NPL defect of the month

9 November 2011 News Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

The accompanying photograph, taken from the NPL defect database (http://defectsdatabase.npl.co.uk) shows the surface of a nickel pad on a printed board after stripping the gold from the nickel surface.

The image shows limited evidence of corrosion on the nickel surface at the grain boundaries on a bare board. Some evidence of gold is also still visible. Solder joint failures when examined normally show far more corrosion around the nickel boundary. There is still a lot of debate on the subject of ‘black pad,’ but changes to nickel chemistry and better control have reduced solder joint failures.

Unfortunately many gold failures are attributed to black pad issues when clearly they are not. Close cooperation is necessary with the PCB supplier and its chemistry supplier to determine the cause of the problem. One should always ask to review the chemistry supplier’s audit reports conducted at the PCB supplier’s premises. Independent analysis may also be required if the assembly processes are considered the root cause of any joint failure. Things which should be reviewed include the PCB fabrication process, the reflow temperature and time in a liquid state for the solder paste.

November’s featured NPL defect video analyses methods of assembling package-on-package boards, and can be found at www.dataweek.co.za/video

Further reading:

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...

---

RS South Africa named master distributor for the Arduino UNO Q
RS South Africa News
RS South Africa announced that it has been named Master Distributor for the Arduino UNO Q SBC platform across South Africa and the broader African region.

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...

---

Driving excellence in electronics manufacturing
Jemstech Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Jemstech’s reputation for disciplined execution and client-focused service has earned it strong loyalty from companies operating in demanding industries.

Read more...

---

In sync with the line
Testerion Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
In modern SMT lines, stencil printing must meet two requirements at the same time: it has to ensure a reproducible solder paste volume, while adhering to the specified line cycle time.

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...

---