Dr. Mike Bixenman to Present at the SMTA Medical Electronics Symposium

KYZEN today announced that Mike Bixenman, DBA, will present at the SMTA Medical Electronics Symposium, scheduled to take place May 16-17, 2018 at the University of Texas at Dallas. In addition to the presentation, Jack Reinke, KYZEN cleaning expert, will be at table #8 during the Expo. Reinke will be available to meet with attendees to answer cleaning process questions.

During the Expo, KYZEN will promote its ANALYST Data Services that deliver real-time access, traceability and advanced data analytics in a user-friendly customizable dashboard, complete with customizable alerts. ANALYST Data Services is the most comprehensive data reporting platform available today.

During the symposium, Dr. Bixenman will present the paper “Test Methods to Research the Impact of Ionic Contamination under Leadless Component Bodies,”  co-authored by David Lober, KYZEN Corporation, and Mark McMeen, STI Corporation.

Electrochemical failure modes result from any chemical or other contaminants on an electrical circuit. The effects of such contamination may be measured using electrical and chemical test methods. Electrochemical failure modes result from the interaction of chemical contaminants with board components under environmental stress. An intricate balance of metallic reactions occurs during the soldering process. Chemical equilibria involving solder melting, complexation, redox, dissolution, decomposition, and vaporization are strongly affected by the reflow profile and atmosphere. The activity of flux activators depends on the thermal profile, component standoff and reflow environment.

The location as well as the type of contaminations is essential for understanding risk. Since residue pooled under a component may still be active and ionic, there is considerable concern regarding the reliability of the finished product in the field. The purpose of this research paper is to present research on test methods that can be used to characterize, validate, control and monitor materials and processes for the presence of ionic contamination before and during assembly.

Dr. Mike Bixenman has more than 25 years of experience in the design of electronic assembly cleaning materials and process integration. He has held the position of IPC/SMTA Cleaning Symposium Chair over the last 10 years and is the current chair of the IPC Cleaning Handbook Task Group. Dr. Bixenman holds four earned degrees including a Doctorate in Business Administration