If the world was a perfect place, I would recommend preventing solder balls in the first place. While low amounts of solder balls are common, a high volume of solder balls are problematic to a cleaning machine (batch or inline). Solder balls may become dislodged and repositioned under components or may cause damage to the cleaning machine (pump seals, solenoids, nozzles, etc). A high volume of solder balls is indicative of a process issue. I would recommend consulting with your printer supplier, paste supplier, reflow oven supplier as well as checking your thermal profile. The cleaning process is designed to remove residues that are solubilized into the cleaning solution. Solder balls obviously can not be solubilized.
- Mike Konrad Aqueous Technologies konrad@aqueoustech.com
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