PS3 PS3 Frankenstein Ultrasonic Cleaning - Displacement Method - Controlled Dry

[iKon]

In this video I show the full ultrasonic cleaning process we use on a PS3 motherboard after major hardware rework.This board had already gone through serious work, including RSX service, NEC/TOKIN capacitor replacement, voltage configuration, and general board prep. After that much time and precision work, ultrasonic cleaning is not something we rush. The cleaning itself is important, but the drying process afterward is just as important, if not more important.One thing I have noticed is that standing a PS3 board straight up lengthwise in an ultrasonic tank does not seem to clean as aggressively or evenly as placing the board face down toward the ultrasonic transducers. In my opinion, if you want the best cleaning action, the dirty/reworked side of the board needs to face the energy source. That said, you have to be very careful with board support. You do not want the board sitting directly on the bottom of the tank, vibrating against metal, flexing, or rubbing components loose.For this reason, I use what I call the iKon Post Method. The board is supported safely so the ultrasonic energy can reach the board properly while keeping the motherboard suspended and protected. Proper support matters, especially on a large PS3 motherboard with BGA chips, tiny SMD components, connectors, and heavy copper areas.My usual ultrasonic process:

• Sweeping frequency ultrasonic cleaning
• Around 60°C cleaning temperature
• Approximately 30 minutes cleaning time
• DI water rinse/flush
• 99% IPA flush to displace water
• Compressed air blowout from both sides of the board
• Let the board stand on edge so trapped liquid can drain out
• Second IPA flush
• Second compressed air blowout
• Mount the board on a rework jig
• Controlled drying/bake at around 80°C for 24 to 48 hours before power is applied

The drying step is not optional. Even when the board looks dry on the outside, moisture can remain trapped under BGA chips, ports, connectors, inductors, shields, and other tight areas. Powering a board too soon after ultrasonic cleaning can destroy the board or undo hours of rework.This is why ultrasonic cleaning can add a few days to a repair. It is not just "throw it in the tank and power it up." Done correctly, it is a controlled cleaning, rinsing, displacement, blowout, draining, and drying process.This board will not be powered until I am confident it is fully dry.