Lead free Solder Paste & Use of nitrogen

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Is it possible to run Pb-Free reflow without nitrogen? ... - Jul 28, 2013 by Myriam

All of our reflow is with room air, 63/37 and SAC305. I beli... - Jul 29, 2013 by charliem

Nitrogen in Reflow is grossly over-rated...., in my opinion... - Jul 29, 2013 by A Very Frazzled Man

We using nitrogen only for Selective Solder machine, you don... - Jul 29, 2013 by VSolomon

No problem running lead free without nitrogen. Careful prof... - Jul 29, 2013 by Hegemon

Myriam

#70071

Lead free Solder Paste & Use of nitrogen | 28 July, 2013

Is it possible to run Pb-Free reflow without nitrogen?

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charliem

#70088

Lead free Solder Paste & Use of nitrogen | 29 July, 2013

All of our reflow is with room air, 63/37 and SAC305. I believe nitrogen will get you better looking solder joints (shiny, less grainy under magnification), but per IPC, functionality and strength I don't think there is much difference.

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A Very Frazzled Man

#70102

Lead free Solder Paste & Use of nitrogen | 29 July, 2013

Nitrogen in Reflow is grossly over-rated...., in my opinion, and in the opinion of several very well known SMT Industry "God Fathers".

Way too much $$$, for a slight increase in the process window. If you profile your oven specifically for your products, you don't need Nitrogen. (In my opinion). I'd be interested in hearing opinions of others as well...

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VSolomon

#70104

Lead free Solder Paste & Use of nitrogen | 29 July, 2013

We using nitrogen only for Selective Solder machine, you don't need it for reflow oven, to improve solderability we use Vapor Fase oven.

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Hegemon

#70106

Lead free Solder Paste & Use of nitrogen | 29 July, 2013

No problem running lead free without nitrogen. Careful profiling will take care of the soldering.

Cosmetically, the Nitrogen reflow is superior for lead free, and we see much better wetting, better coverage of the PWB pads, and of course the smoother, prettier solder in comparison to non-nitrogen reflow. And there is that wider process window.

Essential for lead free soldering? No. Saves headaches and provides better soldering? Yes. Overated?! Hardly.

I was skeptical until they installed the Nitrogen ovens at our facility. Now we run all lead free in the nitrgoen environment, including Selective Soldering, and Rework if needed. I wouldn't want to go back.

'hege

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