NPL defect of the month

3 August 2011 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

This month we feature a recent issue submitted to the NPL defect database http://defectsdatabase.npl.co.uk of a BGA solder short. Or is it?

The accompanying optical inspection image of the BGA joints in question shows connection between two balls after rework and repair. This, in fact, is probably not a solder short, but is more likely to be a flux short. During inspection one can still see light through the material between the two balls. This is most probably caused by excessive amounts of flux or incorrect material being used on the rework process.

This was conducted in a lead-free process, on a telecommunications product in medium volume. Being a lead-free process, the higher process temperature may have contributed to the discolouration/darkening of the flux used. To confirm that this is only a flux short and nothing else, X-ray inspection should be used. With this volume of flux, cleaning may only make inspection more difficult. If X-ray shows the solder joints to be satisfactory and electrical testing provides a positive report, the BGA should be left in place. A review of the rework process should be conducted to confirm the procedures, rework training and the materials used.

August’s featured NPL defect video covers the causes of solder fillet lifting – watch it at www.dataweek.co.za/video

Further reading:

20 years of precision, progress and purpose – the Jemstech journey
Jemstech Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Twenty years ago, Jemstech began as a small, determined venture built on technical excellence and trust. Today, it stands among South Africa’s leading electronic manufacturing service providers.

Read more...

---

An argument to redefine IPC class definitions for class 1, 2, & 3 electronics
MyKay Tronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
One of the most critical aspects of electronic assembly reliability is cleanliness. Contaminants left on a circuit board after the reflow process can lead to failures through mechanisms such as electrochemical migration or corrosion.

Read more...

---

Large platform stencil printer
Techmet Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
GKG’s large platform stencil printer, the P-Primo, is designed to meet customer’s ultra-large printing requirements by supporting board dimensions up to 850 x 610 mm.

Read more...

---

Press-fit component inspection
MyKay Tronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
In electronics manufacturing, optical inspection of press-fit components is crucial to ensure the quality, reliability, and performance of the final assembled product.

Read more...

---

A new era in wire bond inspection
Techmet Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Viscom is developing a 3D wire bond inspection system that incorporates substantially improved sensors, a high image resolution, and fast image data processing.

Read more...

---

High-speed, high-resolution material deposition system
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
ioTech recently unveiled the io600 inline digital laser material deposition system at productronica 2025.

Read more...

---

Mycronic’s MYPro A40 pick-and-place solution
MyKay Tronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Mycronic’s MYPro A40 pick-and-place solution, equipped with an MX7 high-speed mounthead technology, increases top placement speeds by 48% over the previous generation.

Read more...

---

Why ergonomics matters in digital microscopy
TANDM Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
While magnification technology has kept pace with demand, the wellbeing of the people behind the microscopes has often been overlooked with technicians spending long hours in intense focus, leading to chronic strain, fatigue, and costly mistakes.

Read more...

---

From ER to effortless: The 15-year journey of Seven Labs Technology
Seven Labs Technology Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
What started as a business likened to an ‘ER’ for electronic components has today grown into a trusted partner delivering kitting services and full turnkey solutions – taking the effort out of electronics and helping customers truly ‘Move to Effortless.’

Read more...

---

Choosing the right electrical component supplier for reliability and scale
Rebound Electronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Selecting the right supplier extends beyond cost or delivery time; it is about ensuring long-term reliability, compliance, and scalability.

Read more...

---