The Cleaning Problem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The microscope images taken before cleaning show reflective deposits covering part of each nozzle\u2019s internal opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although the precise composition of the contamination cannot be confirmed from photographs alone, the deposits were severe enough to reduce the available airflow path. In production, this type of restriction can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Reduced vacuum pickup performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Repeated component pickup attempts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Components dropping during high-speed movement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Intermittent placement alarms<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Unnecessary nozzle replacement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Incorrect diagnosis of a placement-head or vacuum-system fault<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Fine nozzle openings are difficult to clean manually. Inserting needles, drill bits or metal wires may scratch the internal surface, enlarge the opening or deform the nozzle tip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sample 1: Heavy Deposit on One Side of the Nozzle Bore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before cleaning:<\/strong>
A large crescent-shaped deposit covered a substantial part of the internal passage. Only part of the suction opening remained unobstructed.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAfter cleaning:<\/strong>
The visible deposit was removed, leaving a clear and continuous internal opening. No manual tool was inserted into the bore during the cleaning process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Blocked-SMT-nozzle-bore-before-and-after-automatic-cleaning\"](\"https:\/\/dez-smt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Blocked-SMT-nozzle-bore-before-and-after-automatic-cleaning-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSample 2: Partial Internal Passage Blockage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The second nozzle showed a smaller but still significant deposit attached to one side of the bore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before cleaning, the obstruction reduced the effective opening and could have restricted airflow through the nozzle. After cleaning, the internal passage appeared open under microscope inspection, with no comparable deposit remaining in the photographed area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This example is important because a partially blocked nozzle may still pick up some components. However, the available vacuum may be less stable during rapid acceleration and placement-head movement, resulting in intermittent rather than continuous faults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Partial-nozzle-blockage-removed-during-the-C700-sample-cleaning-test\"](\"https:\/\/dez-smt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Partial-nozzle-blockage-removed-during-the-C700-sample-cleaning-test-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSample 3: Dense Contamination Inside the Opening<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The third sample contained a dense group of reflective particles covering the lower portion of the nozzle opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After automatic cleaning, the photographed passage was visibly clear. The comparison demonstrates why external inspection alone is insufficient: contamination can accumulate inside the suction path even when the nozzle body does not appear heavily contaminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Contaminated-pick-and-place-nozzle-bore-before-and-after-DEZ-C700-cleaning\"](\"https:\/\/dez-smt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Contaminated-pick-and-place-nozzle-bore-before-and-after-DEZ-C700-cleaning-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCleaning Equipment Used<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Nozzle](\"https:\/\/dez-smt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Nozzle-Cleaning-Machine-DEZ-C700-Interior-View-for-SMT.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n