IBM

Year Submitted: 2003

Process: Circuit Board Soldering

Industry: Electronics Manufacturing

Wastes Reduced: Solder

Equipment: Flux Sprayer

Location: Austin TX

No. of employees: 7000

Contact: Robert Tassan

Phone: (512) 838-6936

Description:

IBM currently uses wave soldering equipment in the manufacture of printed circuit boards. The equipment applies a chemical flux to remove oxidation from printed circuit boards. The flux was applied using an open foam fluxer method of application. The foam fluxers are being replaced with enclosed spray fluxer units.

Environmental Benefits:

The enclosed spray fluxer reduces the flux/isopropyl alcohol waste by 85% or 8,000 pounds per year. The project also cuts flux usage by 50% or 1,500 gallons a year and isopropyl alcohol usage by 80% or 2,400 gallons per year.

Details of Reductions

Additional Information :

This project saves IBM $29,000 a year from reduced purchases of alcohol and flux. In addition, it reduces disposal cost for the waste material by $2,200 a year. The total cost of the project was approximately $275,000.

Source: TCEQ