Precision Cleaning of Disk Drive Components

The challenge for many companies that manufacture read-write devices for computers is to eliminate the use of ozone-depleting chemicals but still obtain comparable cleanliness levels of their disk drive components. A high degree of cleanliness is critical to long-term performance and reliability of disk drive components. The demand for high storage capacity in a reduced-size disk drive makes the cleaning process increasingly important. A typical manufacturing process involves machining to close tolerances on flatness and contours that are critical to read-write computer functions. Cleaning is essential to remove machining compounds, particulate, atmospheric and handling soils from metal and composite materials. Precision cleaning typically is performed in Class 100 or better clean rooms to maintain cleanliness integrity. After cleaning, assembly and encapsulation of the drives is completed and the drive is setup into computers. Branson has developed a method for precision cleaning of disk drive components using aqueous chemistry, which successfully replaces solvent-based cleaning processes. Ultrasonics, which produces the microscopic gentle scrubbing action of cavitation in the cleaning solution, is recommended for effective and efficient cleaning.