcohol (and derivatives like Cleanser Druk) for electronics. These dissolve rosin flux and typical post‑solder residues. K3 and DEMA are water‑mix concentrates aimed at general or mechanical parts; K3 includes a corrosion inhibitor. For PCBs, IPA remains the default. [Elektroda, Godziks, post #16658292]
Do I replace the IPA after every board?
No. Keep IPA in the tub and cover it to limit evaporation, especially when heating. Replace only when the fluid looks dirty or cleaning results drop. This practice cuts waste and keeps throughput high during service days. “Cover the tub with a cover from the set.” [Elektroda, Godziks, post #16658292]
Does heating the bath really improve cleaning?
Yes. Heating strengthens cavitation, which boosts particle removal from tight gaps. As an expert put it, “An increase in temperature causes the phenomenon to intensify,” translating to better wash efficiency. Monitor flammability guidance when heating IPA and keep ventilation adequate. [Elektroda, Godziks, post #16658205]
How do I wash a flooded phone board safely?
Technicians in GSM service wash flooded boards with IPA in an ultrasonic bath. After the cycle, allow thorough drying before power‑up. Use the basket to protect components and avoid prolonged dwell times. Verify connectors and shields are dry before reassembly. [Elektroda, Godziks, post #16658292]
What if my ultrasonic cleaner arrives dead on arrival (DOA)?
It happens. One user’s unit only blinked once and failed, but the seller replaced it and confirmed operation before return shipment. Always test on arrival and keep paperwork for fast exchanges. This edge case underlines why vendor support matters. [Elektroda, wentyl215, post #16675353]
Are there durability issues with the CD‑4820?
Watch the basket ears and hinges. A user reported cracked ears under normal use. Avoid overloading heavy parts and handle the basket gently. If the basket weakens, replace it early to prevent debris or part contact with the tank. [Elektroda, wentyl215, post #16713860]
Do I need to worry about warranty seals or documentation?
One replacement unit arrived without a warranty seal, though the first had one. Keep invoices and correspondence, and verify the seller’s warranty process. Test performance within the return window to catch faults early. [Elektroda, wentyl215, post #16675353]
How much IPA will I need to fill a typical small tank?
A 2.5 L tank like the CD‑4820 needs roughly 2.5 liters to reach the working level. Do not drain it after each board; cover it between sessions and refresh when dirty. This keeps costs predictable across multiple jobs. [Elektroda, Godziks, post #16658205]
What is cavitation in ultrasonic cleaning?
Cavitation is the rapid formation and collapse of microscopic bubbles from ultrasonic waves. The collapses dislodge soils from surfaces and gaps. Heating the bath intensifies cavitation and improves cleaning efficiency on dense PCB assemblies. [Elektroda, Godziks, post #16658205]
Can I use water‑based concentrates on electronics if I lack IPA?
They are general‑purpose and specified for some electronics, but the forum experience favors IPA for PCB flux and contamination. If you use K3/DEMA, dilute with distilled water and dry thoroughly to avoid residues or corrosion. [Elektroda, Godziks, post #16658292]
What’s a simple, safe workflow to clean a phone PCB?
Try this: 1. Fill tank with IPA, place PCB in basket. 2. Run a short heated cycle; watch for loosened debris. 3. Remove, air‑dry fully before testing. “Friends from GSM services clean phones with this liquid mainly after flooding.” [Elektroda, Godziks, post #16658292]
