Ironwood Electronics SBT User Manual - Manual (Page 10)

9 | P a g e S B T
. d o c , R e v . C , 6 / 2 8 / 2 0 1 2 , V P
Tel: (800) 404-0204
www.ironwoodelectronics.com
Socket Maintenance
Setting up a Preventative Maintenance Program is important in maintaining both Socket and Test Probe life
expectancy as well as good electrical continuity which will help minimize false rejects and low test yields.
Generally, light cleaning is recommended for a preventative maintenance program of the test socket assembly.
The most effective way to determine a schedule is by tracking test yields. The maintenance schedule should be
based on when yields begin to fall below the performance of a new test socket. Some customers perform light
cleanings on a per day basis or at 10,000 or 20,000 cycle intervals. The schedule depends on amount of debris
or contamination that the socket and test probes are subject to.
The following items should be included in a typical maintenance program.

Regular visual inspection to identify abnormal wear and contaminants on the socket or test probes.

Examine the composition of any debris present and determine its source. Try to minimize the source of
debris if possible.
 Verify that the socket is properly mounted to the load board and that it’s flush to the top surface of the
load board.

Do not use any lubricants for test probe cleaning.
Dry Cleaning Procedure
Required equipment needed:

Soft to medium bristle nylon brush

Set of screwdrivers

Set of Hex / Allen wrenches

Small electronics industrial vacuum

Non-powdered latex or rubber gloves or finger cots
Cleaning Procedure

Remove the socket from the load board and brush any debris from the solder pads of the load board
while vacuuming.

If the socket is equipped with a manual lid remove or open it to gain access to the test probe tips.

Hold the test socket in the vertical position, brush and vacuum at the same time to avoid any
contaminants going inside the socket or working their way into the test probe assembly.

Rotate the socket 90 degrees and repeat the previous step.

Brush and vacuum the socket including the floating guide if equipped.

Re-assemble the socket onto the load board when cleaning is complete.

If your test socket is to be put in storage it is recommended that the light cleaning procedure be
performed before storage so that any harmful contaminants left on the test probes do not harden and
become difficult to remove. For example solder buildup will oxidize over time and will permanently
damage probe tips.

Always store the socket assembly in a dust free fully enclosed package.
What to avoid when cleaning?

Use of compressed air >30psi is strongly discouraged. Compressed Air will drive contaminants into the
internal working parts of the socket.

Do not apply solder or heat to the test probes.