Transforming printed circuit board production with smart water services
Printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturers face the dual challenge of producing high-quality products while managing their environmental footprint in a water-intensive industry. With Xylem’s smart water technology, PCB manufacturers are optimizing their processes and leading the way in sustainability. Learn how three companies are benefiting from wastewater recovery technologies and water services.
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the foundation of nearly every electronic device, providing the intricate networks that connect components. Their production requires a precise process of layering, etching, plating, and soldering, followed by rigorous quality control checks to ensure reliability. These standards are essential for creating the advanced circuitry that powers everything from consumer electronics to aerospace technology.
The critical role of water in PCB manufacturing
Water is indispensable in printed circuit board manufacturing, playing a critical role in rinsing and cleaning to maintain product integrity. High-purity deionized (DI) water ensures no impurities interfere with precision engineering. However, this process generates wastewater containing heavy metals and other contaminants that must be treated before discharge or reuse.
Managing this wastewater presents significant challenges to PCB manufacturers, who must navigate regulatory compliance, minimize environmental impact, and control the costs of water treatment.
Smart wastewater recovery for PCB manufacturing
To boost sustainability and streamline wastewater management, PCB manufacturers are leveraging Xylem’s Water One® WX Services. This service-based approach to wastewater recovery helps ensure consistent water quality.
Manufacturers can lease wastewater ion exchange systems that are fully managed by water treatment experts, keeping water quality on target without the maintenance burden.
How it works: the smart wastewater recovery system integrates ion exchange water treatment with powerful remote monitoring and predictive analytics. It continuously tracks essential data such as water quality, flow rates, and tank exhaustion levels. With machine learning at its core, the system proactively identifies and resolves potential issues before they become problems.
Not only does this service provide reliable water quality, but it also enables manufacturers to recycle rinsewaters that would otherwise be discharged – significantly reducing water consumption and shrinking their environmental footprint.
Three PCB manufacturers optimizing water processes
Printed circuit board manufacturers in the United States are setting new benchmarks in sustainability and efficiency by optimizing their water treatment processes. With Xylem’s Water One WX Services, they are achieving reliable water quality, reducing waste, and enhancing production operations.
1. Optimizing microelectronics manufacturing
Challenge: A Midwest PCB manufacturer specializing in microelectronics production faced disruptions in water quality, which led to rejected parts and operational inefficiencies. Maintaining stringent quality requirements for sensitive microelectronic components made consistent water quality essential.
Solution: Xylem’s Water One WX Services combined ion exchange technology with digital monitoring, empowering the manufacturer to address these issues effectively. The new system optimized the manufacturing process, reduced rejected parts by 1%, and improved throughput, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
2. Overcoming water shortages with recycling
Challenge: A West Coast PCB manufacturer, producing components for a variety of consumer and industrial applications, faced severe water shortages due to regional drought conditions. This shortage threatened production timelines and compliance with environmental regulations.
Solution: Xylem’s Water One WX Services enabled the facility to recycle up to 90% of its rinse water. This turnkey solution ensured the manufacturer could continue operations during the drought while adhering to environmental standards and reducing overall water dependency.
3. Improving water quality for defense and medical PCBs
Challenge: A Southeast manufacturer of PCBs for defense and medical industries experienced inconsistent water quality in its board washing process. High rework costs and quality control issues threatened their ability to meet strict industry standards.
Solution: Xylem’s Water One WX Services replaced the existing DI system with new wastewater ion exchange equipment in just two weeks, offering improved contaminant removal and consistently high water quality. The upgrades reduced rework requirements and costs, allowing the manufacturer to deliver high-quality products for critical applications more efficiently.
Learn more about printed circuit board water solutions
Xylem offers services and equipment to supply high purity deionized water for rinse water and process wash water makeup. Visit the printed circuit board manufacturing water page to learn more about improving efficiency and sustainability in your water treatment.