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TECHNICAL DATA & INFORMATION
- DISCLAIMER NOTICE -
All statements, technical data, and recommendations expressed herein are based on tests believed to be reliable and accurate. However, APTEK LABORATORIES, INC. gives no warranty,
expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy of this information. It is intended that the buyer and user of these products shall determine the suitability of the information provided for his
specific application, and is responsible for its selection.
APTEK LABORATORIES, INC. shall not be liable for any injury, loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use or misuse of these products, or of the information given in
these data bulletins. Purchasers assume all risk and liability whatsoever in connection with the use of these products and this information.
APTEK
®
2503 STRIPPER
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
APTEK 2503 STRIPPER is a solvent blend designed to remove cured
APTEK 2503-A/B urethane conformal coating
from printed circuit boards at room temperature. This stripper is quite selective to the urethane coating and will have
little effect on most PC board laminates, epoxy components, PVC wire coating, most common PCB metals, silicones,
etc.
TYPICAL PROPERTIES
(Not for specification purposes)
Color
Blue
Viscosity,
@25
°C (77°F), cps
12
Specific
Gravity
1.00
Boiling Point
71
°C (160°F)
Flash Point
13
°C (55°F)
Shelf
life,
unopened
container,
months
6
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE:
Removal times are for
APTEK 2503-A/B coating cured at 80-100
°C at an average thickness of 3-4 mils. Coating
cured at higher temperatures, and/or thicknesses greater than 4 mils may require longer times.
Localized removal: Prepare PC board by masking off area to remain intact. If possible dam up repair area beyond
component level to prevent
APTEK_2503_STRIPPER'>APTEK 2503 STRIPPER from spreading to unwanted areas.
Using an acid brush, apply generous amounts of APTEK 2503 STRIPPER over components in the repair area. Do
not allow to dry off,
cover area if possible; keep applying stripper until coating starts to swell and flake off
(approximately 15-30 minutes). While keeping repair area saturated, periodically brush away loosened coating. If
necessary, a blunt tool may be used to remove thick sections of coating. After 15-30 minutes exposure to stripper,
drain board and allow to dry. Scrape away any loose coating close to or under components. If further cleaning is
necessary, apply fresh stripper and repeat process for additional 15 minutes.
Follow same procedure for underside of board. Remove masking/ damming materials and replace defective parts.
When removing part, remove flux and wash area with de-ionized water. Dry with isopropyl alcohol, and dry board 2
hours @ 80
°C (176°F). Apply fresh APTEK 2503-A/B coating and follow recommended cure schedules.
For convenience on very small repair jobs (i.e. a single component removal), APTEK 2503 STRIPPER GEL is
available to prevent contamination of surrounding areas.
Total coating removal: Place board into a container of APTEK 2503 STRIPPER. Agitation will increase stripper
efficiency. For safety reasons, use
APTEK 2503 STRIPPER at room temperatures; although heating to 50
°C in a
2
laboratory hood environment will reduce time to remove coating. Leave board in APTEK 2503 STRIPPER batch for
45-60 minutes. The coating will swell and start to fall off the board. Brush board with stiff
brush periodically while in
bath. Remove and inspect board and brush or scrape away any remaining coating. For excessively thick area, an
additional soak/brushing in fresh APTEK 2503 STRIPPER may be necessary. When coating is removed, replace
defective components. Clean board with de-ionized water and isopropyl alcohol washes. Dry board for 2 hours @
80
°C (176°F). Remove as much remaining coating as possible, although any unremoved coating will not adversely
affect board performance. New
APTEK 2503-A/B coating will encapsulate the old coating
to seal and protect the
board and components. Follow directions for applying and curing APTEK 2503-A/B.
ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY INFORMATION
When used properly, these materials are safe to handle and pose no environmental hazard. Spills should be
contained with absorbent material and transferred to a closed container for disposal in an approved landfill.
Unreacted components should be handled carefully. Observe all precautionary statements that appear on the
product label and MSDS. Users should investigate local solid waste regulations before disposal. Incineration of
starting materials or products is an acceptable practice.
Format revised 6/16/98
APTEK
®
is a registered trademark of Aptek Laboratories, Inc.