Technical Library | 2014-10-02 20:10:07.0
Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu (SAC305) is the most popular near eutectic lead-free alloy used in the manufacturing processes. Over the last several years, the price of silver has dramatically increased driving a desire for lower silver alloy alternatives. As the results, there is a significant increase in the number of alternative low/no silver lead-free solder alloys available in the industry recently.In this paper, we'll present the performance and process capability of various low/no silver alloy solder pastes. Data from printability, wetting test, slump test, solder ball test, voiding, etc… will be discussed and compared with the control SAC305 solder paste. Benefits and concerns of using low/no silver alloy solder paste materials will also be addressed.
Technical Library | 2017-01-05 16:55:11.0
The July 2006 implementation of ROHS exempted automotive applications from converting to lead free technology. Nine years later, all major OEM and Tier 1 automotive manufacturers have converted or are in the process of converting to lead free circuit assembly processing. Starting with SAC (SnAgCu) alloys as a baseline for lead free soldering, in the last years several specific alloys were developed in order to improve resistance to high temperature creep, vibration survival and the ability to withstand thermal cycling and thermal shock.The paper compares three different solder alloys and two flux chemistries in terms of void formation and mechanical / thermal fatigue properties. Void content and reliability data of the alloys will be presented and discussed in relation to the acceptance criteria of a Tier 1 /OEM automotive supplier. As a result, a ranking list will be presented considering the combined performance of the alloys. In order to analyze the void formation and mechanical behavior of different solder alloys and flux chemistry combinations, statistical methods are used.
Technical Library | 2013-01-09 18:31:54.0
The increased temperatures associated with lead free processes have produced significant challenges for PWB laminates. Newly developed laminates have different curing processes, are commonly filled with ceramic particles or micro-clays and can have higher Tg values. These changes designed to reduce Z-axis expansion and improve the materials resistance to thermal excursions through primary attach and rework operations have also produced harder resin systems with reduced fracture toughness.
Technical Library | 2009-12-14 20:24:19.0
In the lead-free era, thermal profiling has a critical role in the SMT assembly process. We discuss the profiling, tools, practical issues, and inspection methods of golden boards, and related tools. As the process window narrows, profiling equipment and/or thermocouple (TC) errors must be taken into consideration. In addition, the accuracy and attachment method of the thermocouple will significantly impact critical assemblies.
Technical Library | 2009-09-18 14:52:06.0
Electronic assembly cleaning processes are becoming increasingly more complex because of global environmental mandates and customer driven product performance requirements. Manufacturing strategies today require process equivalence. That is to say, if a product is made or modified in different locations or processes around the world, the result should be the same. If cleaning is a requirement, will existing electronic assembly cleaning processes meet the challenge? Innovative cleaning fluid and cleaning equipment designs provide improved functionality in both batch and continuous inline cleaning processes. The purpose of this designed experiment is to report optimized cleaning process parameters for removing lead-free flux residues on populated circuit assemblies using innovative cleaning fluid and batch cleaning equipment designs.
Technical Library | 2013-06-05 23:14:44.0
The combination of higher lead-free process temperatures, smaller print deposits, and temperature restraints on electrical components has created difficult challenges in optimizing the reflow process. Not only are the electronic components and the PWB at risk, but the ability to achieve a robust solder joint becomes difficult, especially if the PCB is thermally massive. In addition, the constant miniaturization of electronic components, hence smaller solder paste deposits, may require the use of smaller particle-sized powders (...) This paper is a summary of best practices in optimizing the reflow process to meet these challenges of higher reflow temperatures, smaller print deposits, decreased powder particle size, and their affect on the reflow process.
Technical Library | 2024-06-23 22:03:59.0
The melting temperatures of most lead-free solder alloys are somewhat higher than that of eutectic Sn/Pb solder, and many of the alloys tend to wet typical contact pads less readily. This tends to narrow down the fluxing and mass reflow process windows for assembly onto typical organic substrates and may enhance requirements on placement accuracy. Flip chip assembly here poses some unique challenges. The small dimensions provide for particular sensitivities to wetting and solder joint collapse, and underfilling does not reduce the demands on the intermetallic bond strength. Rather, the need to underfill lead to additional concerns in terms of underfill process control and reliability. Relatively little can here be learned from work on regular SMT components, BGAs or CSPs.
Technical Library | 2009-03-13 00:27:09.0
Open product reliability testing in Stockholm, Sweden in January as part of a live production event generated some quite startling results. It was apparent that many components simply cannot handle the high reflow temperatures of a lead-free soldering process, and that many surface-mount machine suppliers are battling significant problems with QFN packages and other components that are mounting edgeways (bill boarding). However, some suppliers have achieved good results.
Technical Library | 2010-02-10 23:50:23.0
The electronics industry has recently undertaken the transition to lead-free processing as a direct consequence of the RoHS directive, which came into force in July 2006. However, this is unlikely to be the last transition required since the European Solvent Emissions Directive, 1999 is starting to be implemented and enforced by national governments. This is resulting in pressure on larger manufacturers, currently emitting more than 5 tonnes of solvent vapour per annum to take steps to limit and reduce their emissions.
Technical Library | 2023-11-27 18:19:40.0
This page introduces major causes and countermeasures of solder crack in MLCCs (Multilayer Ceramic Chip Capacitors). Major causes of solder cracks Solder cracks on MLCCs developed from severe usage conditions after going on the market and during manufacturing processes such as soldering. Applications and boards that specially require solder crack countermeasures Solder cracks occur mainly because of thermal fatigue due to thermal shock or temperature cycles or the use of lead-free solder, which is hard and fragile.