Altenative to isopropyl alcohol

[plazma]

Depends on the soldermask.  Acetone has virtually no effect on fully cured epoxies.   However it is likely to remove inked component markings and attacks some plastics used for component bodies so its still risky.

Acetone does dissolve some epoxies. One way to fix epoxy potted electronics is to dissolve the potting agent with acetone (like C64 power supplies)

[T3sl4co1l]

I wouldn't say dissolve, swell maybe.  Epoxy is a cross-linked gel, it cannot be dissolved.  Unless what you've got there ain't epoxy!

Tim

[IanB]

Acetone does however dissolve or loosen cyanoacrylate adhesives (superglue). This has been a lifesaver for me when the glue has gone where it shouldn't, or has stuck my fingers together.

[T3sl4co1l]

FYI, if you do want to seriously swell and soften (and make easier to excavate, but still not dissolve) epoxy, or silicone, other difficult substances like that: methylene chloride (good old fashioned toxic paint stripper!) is the go-to.  Use carefully on PCB, because it'll destroy the laminate, too!

Tim

[M4trix]

methylene chloride

It may be carcinogenic, as it has been linked to cancer of the lungs, liver, and pancreas in laboratory animals.[22] Other animal studies showed breast cancer and salivary gland cancer. Research is not yet clear as to what levels may be carcinogenic

 

[T3sl4co1l]

methylene chloride

It may be carcinogenic, as it has been linked to cancer of the lungs, liver, and pancreas in laboratory animals.[22] Other animal studies showed breast cancer and salivary gland cancer. Research is not yet clear as to what levels may be carcinogenic

http://gif-finder.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/George-Costanza-Im-out.gif

 

Not quite as lively as carbon tet, but surely best used sparingly.

Tim

[nanofrog]

MEK is nice to have on hand as well IME, assuming it's available in your location.

[Cerebus]

I'm getting a sense of deja vu. Haven't all these solvents already had a mention in this thread? Or was it another similar thread? 'The solvent thread' seems to be a recurrent one, so it's difficult to tell.

Perhaps it's time for 'common electronics solvents' thread designed, from the start, to turn into a sticky thread and somewhat carefully curated to try and avoid some of the chemistry/toxicity gaffes that seem to plague this recurrent subject?