circuitnet
Sponsor
ECD

Vapor Phase Profiling
Thermal profiling the vapor phase soldering process – especially those with vacuum – is challenging. ECD's M-VP™ sealed barrier can take it. Learn more.
ECD
Essegi-Automation
Sponsor
Glenbrook-Technologies

Scoring Big With Glenbrook's Real-Time X-Ray Inspection
Jewel Box 70T helps East/West Manufacturing ensure accurate assembly of complex boards, for a system delivering statistics in seconds. Read more
Glenbrook Technologies
Ask the Experts
INDEX
ASK
PANEL
JOIN
COMMENT
SEARCH
June 8, 2009 - Updated
June 8, 2009 - Originally Posted

How to eliminate micro solder balls?



We see significant numbers of micro solder balls after the solder wave process, especially on the SO14 and SOT23 SMD components. We use a water soluble flux and SNC100 solder alloy. Where should we look for solutions to reduce this solder ball problem?

I. P.

Expert Panel Responses

Check the solder resist cure as this will be the most significant factors. Take a ball under at least 60x magnification and carefully turn it over. If it is flat on the side sticking to the resist then it is due to poor cure OR insufficient hardener when the resist was applied.

image
Greg York
Technical Sales Manager
BLT Circuit Services Ltd
Greg York has over thirty two years of service in Electronics industry. York has installed over 600 Lead Free Lines in Europe with Solder and flux systems as well as Technical Support on SMT lines and trouble shooting.

Try a different flux. We have seen similar effects on such mundane things as barcode labels on the board surface.

image
Jim Williams
Chairman
Polyonics, Inc.
Jim Willimas is a PhD Chemist in Polymers and Materials Science. He specialize in printing, cleaning, inks, and coatings used in electronics manufacturng operations. Williams has more than 30 years experience.
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
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
Air-Vac-Engineering