NPL defect of the month

12 October 2011 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services News

Taken from the NPL defect database (http://defectsdatabase.npl.co.uk), the accompanying image shows a side view of solder joints on an LGA/QFN package. Between the terminations, evidence of flux residues is visible and would be common on a standard assembly process. Flux residues are also visible under the package.

Looking closely at these flux residues, it is apparent that the process of cleaning has not been correctly or completely reviewed. The residues look to have been through a cleaning process and are not being dissolved or are insoluble due to poor process compatibility. A proper evaluation of the process, paste, cleaning system and chemistry needs to be conducted to confirm the residues are compatible and the cleaning system is capable of cleaning the component stand-off height on this LGA QFN package. Normally the standoff height of these packages is below 0,004”; the example shown had a standoff height of 0,008”.

In October’s featured NPL defect video (accessible at www.dataweek.co.za/video), industry expert Bob Willis discusses the causes and tests for outgassing on through-hole leads.

Further reading:

Weller limited Black Edition soldering station
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Würth Elektronik expands its EMC product portfolio with nanocrystalline WE-FNCS sheets.

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With smarter localisation, clearer procurement rules and a more deliberate industrial strategy, public spending could again become a powerful engine for rebuilding factories, expanding supply chains and restoring confidence in South Africa as a place that makes things.

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The effect of seasonal changes on ESD performance in South Africa
Actum Editor's Choice Circuit & System Protection Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Electrostatic discharge performance is influenced by several environmental factors, with relative humidity being one of the most important. This is particularly relevant in South Africa, where seasonal changes can result in significant differences in humidity levels.

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High precision in-line conformal coating inspection system
MyKay Tronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Conformal coating is widely used to protect electronics from moisture or other environmental hazards. It is critical to know if coatings are properly applied; covering what is meant to be covered and not covering what should be exposed.

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Soldering day highlights
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
JAPAN UNIX has published a new event report and highlight video from their UNIX SOLDERING DAY 2026 in Hungary. This event reflects on their commitment to supporting manufacturers not only through soldering automation systems, but also through technical education, live demonstrations, hands-on training, and practical engineering know-how.

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Clearing the Static: Electrostatic Discharge
Actum Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
A cordless ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) wrist strap does not work by grounding the person in the same way as a traditional wired wrist strap. Instead, it works by reducing or balancing the static charge on your body so that you are less likely to discharge electricity into sensitive electronic components.

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Engineering trust in South Africa’s SMT sector
ZETECH ONE Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
From a small Johannesburg start-up to a trusted SMT technology partner, Zetech One has spent four decades helping South African electronics manufacturers improve production quality, efficiency and reliability.

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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.

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Streamlining Device Programming with the AutoBee-D1
Vepac Electronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The AutoBee-D1 desktop automated programmer is designed to simplify the programming of devices, while delivering consistent accuracy, high throughput and reduced manual intervention.

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