Product
CSA Catapult.
Case Study // How Monmouth Scientific’s Custom Recirculating Fume Cupboard elevated CSA Catapult’s Lab.
Recirculating Fume Cupboard
Sector
Precision Engineering & Manufacturing
Location
Newport, UK
The Client
CSA Catapult is a leading UK-based innovation centre, driving advancements in compound semiconductor applications. In their Radio Frequency [RF] Lab, engineers and researchers develop high-performance packaging and printed circuit board (PCB) device prototypes for use in transformative industries like future telecoms.
The Advanced Packaging Team plays a key role in creating demonstrator-level solutions, often using high-spec equipment.
The Challenge
At the forefront of compound semiconductor innovation, CSA Catapult needed more than just precision—they needed protection.
With PCB processes using hazardous chemicals and sensitive components, the Advanced Packaging Team required a custom fume extraction solution to house the LPKF Contac S4 PCB Through Hole Plating system. This machine performs intricate plating through up to eight chemical baths, bonding vertical layers of PCBs for advanced interconnectivity.
The plating process uses a variety of hazardous substances, including:
- Sulphuric acid at elevated temperatures, generating sulphurous gases.
- Potassium peroxomonosulphate, a strong oxidiser.
- Sodium Metaborate, known to cause eye irritation.
- Isopropyl alcohol, used in ultrasonic cleaning.
The lab environment needed a ventilated, chemical-resistant, and light-protective solution to ensure safety and product integrity.
The Solution
Monmouth Scientific provided a custom specification Circulaire® Pro Recirculating Fume Cupboard, purpose-built for CSA Catapult’s RF Lab requirements.
Key features included:
- High-performance, activated carbon filter extraction system to handle multiple chemical vapours.
- UV-filtered, tinted sliding sash to protect light-sensitive PCB components.
- Custom internal layout to accommodate the LPKF Contac S4 machine.
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel worksurface, for handling aggressive chemical use.
- Integrated storage and proximity access to a chemical cabinet.
The Result
With the new fume cupboard installed, one of several Monmouth Scientific clean air solutions on site, the Advanced Packaging Team at CSA Catapult now operates with:
- Enhanced reliability for sensitive PCB prototypes.
- Improved protection from chemical exposure and UV damage.
- Streamlined workflow with a tailored lab setup.
- Full compliance with health & safety regulations.
The Feedback
The fume cupboard has really made a difference in our day-to-day lab work. We use the fume hood primarily for our plating machine, as it involves chemicals and requires proper ventilation for breathing safety and air circulation.
Additionally, I use the remaining space for other chemical treatments and for storing pre-treated samples.
Azadeh Aliaskarian, Senior PCB Engineer – Packaging Team