The first IPC standard that originated outside the US, IPC-7527 ‘Requirements for Solder Paste Printing,’ is also the first standard ever developed that focuses on the application of one of the industry’s most basic infrastructure elements – solder paste.
Recently released, IPC-7527 was the brainchild of Task Group Nordic (TGNordic), IPC’s volunteer standards development group in Scandinavia. The new standard will help companies assess and improve their solder paste printing processes, which could bring significant improvements in quality and reliability.
IPC-7527 covers the many aspects of solder paste application, from initial placement on the board through production and testing. To equipment operators, it serves as a reference guide with more than 50 photos packed into the 15-page standard.
“It [IPC-7527] provides the operators with a standard that will help them make the right decisions when they face issues in production, and no professionals or specialists are present,” says Steven Juel Hansen, co-chair of the IPC Solder Paste Printing Task Group and production engineer at Vestas Control Systems A/S, based in Hammel, Denmark.
While there are standards that detail what a completed assembly should look like, IPC-7527 is the first one to provide requirements for what the printed solder paste should look like and how far off centres can be before they are considered defects.
It covers everything from basic squeegees to jet dispensers and needle dispensers to closed print heads. In addition, the standard provides information on automated paste inspection using either cameras or lasers.
As Kris Roberson, IPC manager of assembly technology, explains, the standard also does a nice job of bringing out common problems, like solder that has rooftops or saddle shapes instead of a nice brick form, and it suggests solutions so those issues can be fixed.
RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.
Read more...Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.
Read more...Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...IOT secures major industry partnership IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...Successful Proteus training conference Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.
Read more...Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.
Read more...AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version