NPL defect of the month

13 October 2010 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

October’s featured NPL defect covers cracking of the conformal coating as shown in the acoompanying figure, which was found after the circuit board assembly was returned from the field for investigation. This printed board assembly was in a medical application produced in a tin/lead assembly process in medium volume.

Some form of contamination under the mask had led to cracking on the coating. There was no evidence of corrosion or electrical failure on the sample board assembly. Large amounts of no-clean flux have been seen to cause lifting, not corrosion on boards. This is probably due to expansion and contraction of the material during thermal cycling. This movement of the material can lead to cracking of some brittle masks.

It would be necessary to review the board cleanliness and the coating compatibility with the intended application. Temperature cycling is probably the cause for the cracking but something under the mask must have caused it to expand and contract. If a mask is cracked it cannot provide suitable protection to the surface of the board. If a no-clean flux was the root cause the volume of material left on the surface of the board during assembly would need to be reviewed.

Dataweek’s latest featured NPL defect video, which covers the topic of ‘toe fillets’ encountered with QFP gullwing terminations, is available at www.dataweek.co.za/video.

Further reading:

Understanding solder paste viscosity and thixotropy
Truth Electronic Manufacturing Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
A solder paste’s viscosity and thixotropic properties, a measure of its resistance to flow, influence its performance in different production environments.

Read more...

---

Global electronics trade in an age of disruption
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Governments should invest in domestic strengths, coordinate with international partners, and align trade and industrial policy with the realities of a globally connected electronics sector.

Read more...

---

The new tool design of IWISS
Startech Industrial Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Rooted in IWISS’ dedication to reliability, comfort, and efficiency, the company’s new design refresh elevates craftsmanship by incorporating a rich cultural influence.

Read more...

---

Strategic collaboration to advance industrial robotics training in South Africa
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Yaskawa Southern Africa has announced a strategic collaboration with Sol-Tech, a private vocational training institution based in Pretoria, to strengthen technical education in industrial robotics.

Read more...

---

Filling high-end PCB manufacturing gaps to accelerate AI electronics growth
PCBWay Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
[Sponsored] In the digital era, AI and big data technologies are developing at a rapid pace. PCBWay is continuously advancing its PCB manufacturing technology to support the growth.

Read more...

---

Microtronix revives defunct cell phone plant
Microtronix Manufacturing Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
In a significant move for South Africa’s struggling electronics manufacturing sector, local technology firm Microtronix has breathed new life into a formerly defunct cell phone manufacturing facility.

Read more...

---

Manufacturing with purpose
Production Logix Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
How Production Logix is setting a new benchmark for high-reliability, locally manufactured electronics.

Read more...

---

Recent purchase of Seica Flying Probe tester
ZETECH ONE Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Zetech One recently supplied a Seica Flying Probe tester to Etion Create for use in the development and manufacture of its electronic solutions.

Read more...

---

Why accurate PCB measurement is critical for quality control and inspection
ZETECH ONE Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Accurate inspection of dimensions, hole placement, and track layout plays a vital role in meeting product standards across consumer, telecom, aerospace, and medical devices.

Read more...

---

Compact but powerful soldering system
Truth Electronic Manufacturing Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The Economy SIG is EPM’s compact wave soldering solution, designed to bring professional-grade soldering capabilities to small and medium-scale electronics producers.

Read more...

---