Technical Library | 2021-01-03 19:24:52.0
Reflow soldering is the primary method for interconnecting surface mount technology (SMT) applications. Successful implementation of this process depends on whether a low defect rate can be achieved. In general, defects often can be attributed to causes rooted in all three aspects, including materials, processes, and designs. Troubleshooting of reflow soldering requires identification and elimination of root causes. Where correcting these causes may be beyond the reach of manufacturers, further optimizing the other relevant factors becomes the next best option in order to minimize the defect rate.
Technical Library | 2018-04-27 12:59:29.0
Hot Air and IR are the two main types of rework stations used by OEMs and PCB contract manufacturers today. Both have advantages and disadvantages and choosing the right one for your application requires a careful consideration of a number of factors, including your budget, your working requirements and the capabilities of your staff. In this article, we outline some of the differences between hot air and IR BGA rework stations.
Technical Library | 2018-04-27 13:23:31.0
When performing BGA component rework, it is important to know the actual heat that is coming out of the top and bottom heaters. This will be critical in setting up accurate heat profiles. Monitoring your heat output will also keep you aware of your heaters performance so that you will know when the heaters need to be replaced.
Technical Library | 2019-06-12 10:33:58.0
The success of ball grid array (BGA) placement on electronic assemblies is as much a matter of proper preparation and planning, as it is technique. In some designs, it is more appropriate to apply BGAs using a rework station that isolates the placement of the device, without subjecting the entire assembly to thermal reflow. This is especially beneficial in board constructions where the number of BGAs is limited, and the application of the solder paste is difficult, due to small pitch features that stretch the limitation of the stencil construction. Another application for rework stations, involves very large and thermally conductive BGAs, which will not uniformly reflow with other components on the assembly, and may require special process parameters for their proper placement. The most common use of BGA rework stations are for assemblies requiring BGA removal and replacements due to failures in the initial assembly stage.
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 | 2019-06-07 14:49:54.0
ACI Technologies was contacted in regards to poor solder joint reliability. The customer submitted an assembly that was exhibiting intermittent opens at multiple locations on a ball grid array (BGA) component. The assembly’s functionality did not survive international shipping, essentially shock and vibration failures, immediately making the quality of the solder joints suspect. The customer was asked about the contract manufacturer and the reflow oven profile as well as the solder paste and surface finish used. The ACI engineering staff evaluated the contract manufacturer’s technique and determined that they were competent in the methods they used for placing thermocouples in the proper locations and developing the reflow oven profile. The surface finish was unusual, but not unheard of, in that it was hard gold over hard nickel, rather than electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG). The customer was able to supply boundary scan testing data which showed a diagonal row of troublesome BGA pins.
Technical Library | 2015-02-12 13:32:52.0
Market forces, particularly legislation against the use of lead in electronics, have driven electronics manufacturers towards lead-free solders for PCB assembly and rework. This approach creates challenges because of the relatively high temperatures needed for lead-free soldering. Additionally, lead-free solder alloys typically do not wet or wick as easily as Sn63Pb37 leaded types. As PCBs often include both BGAs and simpler discrete devices, a lead-free rework capability should include a suitable soldering station and a BGA rework station. This article shows how such equipment can be adapted to overcome the lead-free issues and provide a successful reworking facility.
Technical Library | 2018-09-10 08:44:08.0
Issue: Moisture and bubbles in your dispensing material with larger quantities Solution: Scheugenpflug’s 55-gal Barrel Agitator Station Barrel agitators for casting resins take their technology from the paint sector. They fall short of meeting the special demands of the auto, medical, aeronautics and electronics industries. They can’t guarantee a solid seal on the barrels – often containing expensive, moisture sensitive resins – allowing the humidity of the surrounding environment to damage the material. Also, conventional barrel agitators, as opposed to smaller units, cannot work in a vacuum to process materials directly.
Technical Library | 2012-11-12 14:06:48.0
With consumers constantly looking for lower prices on their technology products and manufacturers trying to squeak out higher margins from their production lines, the need for process control and lower overhead costs have become even more important. One sector that is often overlooked is the hand soldering area of the factory. Many factories have been struggling with antiquated soldering systems for years. In some cases they are trying to make their investment in stations last much longer than they were designed for, or they are falsely trying to recoup their original investment ‐ all at the cost of higher operating expenses or even worse, reduced operator thru‐put.
Technical Library | 2018-11-07 03:31:04.0
Generally speaking, there are not many cases of insufficient solder and solder short in BGA soldering, but it is not impossible. Here we discuss some elements may cause it
