NPL defect of the month
14 September 2011
News
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The NPL defect database (http://defectsdatabase.npl.co.uk) this month features the accompanying microsection image showing an open connection between the through-hole copper plating and the inner layer tracking.
The microsection has been poorly prepared with potential damage to the plating during grinding. As can be seen, there is no resin in the hole to support the through-hole copper plating. The surface of the copper is rounded so one would not be able, in this example, to prove the root cause of the problem.
It is accepted that the sample has been poorly prepared – any time a section is being prepared, it is important that resin enters the through-hole. In the case of via holes, they may be coated with solder mask; in this case the mask surface must be broken to allow resin to enter the hole. If a section is found to not have resin in it prior to grinding to the centre, it is important to stop grinding. This allows the hole to be filled with resin, recurred prior to further grinding of the sample.
In an issue unrelated to the above, to gain insight into the causes and tests for solder beading, visit www.dataweek.co.za/video to watch an informative video.
Further reading:
Rooibos heads to space
News
A South African scientific initiative linking agriculture and space research has officially launched today with the Rooibos in Space programme at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town.
Read more...
The new reality of PCB material supply
Jemstech
Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
How resilient manufacturing strategies are helping OEMs navigate a changing global supply chain.
Read more...
Strengthening local electronics manufacturing through investment and innovation
Microtronix Manufacturing
Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Microtronix South Africa cements its commitment to local manufacturing with ongoing investments in production capacity, skills development, and job creation.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Local can be international
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Welcome to the July 2026 issue of
Dataweek. As you can see from this introduction,
Dataweek’s regular editor, Peter Howells, is on extended leave and I am filling the void in his editor’s column – hopefully without being too boring.
Read more...
Landis+Gyr EMEA introduces new company name: EYKON
News
EYKON is the new company name of Landis+Gyr EMEA, formerly part of the Landis+Gyr Group. The company supports electricity, gas, water and thermal utilities in managing increasingly complex networks, improving operational efficiency and enabling more sustainable use of resources.
Read more...
Yamaha Robotics will show visitors to EFX
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services News
Yamaha Robotics will show visitors to EFX 2026, the Expo for Electronics Manufacturing, in Stuttgart from 6-8 October 2026, how advanced surface-mount automation helps companies grow their business and increase productivity.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: The art of measuring the truth
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
All electronic measurements are a lie. The trick is making the lie as small as possible.
Read more...
TSE has relocated
News
The Technology Station in Electronics (TSE) has entered a new chapter with its relocation from the CSIR campus to TUT-owned building at Ditsela Place in Hatfield.
Read more...
Innovative MyLegrand app
RS South Africa
News
Legrand SA is set to launch the MyLegrand mobile application, a digital platform designed to strengthen engagement across its professional network.
Read more...
Kulani Energy acquires critical assets from Optipower
News
Kulani Energy preserves engineering, procurement, and construction capability and positions a wholly women-owned firm at the forefront of South Africa’s grid expansion.
Read more...
printer friendly version