Altus Equips SSTL with Advanced Cleaning Technology for Electronics

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Altus Group, a leading supplier of capital equipment for the electronics manufacturing industry, has announced the successful installation of an advanced PCBA cleaning system at Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL). The Kolb PSE LH5 will optimise SSTL's critical cleaning processes for their sophisticated electronics applications.

SSTL is renowned for delivering complete mission solutions and is at the forefront of space innovation. Their customised systems for earth observation, science, communications, navigation, in-orbit debris removal and servicing, requires electronics of the highest quality and reliability. As a result, SSTL's production processes must meet exceedingly stringent standards, which includes their electronics cleaning processes.

Altus has a long-standing partnership with SSTL, having previously supplied them with cleaning equipment. As SSTL sought to modernise and optimise its PCBA cleaning process for its critical space and satellite applications, they selected Kolb's industry-leading PSE LH5 system as the ideal solution.

Joe Booth, CEO of Altus Group said: "We have seen a number of Kolb cleaning projects come through in 2023 and even the start of 2024, but being able to secure a partnership with a world-class company like SSTL is particularly significant. SSTL is truly a jewel of UK electronics manufacturing. The nature of their products demands production quality at the highest possible level, so being selected by them to enhance their production process shows the confidence and technical value they place in Kolb's cleaning solutions and in Altus as a trusted supplier."

The Kolb PSE LH5 boasts unique features and advanced engineering, setting it apart as a top-tier solution for precision cleaning in electronics manufacturing. Manufactured entirely in Germany, Kolb's expertise spans chemistry and cleaning systems, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the cleaning process. The PSE LH5 offers a highly capable cleaning process tailored for products with smaller board sizes, making it an ideal choice for SSTL's exacting requirements.

Adam Chudziak from SSTL said: "The quality and reliability of our satellite electronics are absolutely critical to mission success. After a comprehensive evaluation, the Kolb PSE LH5 system supplied by Altus Group was the clear choice to modernise our PCBA cleaning capabilities. We have full confidence it will enable us to uphold and enhance our meticulous cleaning processes moving forward."

This fully automatic economy batch cleaner is designed to deliver exceptional cleaning performance for assembled PCBs. With a high-capacity cleaning cycle, the PSE LH5 thoroughly removes misprints from reflow flux residues, resin, copper, oxide, and soldering support substances. Its innovative features, including a two-tank system with triple-circuit function, automatic monitoring of ionic residues, and high-resolution display for software control, guarantee efficient and reliable cleaning processes.