Contact Cleaners and Enhancers

Physical and chemical changes in the surface condition of electronic connectors are primary causes of degraded performance of components and equipment.When contact surfaces are exposed to dust, smoke, soot, and other solids suspended in the atmosphere, non-metallic films can form, inhibiting conductivity. Oxidation is the most common reaction that causes metal oxide formation. Salt laden air in coastal areas corrodes metals, forming chloride films.

While household users of electronic equipment may be able to cope with such problems for short periods of time, one can realize the critical nature of even minor trouble in industrial, high tech or aerospace applications. Some film deposits are effectively removed with "wash-type" cleaners such as DustALL, CaiKleenTM, Tuner Cleaners, CAEON 27, CAEON 28 or alcohol. Oxides and sulfides, however, become an integral part of the contact surface and cannot be removed by ordinary contact cleaners. The most effective method of removing these films is chemical action.

While household users of electronic equipment may be able to cope with such problems for short periods of time, one can realize the critical nature of even minor trouble in industrial, high tech or aerospace applications. Some film deposits are effectively removed with "wash-type" cleaners such as DustALL, CaiKleenTM, Tuner Cleaners, CAEON 27, CAEON 28 or alcohol. Oxides and sulfides, however, become an integral part of the contact surface and cannot be removed by ordinary contact cleaners. The most effective method of removing these films is chemical action.

DeoxIT D-Series dissolves oxides and sulfides that form on metal contact surfaces, removing these sources of resistance. This restores the contact's integrity and leaves a thin (organic) layer that coats and protects the metals. Special additives prevent the dissolved oxides from reattaching, keeping them in suspension and allowing them to be easily dispersed by the mechanical action of the contact.DeoxIT's unique properties allow it to work on stationary and moving contacts and connectors with similar or dissimilar metals. Even when a treated connector mates with an untreated one, DeoxIT will migrate and coat the other. When connectors are separated, DeoxIT will re-coat the exposed metal surfaces.

Technical Datasheets on CAIG.com

Fader Care for Rane mixers and slide pots (External link to rane.com)

Another contact cleaning product, especially to clean fine pitch contacts or semiconductor test sockets, is the Nanotek Brush from our japanese partner KITA. The Nanotek Brushes, with their up to 12000 finest bristles made of stainless steel or brass, remove dust or solder residues effectively without harming or damaging the contact's gold or nickel layers.