Technical Library | 2019-06-06 13:40:47.0
Legacy electronics assemblies, such as through-hole (Figure 1) and connectorized component packages, are robust and prevalent throughout industry. However, each of these assembly methods have reached their limits in terms of weight, volume, reliability, and most importantly cost. With cost reduction of assemblies now the primary focus area throughout the electronics industry, there is more of a need than ever to implement the latest advancements in surface mount technology (SMT) into electronics assembly designs. Although SMT has been utilized in the electronics industry for many years, implementation of the technology is still in the ever-evolving process of reducing component footprint size, component spacing, and component I/O pitch. Implementation of the most up-to-date SMT processes provides optimal weight, volume, and cost savings, for any type of assembly.
Technical Library | 2020-02-26 23:24:02.0
Shielding electronic systems against electromagnetic interference (EMI) has become a hot topic. Technological advancements toward 5G standards, wireless charging of mobile electronics, in-package antenna integration, and system-inpackage (SiP) adoption are driving the need to apply more effective EMI shielding and isolation to component packages and larger modules. For conformal shielding, EMI shielding materials for exterior package surfaces have mostly been applied with a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process of sputtering, leveraging front-end packaging technologies to back-end packaging applications. However, sputtering technology challenges in scalability and cost along with advancements in dispensable materials are driving considerations for alternative dispensing techniques for EMI shielding.
Technical Library | 2020-03-09 10:50:17.0
A customer called the Helpline seeking advice for cleaning no-clean fluxes prior to applying a conformal coating. The customer's assemblies were manufactured with a no-clean rosin based solder paste (ROL0) and were cleaned with an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wash. After cleaning, a white residue was sometimes found in areas with high paste concentrations and was interfering with the adhesion of the conformal coating (Figure 1). For conformal coatings to adhere properly, the printed circuit board (PCB) surface must be clean of fluxes and other residues. In addition, ionic contamination left by flux residues can lead to corrosion and dendrite growth, two common causes of electronic opens and shorts. Other residues can lead to unwanted impedance and physical interference with moving parts.
Technical Library | 2020-04-14 15:49:38.0
The number of through-hole components on printed circuit boards (PCB) has declined significantly over the last decade. Miniaturization in electronics has resulted in less THT (through-hole technology) and leads with a finer pitch. For this reason, the soldering of these components has also changed from wave soldering to Point-to-point selective soldering. Soldering these small, fine-pitch components is a challenge when surface mount components (SMD) are positioned very close to THT components on the PCB layout. This study, done in cooperation with a large automotive EMS customer, defines the process windows for through-hole technology for fine-pitch components. It determines what is feasible to solder and defines layout design parameter that make soldering possible with SMD areas and other components on the assembly.
Technical Library | 2021-06-15 15:17:33.0
Shielding electronic systems against electromagnetic interference (EMI) has become a hot topic. Technological advancements toward 5G standards, wireless charging of mobile electronics, in-package antenna integration, and system-in-package (SiP) adoption are driving the need to apply more effective EMI shielding and isolation to component packages and larger modules. For conformal shielding, EMI shielding materials for exterior package surfaces have mostly been applied with a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process of sputtering, leveraging front-end packaging technologies to back-end packaging applications. However, sputtering technology challenges in scalability and cost along with advancements in dispensable materials are driving considerations for alternative dispensing techniques for EMI shielding.
Technical Library | 2020-11-09 16:59:53.0
A customer contacted ACI Technologies regarding a high failure rate of their assemblies. They provided assemblies to be X-rayed and inspected for the purpose of identifying any process related issues such as (but not limited to) solder and assembly workmanship and evidence of damage due to moisture related problems during reflow (a.k.a. "popcorning"). Moisture damage usually appears as physical damage to the component. The first indication of moisture damage would be externally observable changes to the package in the form of bulging or fractures to the outer surface of the component, an example of which is shown in Figure 1. Internally observable indicators of moisture damage typically include fractures to the die inside the package and lifted or fractured wire bonds. These conditions would be apparent during transmissive X-ray inspection. Another symptom of moisture related damage would be inconsistent solder joint sizes that result from package deformation during the liquidus phase of the reflow process. None of these indicators of moisture related damage were present on the customer samples.
Technical Library | 2021-02-20 00:55:47.0
Customers must be able to rely on accurate humidity indication as an assurance of SMD quality and fitness for processing and use. Without it, they might accept SMDs from suppliers that have already been irreparably damaged by moisture during storage or transit. Or, they might approve for processing SMDs that have been improperly or insufficiently heat-dried. Beyond the processing questions, there are financial questions: Where did the dry pack problems originate and who--supplier, customer, shipper--is financially responsible for the damaged SMDs? In response, Clariant, the originator of the color change humidity indicator card, and a member of the JEDEC's Subcommittee 14.1, "Reliability and Test Methods for Packaged Devices," created a new "non-reversible" halogen and cobalt dichloride free humidity indicator card. This HIC combines two reversible indicators (5% and 10%) with a new non-reversible (60% RH) indicator spot. (Figure 1) The 5% and 10% reversible spots work the way similar indicators do: they change color from blue (dry), to lavender, to pink (wet) to indicate humidity exposure at the indicated levels. If humidity levels drop, they will gradually revert back to blue.
Technical Library | 2024-02-02 07:48:31.0
Maximizing Efficiency: The High-Speed SMT Line With Laser Depanelizer In today's rapidly evolving electronics manufacturing landscape, optimizing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and precision remains paramount. Businesses engaged in producing industrial control boards, computer motherboards, mobile phone motherboards, and mining machine boards face ongoing challenges in streamlining production processes. The integration of expensive equipment strains budgets, making the creation of an efficient, cost-effective high-speed SMT line a daunting task. However, a solution exists that seamlessly combines these elements into a singular, high-performance, and cost-effective SMT line. Let's delve into the specifics. A Comprehensive High-Speed SMT Line Our innovative solution amalgamates two pivotal components: a cutting-edge SMT (Surface Mount Technology) production line and a laser cutting line equipped with a depanelizer. The SMT Production Line The high-speed SMT line comprises several essential components, each fulfilling a unique role in the manufacturing process: 1. PCB Loader: This initial stage involves loading boards onto the production line with utmost care. Our Board Loader prioritizes safety, incorporating various safety light curtains and sensors to promptly halt operations and issue alerts in case of any anomalies. 2. Laser Marking Machine: Every PCB receives a unique two-dimensional code or barcode, facilitating comprehensive traceability. Despite the high-temperature laser process potentially leading to dust accumulation on PCB surfaces, our dedicated PCB Surface Cleaner swiftly addresses this issue. 3. SMT Solder Paste Printer: This stage involves applying solder paste to the boards, a fundamental step in the manufacturing process. 4. SPI (Solder Paste Inspection): Meticulous inspections are conducted at this stage. Boards passing inspection proceed through the NG (No Good) Buffer Conveyor to the module mounters. Conversely, "No Good" results prompt storage of PCBs in the NG Buffer Conveyor, capable of accommodating up to 25 PCBs. Operators can retrieve these NG boards for rework after utilizing our specialized PCB Mis Cleaner to remove solder paste. 5. Module Mounters: These machines excel in attaching small and delicate components, necessitating precision and expertise in the module mounting process. 6. Standard Pick And Place Machines: The selection of these machines is contingent upon your specific BOM (Bill of Materials) list. 7. Pre-Reflow AOI (Automated Optical Inspection): Boards undergo examination for component quality at this stage. Detected issues prompt the Sorting Conveyor to segregate boards for rework. 8. Reflow Oven: Boards undergo reflow soldering, with our Lyra series reflow ovens recommended for their outstanding features, including nitrogen capability, flux recycling, and water cooling function, ensuring impeccable soldering results. 9. Post-Reflow AOI: This stage focuses on examining soldering quality. Detected defects prompt the Sorting Conveyor to segregate boards for further inspection or rework. Any identified defects are efficiently addressed with the BGA rework station, maintaining the highest quality standards. 10. Laser Depanelizer: Boards advance to the laser depanelizer, where precision laser cutting, often employing green light for optimal results, ensures smoke-free, highly accurate separation of boards. 11. PCB Placement Machine: Cut boards are subsequently managed by the PCB Placement Machine, arranging them as required. With this, all high-speed SMT line processes are concluded. Efficiency And Output This production line demonstrates exceptional productivity when manufacturing motherboards with approximately 3000 electronic components, boasting the potential to assemble up to 180 boards within a single hour. Such efficiency not only enhances output but also ensures cost-effectiveness and precision in your manufacturing processes. At I.C.T, we specialize in crafting customized SMT production line solutions tailored to your product and specific requirements. Our equipment complies with European safety standards and holds CE certificates. For inquiries or to explore our exemplary post-sales support, do not hesitate to contact us. The I.C.T team is here to elevate your electronics manufacturing to new heights of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Technical Library | 2021-09-02 08:17:07.0
We are a professional manufacturer of PCB depaneling machines, which is workable for all boards, including flex and regid boards, v-scored boards and routed boards. Laser pcb depaneling is non-contact way without mechanical stress,this solution is good for modern precision PCB depaneling. It has below advantages: 1. No dust The production environment of the circuit board industry is carried out in the dust-free workshop. The traditional pcb depaneling equipment, such as blade moving type machine, will inevitably produce residues and micro powder, which will pollute the 10000 and 1000 class dust-free workshops and affect the conductivity of products. The UV laser PCB cutting machine is a vaporization processing process, which will not produce dust and is conducive to the conductivity of the product. 2. High cutting precision The processing gap of high-precision traditional processing equipment can not reach the gap width of less than 100 microns, which will cause certain damage to the lines on the edge or PCBA circuit board containing components. The focus spot of the laser cutting machine is small, and the ultraviolet cold processing mode has little thermal impact on the edge of the circuit board. The cutting position accuracy is less than 50 microns, and the cutting size accuracy is less than 30 microns, which will not affect the edge of the circuit board, and the precision is high. 3. No stress Traditional processing methods generally have V-grooves, which will cause certain damage to the board in the manufacturing process. The UV laser PCB cutting machine can directly cut the bare board without making V-grooves. In addition, the traditional processing methods directly use tools to act on the circuit board, especially the stamping method has a great impact on the circuit board, which is easy to cause board deformation. The laser cutting machine is a non-contact processing mode, which acts on the surface of the material through the high-energy beam, which will not cause the influence of stress and the deformation and damage of the circuit board. 4. For special-shaped cutting, it is easy to automate The UV laser PCB cutting machine can cut for any shape without replacing any props and fixtures, and without steel mesh. The same equipment can meet special-shaped and straight-line cutting, which is easy to realize assembly line automatic production and high flexibility. It is easy to improve production efficiency and save production process and production cycle. In particular, it can quickly and efficiently meet the needs of rapid proofing, directly import the drawing, and then locate the cutting. 5. High compatibility The UV laser PCB cutting machine can process the materials around the circuit board, such as PCB, FPC, covering film, pet, reinforcing board, IC, ultra-thin metal cutting, etc. it has strong practicability, is compatible with the processing of a variety of materials, is easy to operate, can be imported into the drawing, does not need to adjust any mechanical parts, and is easy to operate and maintain. 6. Good cutting edge effect The cutting edge is smooth and neat without burr. It can be processed and formed directly according to the size of the drawing, which is conducive to improving the yield of the product. It can be directly installed into the subsequent process without further processing. For more details about UV laser depaneling, please feel free to contact us. www.pcbdepanelingrouter.com
Technical Library | 2023-11-20 09:56:38.0
Understanding The Crucial Role Of Dust Collectors In PCB Depaneling Machines Precision is paramount in PCB manufacturing, but it must go hand in hand with cleanliness. The intrusion of dust and debris can wreak havoc on delicate electronics. This article explores the pivotal role of dust collectors, their operation, and their necessity for various PCB depaneling machines. The Dust Collector's Crucial Function Dust collectors, also known as dust extractors, play an indispensable role in PCB manufacturing. When a PCB depaneling machine or a Laser PCB Depaneling machine is in operation, it generates a significant amount of dust. The dust collector promptly engages its vacuum motor to suction fine particles off the PCB, directing them to a collector equipped with a filtration system. Which Models Of PCB Depanelers Require Dust Collector? Several PCB depaneling machines necessitate dust collectors to ensure precision and cleanliness, including: I.C.T-5700 Offline Depaneling Machine, high precision, easy manual operation, dual platform, high efficiency. I.C.T-IR350 In-line depaneling machine, high precision, rapid operation, suitable for integration into the SMT production line for Industry 4.0 and AI automated production. I.C.T-LCO350 Laser cutting ensures cutting accuracy of 0.002, ideal for precise cutting requirements. I.C.T-100A Desktop PCB depaneling machine with compact size and high precision, suitable for smaller-scale operations. The Science Behind PCB Dust Collectors To prevent charged dust particles from adhering to PCBs, PCB depaneling machines are equipped with ionizing guns. These devices emit ions that neutralize static charges, making dust particles less likely to stick to freshly cut PCBs. The Vacuum Effect: Suctioning Away Dust During PCB depaneling, a cloud of dust is produced. The dust collector utilizes a robust suction system, often powered by vacuum motors, to draw dust away from the work area. Collected dust is transported to a designated collection point within the dust collector. A Difference In Design: I.C.T-5700 Vs. I.C.T-IR350 The placement of the dust collection apparatus distinguishes PCB depaneling machines. I.C.T-5700 has a bottom-mounted system capturing falling dust, while I.C.T-IR350 features a top-mounted system preventing dust settling on the work surface. This strategic difference ensures efficient removal of dust and debris, guaranteeing a clean and precise manufacturing process. Check: If you want to learn about the comparison of I.C.T-5700 and I.C.T-IR350. The Importance Of Filter Replacement The efficiency of a dust collector relies on its filter, necessitating periodic replacement every 1-3 years, depending on usage frequency. Regular filter maintenance ensures optimal performance. Dust Collectors: Keep Your PCB Manufacturing Clean And Precise Precision in PCB manufacturing is not solely about cutting-edge machinery but also about cleanliness. If you seek a dust collector for your PCB depaneling machine, contact us today to explore your options. Ensure your operations maintain cleanliness, efficiency, and meet the high standards of modern PCB manufacturing. Don't let dust compromise your precision – let's keep it clean together!
