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Ask the Experts

October 22, 2007 - Updated
October 22, 2007 - Originally Posted

Solder paste inspection methodology

I'm looking for an in-expensive post solder paste inspection method, where only printer output inspection sampling is required. My inspection checkpoints are solder paste height and volume, I would like to evaluate a solder print measurement method with the use of a tool makers microscope. Please share some ideas or suggestions.

L. M.

Expert Panel Responses

This article published on SMT Express by Mike Riddle from ASC International, Inc. gets to the root of his question and also instructs the reader on the methodology and reason for manual versus automatic inspection. See Solder Paste Measurement: A Yield Improvement Strategy That Helps Improve Profits.

Steve DeCollibus
Managing Editor
Circuitnet

Throughout his career Mr. DeCollibus has successfully implemented global marketing communications and brand development initiatives for some of the electronics industry's top companies. He is currently managing editor of Circuitnet and Semiconductor Packaging News. NOTE: Mr. DeCollibus is no longer working at Circuitnet.

For post print sampling there are very reliable systems available on board the printer. The capability of these systems is much better than any manual microscope method. There are no reliable volume and height systems available on board a printer but there are systems, like Ekra's 2 1/2D for instance, that do provide more than just 2D coverage. If the system can provide pad coverage, bridge detection, and stencil inspection that typically provides more than enough sampling capability. Of course it depends if the customer is using an in-line printer. If the customer is not using an in-line automatic printer and still wishes to get some sample data, there are microscope systems that can be used to calculate height and coverage. The process is obviously manual, slow, and subject to operator repeatability.

Steve Hall
President
EKRA America

Mr. Hall has spent the last 20 years in the electronics manufacturing industry. He started at Motorola specializing in the development of screen printing and reflow soldering processes. He has became known as an expert in printing technology.

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