Stoke Depot Opening Times: 07.30am – 5.00pm Mon to Fri | Shrewsbury Depot Opening Times: 08.00am – 5.00pm Mon to Fri
Stoke Depot Opening Times: 07.30am – 5.00pm Mon to Fri | Shrewsbury Depot Opening Times: 08.00am – 5.00pm Mon to Fri
At J Ll Leach, we support the semiconductor and electronics industry with reliable Atlas Copco air compressors, supplied and installed from our Stoke, Birmingham and Shrewsbury branches.
Cleanroom operators, PCB assemblers, wafer fabs, and others in the electronics manufacturing industry recognise that the same compressed air that powers tools, lifts boxes, and operates pneumatic actuators is a process-critical utility.
The cleanliness of that consistent air supply can be the difference between products that meet specifications, non-compliant products, and products that end up in a bin. For electronics factories operating in the UK and manufacturing sensitive components, the introduction of untreated or oil-lubricated air poses an unacceptable risk to yield and profitability.
A contaminated air compressor system can lead to catastrophic failure in electronic products and components. The three major contaminants are oil, water, and solid particles. Compressed air can concentrate and increase the harmful effects of these elements on a production process.
For industry standards on how to prevent the introduction of contaminants into the compressed air supply, ISO 8573-1 is the international standard for compressed air purity. Below is a table of common purity classes for each application.
| Application | Typical ISO 8573-1 Class | Critical Contaminant |
|---|---|---|
| General pneumatic tools | 2:4:2 | Moisture, particles |
| PCB cleaning / Air knives | 1:3:1 | Oil, particles |
| Cleanroom pressurisation | 1:2:1 | All contaminants |
| Wafer steppers / Air bearings | 0:1:0 or 1:1:1 | Moisture, particles |
| Semiconductor wafer fabrication (CDA) | 0:0:0 | Oil, moisture, particles |
For sensitive electronics and semiconductor applications, achieving ISO 8573-1 Class 0 is the benchmark. Class 0 signifies the most stringent high-quality air, with zero risk of oil contamination from the compressor entering the airstream. To learn more, read about the Importance of Compressed Air Quality & Filters.
The foundation of a high-quality compressed air system is the compressor itself. Given the unacceptable risk of contamination, 100% oil-free technology is the only viable option. The debate over Oil vs. Oil-Free Air Compressors is settled in this sector: certified oil-free is the mandatory choice.
Some applications require the absolute highest levels of purity. Air bearings used in high-speed PCB drilling spindles or wafer steppers operate with a microscopic air film of just 3 to 10 µm. Any particle or moisture in the air equipment would cause immediate, catastrophic failure, mandating air that meets or exceeds ISO 8573-1 Class 1:1:1.
Maintaining a consistent manufacturing process requires overcoming specific challenges. Here is how we address common issues:
A high-performance air compressor alone is not enough. Achieving certified pure air requires an integrated system where each component removes a specific contaminant. Designing this complete system is a core area of expertise for J Ll Leach, ensuring that every element, from the compressor to the point of use, works in concert.
Our engineering centres are based in Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham, and Shrewsbury, where we offer fast-response support and installation services to all electronic manufacturers in the Midlands and North West, including Telford, Coventry, and the high-tech areas of Macclesfield.
A modern air compressor system can bring about numerous opportunities to lower operating costs and reduce the carbon footprint of a facility.
For electronics manufacturers in the UK, a compressed air equipment system must ensure uptime and comply with stringent legal standards. J Ll Leach provides the expertise to design, install, and maintain systems that deliver on both fronts.
Our team ensures your system adheres to all relevant regulations, including:
Downtime is not an option in the electronics production industry. We offer a range of air solutions to ensure production continuity:
Several electronics processes, such as lead-free soldering, need an inert nitrogen atmosphere to prevent oxidation and create high-quality joints. Using delivered gas can be expensive and logistically challenging. We can integrate On-Site Nitrogen Generation systems that use your compressed air for electronic applications to produce a continuous, reliable source of high-purity nitrogen on demand.
Our team is on hand to assess your current setup and recommend the most cost-effective upgrade path. Whether you need a complete system design, a service plan, or an upgrade path to meet Class 0 air quality, we’re here to help.