circuitnet
Sponsor
Schunk

Depaneling machine for separating circuit boards
SCHUNK offers solutions for the entire spectrum of the depaneling operation — from product selection, workpiece holder solutions and optimization of milling.
SCHUNK
Advanced-Interconnections
Sponsor
Ormet-TLPS

AIT ORMET® TLPS for Proven Reliability
AIT ORMET® TLPS is proven for outstanding reliability for High and Ultra High-Density Interconnection and high temperature build-up Layer Interconnection beyond 175°C
Ormet® TLPS
Ask the Experts
INDEX
ASK
PANEL
JOIN
COMMENT
SEARCH
June 11, 2006 - Updated
July 5, 2007 - Originally Posted

Concerned About Tin Pest



We are concerned about tin pest in lead-free industrial assemblies. Are there any studies known with SAC alloys?



G.V.

Expert Panel Responses

The best tin pest studies recently are by Bev Christian of Research in Motion and Keith Sweatman of Nihon Superior. The industry is leaning towards the belief that tin pest is unlikely to be an issue for Pb-free solder joints except for those environments that are cold consistently for very long periods of time (think north pole, south pole, refrigeration or deep space). The reason for this is that it seems possible that periodic exposure to elevated temperatures may "reset" the tin pest clock.

image
Dr. Craig D. Hillman
CEO & Managing Partner
DfR Solutions
Dr. Hillman's specialties include best practices in Design for Reliability, strategies for transitioning to Pb-free, supplier qualification, passive component technology and printed board failure mechanisms.

Tin pest is typical an issue only with high purity tin or inoculated samples. There have been test run by Nihon Superior, Keith Sweatman tested Sn100C and it is not an issue. Both SAC and SN100C have been tested in other studies and do not form tin pest.

image
Karl Seelig

Deck Street Consultants
In his 32 years of industry experience, Mr. Seelig has authored over 30 published articles on topics including lead-free assembly, no-clean technology, and process optimization. Karl holds numerous patents, including four for lead-free solder alloys, and was a key developer of no-clean technology.
Submit A Comment

Comments are reviewed prior to posting. You must include your full name to have your comments posted. We will not post your email address.

Your Name


Your Company
Your E-mail


Your Country
Your Comments



Free Newsletter Subscription
Circuitnet is built for professionals who bear the responsibility of looking ahead, imagining the future, and preparing for it.

Insert Your Email Address

Sponsor
AI-Technology-Inc

Reflow Solderable TIM1 Thermal Grease
AIT's CGR7016 & CGR7019-LB series are proven reliable for thermal interface usage at extreme temperatures. 100% chip to heat-spreader lid seal after multiple reflow soldering.
AI Technology, Inc.
Plasmatreat-GmbH