circuitnet
Sponsor
Viscom
iX7059 Series by Viscom: Inline X-ray Inspection Power
High-performance Inline X-ray Inspection Systems for complex electronics, semiconductors, and power modules up to 200 kg. Seamless integration, AI-powered accuracy, and maximum reliability for every application.
Viscom
Complete Solutions
Sponsor
Circuit Technology Center
Repair PCB Damage In-House
Get the tools and materials you need for reliable circuit board repair—from replacement pads and circuit tracks to plated-hole repair kits and epoxies.
Circuit Technology Center
Ask the Experts
QUESTIONS
  
SUBMIT
  
MEMBERS
  
JOIN
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
DELO Industrial Adhesives
Reliability in Automotive Image Sensor Packaging
Image sensors enabling ADAS and autonomous driving must perform reliably over the full vehicle lifespan. Learn how to meet AEC-Q100 requirements and key packaging challenges.
DELO Industrial Adhesives
10030