Residual free solder process for fluxless solder pastes

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Hanss ◽  
Gordon Elger
Keyword(s):  
Formic Acid ◽  
Market Potential ◽  
Solder Paste ◽  
Solder Alloys ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Soldering Process ◽  
Fluxless Soldering ◽  
Solder Pastes ◽  
Free Solder ◽  
Metal Formates

Purpose For soldering, flux is essential because it enables the wetting of the molten solder. Fluxless soldering, i.e. residue-free soldering with the aid of gaseous activators, has been known for many years, but is only well established in the field of opto- and microwave electronics where the solder is applied as preform. In high-volume SMD applications where solder paste is printed, this technology is rarely used until now. The reducing effect of a gaseous activator like formic acid vapor on certain solder alloys is known in practice. However, the corresponding reactions which occur under soldering conditions in nitrogen atmosphere have so far not been systematically investigated for different solder alloys. This study aims to analyze the different chemical reaction channels which occur on the surface of different solders, i.e. catalytical dissociation of formic acid on the pure or oxidized metal surface and the formation and evaporation of metal formates. Based on this analysis, a residue-free solder process under formic acid is developed for solder paste applications. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, different solder alloys (SnAgCu, SnPb, BiSn, In) were analyzed with thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) under formic acid flow. Details on mass change depending on the soldering temperature are presented. Activation temperatures are estimated and correlated to the soldering processes. Based on the analysis, fluxless solder pastes and suitable soldering processes are developed and presented. Major paste properties such as printability are compared to a commercial flux solder paste. High-power flip chip LEDs which can be assembled directly on a printed circuit board are used to demonstrate the fluxless soldering. Likewise, the soldering results of standard paste and fluxless paste systems after a reflow process are evaluated and compared. Findings The experimental results show that TGA is an efficient way to gain deeper understanding of the redox processes which occur under formic acid activation, i.e. the formation of metal formates and their evaporation and dissociation. It is possible to solder residue-free not only with preforms but also with a fluxless solder paste. The resulting solder joints have the same quality as those for standard solder paste in terms of voids detected by X-ray and mechanical shear strength. Originality/value In the fluxless soldering process, the reduction of oxide layers, and therefore the wetting of the solder spheres, is enabled by gaseous formic acid. After the soldering process, no cleaning process is necessary because no corrosive residues are left on the circuit boards and components. Therefore, soldering using solder paste without aggressive chemical ingredients has a high market potential. Expensive preforms could be replaced by paste dispensing or paste printing.

X-ray inspection and Six-Sigma in analysis of LED thermal pad coverage

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Dziurdzia ◽  
Janusz Mikolajek
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Vapour Phase ◽  
Inspection System ◽  
Solder Paste ◽  
Process Variables ◽  
Reflow Soldering ◽  
Content Type ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Solder Pastes ◽  
Free Solder

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate selected methods of reduction voidings in lead-free solder joints underneath thermal pads of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), using X-ray inspection and Six Sigma methodology. Design/methodology/approach On the basis of cause and effect diagram for solder voiding, the potential causes of voids and influence of process variables on void formation were found. Three process variables were chosen: the type of reflow soldering, vacuum incorporation and the type of solder paste. Samples of LEDs were mounted with convection and vapour phase reflow soldering. Vacuum was incorporated into vapour phase soldering. Two types of solder pastes OM338PT and LFS-216LT were used. Algorithm incorporated into X-ray inspection system enabled to calculate the statistical distribution of LED thermal pad coverage and to find the process capability index (Cpk) of applied soldering techniques. Findings The evaluation of selected soldering processes of LEDs in respect of their thermal pad coverage and statistical Cpk indices is presented. Vapour-phase soldering with vacuum is capable (Cpk > 1) for OM338PT and LFS-216LT paste. Convection reflow without vacuum with LFS-216LT paste is also capable (Cpk = 1.1). Other technological soldering processes require improvements. Vacuum improves radically the capability of a reflow soldering for an LED assembly. When vacuum is not accessible, some improvement of capability to a lower extent is possible by an application of void-free solder pastes. Originality/value Six Sigma statistical methodology combined with X-ray diagnosis was used to check whether applied methods of void reduction underneath LED thermal pads are capable processes.

Low-voiding solder pastes in LED assembly

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-217
Author(s):  
Barbara Dziurdzia ◽  
Maciej Sobolewski ◽  
Janusz Mikołajek ◽  
Sebastian Wroński
Keyword(s):  
Solder Joints ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Solder Paste ◽  
Production Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Electronic Manufacturing ◽  
Industry Practice ◽  
Solder Pastes ◽  
Free Solder

Purpose This paper aims to investigate voiding phenomena in solder joints under thermal pads of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) assembled in mass production environment by reflow soldering by using seven low-voiding lead-free solder pastes. Design/methodology/approach The solder pastes investigated are of SAC305 type, Innolot type or they are especially formulated by the manufacturers on the base of (SnAgCu) alloys with addition of some alloying elements such as Bi, In, Sb and Ti to provide low-void contents. The SnPb solder paste – OM5100 – was used as a benchmark. The solder paste coverage of LED solder pads was chosen as a measure of void contents in solder joints because of common usage of this parameter in industry practice. Findings It was found that the highest coverage and, related to it, the least void contents are in solder joints formed with the pastes LMPA-Q and REL61, which are characterized by the coverage of mean value 93.13% [standard deviation (SD) = 2.72%] and 92.93% (SD = 2.77%), respectively. The void diameters reach the mean value equal to 0.061 mm (SD = 0.044 mm) for LMPA-Q and 0.074 mm (SD = 0.052 mm) for REL61. The results are presented in the form of histograms, plot boxes and X-ray images. Some selected solder joints were observed with 3D computer tomography. Originality/value The statistical analyses are carried out on the basis of 2D X-ray images with using Origin software. They enable to compare features of various solder pastes recommended by manufacturers as low voiding. The results might be useful for solder paste manufacturers or electronic manufacturing services.

Effects of In and Sb addition on the thermal and wetting behavior of Sn-3.5Ag solder

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 233-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Hasnine
Keyword(s):  
Differential Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Melting Point ◽  
Thermal Behavior ◽  
Surface Finish ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Solder Alloys ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cu Substrate ◽  
Free Solder

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effect of In and Sb additions on the thermal behavior and wettability of Sn-3.5Ag-xIn-ySb (x = 0, 1.0 and 1.5 Wt.%, y = 0, 1.0, 1.4 and 2.1 Wt.%) solder alloys. Design/methodology/approach The thermal behavior of the Pb-free solder alloys was studied using differential scanning calorimetry. Wetting balance experiments were performed in accordance with the IPC standard, IPC-TM-650 and at a temperature of 260°C. Also, a solder spread test was performed on a Cu surface finish using the JIS-Z-3197 solderability standard. Findings It is shown that among the selected Sn-3.5Ag-xIn-ySb (x = 0, 1.0 and 1.5 Wt.%, y = 0, 1.0, 1.4 and 2.1 Wt.%) alloys, Sn-3.5Ag-1.5In-1Sb showed the lowest melting point and the lowest undercooling temperature. The best wettability was achieved when the In and Sb contents were approximately 1.5 and 1.0 Wt.%, respectively. The effect of the combined addition of In and Sb on solder spreadability on a Cu substrate was also demonstrated. Originality/value It was found that adding approximately 1.5 and 1.0 Wt.% of In and Sb, respectively, in Sn-3.5Ag solder provided the best wetting performance and improved the solder spreadability.

Effects of nano-copper particles on the properties of Sn58Bi composite solder pastes

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Zhang ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
Fenglian Sun ◽  
Gaofang Ban ◽  
Jiajie Fan
Keyword(s):  
Formation Mechanism ◽  
Composite Solder ◽  
Defect Formation ◽  
Void Formation ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Solder Paste ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Weight Percentage ◽  
Copper Particles ◽  
Solder Pastes

Purpose This paper aimed to investigate the effects of nano-copper particles on the melting behaviors, wettability and defect formation mechanism of the Sn58Bi composite solder pastes. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the mechanical stirring method was used to get the nano-composite solder pastes. Findings Experimental results indicated that the addition of 3 wt.% (weight percentage) 50 nm copper particles showed limited effects on the melting behaviors of the Sn58Bi composite solder paste. The spreading rate of the Sn58Bi composite solder paste showed a decreasing trend with the increase of the weight percentage of 50 nm copper particles from 0 to 3 wt.%. With the addition of copper particles of diameters 50 nm, 500 nm or 6.5 μm into the Sn58Bi solder paste, the porosities of the three types of solder pastes showed a similar trend. The porosity increased with the increase of the weight percentage of copper particles. Based on the experimental results, a model of the void formation mechanism was proposed. During reflow, the copper particles reacted with Sn in the matrix and formed intermetallic compounds, which gathered around the voids produced by the volatilization of flux. The exclusion of the voids was suppressed and eventually led to the formation of defects. Originality/value This study provides an optimized material for the second and third level packaging. A model of the void formation mechanism was proposed.

SAC–xTiO2 nano-reinforced lead-free solder joint characterizations in ultra-fine package assembly

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fakhrozi Che Ani ◽  
Azman Jalar ◽  
Abdullah Aziz Saad ◽  
Chu Yee Khor ◽  
Roslina Ismail ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Solder Joint ◽  
Solder Joints ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Lead Free ◽  
Lead Free Solder ◽  
Solder Paste ◽  
Content Type ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Free Solder

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the characteristics of ultra-fine lead-free solder joints reinforced with TiO2 nanoparticles in an electronic assembly. Design/methodology/approach This study focused on the microstructure and quality of solder joints. Various percentages of TiO2 nanoparticles were mixed with a lead-free Sn-3.5Ag-0.7Cu solder paste. This new form of nano-reinforced lead-free solder paste was used to assemble a miniature package consisting of an ultra-fine capacitor on a printed circuit board by means of a reflow soldering process. The microstructure and the fillet height were investigated using a focused ion beam, a high-resolution transmission electron microscope system equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), and a field emission scanning electron microscope coupled with an EDS and X-ray diffraction machine. Findings The experimental results revealed that the intermetallic compound with the lowest thickness was produced by the nano-reinforced solder with a TiO2 content of 0.05 Wt.%. Increasing the TiO2 content to 0.15 Wt.% led to an improvement in the fillet height. The characteristics of the solder joint fulfilled the reliability requirements of the IPC standards. Practical implications This study provides engineers with a profound understanding of the characteristics of ultra-fine nano-reinforced solder joint packages in the microelectronics industry. Originality/value The findings are expected to provide proper guidelines and references with regard to the manufacture of miniaturized electronic packages. This study also explored the effects of TiO2 on the microstructure and the fillet height of ultra-fine capacitors.

Effect of Sb additions on the creep behaviour of low temperature lead-free Sn–8Zn–3Bi solder alloy

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guang Ren ◽  
Maurice Collins
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Solder Alloy ◽  
Creep Behaviour ◽  
Lead Free ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Secondary Creep ◽  
Lead Free Solder ◽  
Solder Alloys ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Free Solder

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the creep behaviour of the recently developed Sn–8Zn–3Bi–xSb (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5) low temperature lead-free solder alloys. Design/methodology/approach An in-house compressive test rig was developed to perform creep tests under stresses of 20–40 MPa and temperature range 25°C–75 °C. Dorn power law and Garofalo hyperbolic sine law were used to model the secondary creep rate. Findings High coefficient of determination R2 of 0.99 is achieved for both the models. It was found that the activation energy of Sn–8Zn–3Bi solder alloy can be significantly increased with addition of Sb, by 60% to 90 kJ/mol approximately, whereas the secondary creep exponent falls in the range 3–7. Improved creep resistance is attributed to solid solution strengthening introduced by micro-alloying. Creep mechanisms that govern the deformation of these newly developed lead-free solder alloys have also been proposed. Originality/value The findings are expected to fill the gap of knowledge on creep behaviour of these newly developed solder alloys, which are possible alternatives as lead-free interconnecting material in low temperature electronic assembly.

Thermo-mechanical challenges of reflowed lead-free solder joints in surface mount components: a review

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Sean Lau ◽  
C.Y. Khor ◽  
D. Soares ◽  
J.C. Teixeira ◽  
M.Z. Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Solder Joints ◽  
Simulation Modelling ◽  
Lead Free ◽  
Lead Free Solder ◽  
Reflow Process ◽  
Reflow Soldering ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Surface Mount ◽  
Soldering Process ◽  
Free Solder

Purpose The purpose of the present study was to review the thermo-mechanical challenges of reflowed lead-free solder joints in surface mount components (SMCs). The topics of the review include challenges in modelling of the reflow soldering process, optimization and the future challenges in the reflow soldering process. Besides, the numerical approach of lead-free solder reliability is also discussed. Design/methodology/approach Lead-free reflow soldering is one of the most significant processes in the development of surface mount technology, especially toward the miniaturization of the advanced SMCs package. The challenges lead to more complex thermal responses when the PCB assembly passes through the reflow oven. The virtual modelling tools facilitate the modelling and simulation of the lead-free reflow process, which provide more data and clear visualization on the particular process. Findings With the growing trend of computer power and software capability, the multidisciplinary simulation, such as the temperature and thermal stress of lead-free SMCs, under the influenced of a specific process atmosphere can be provided. A simulation modelling technique for the thermal response and flow field prediction of a reflow process is cost-effective and has greatly helped the engineer to eliminate guesswork. Besides, simulated-based optimization methods of the reflow process have gained popularity because of them being economical and have reduced time-consumption, and these provide more information compared to the experimental hardware. The advantages and disadvantages of the simulation modelling in the reflow soldering process are also briefly discussed. Practical implications This literature review provides the engineers and researchers with a profound understanding of the thermo-mechanical challenges of reflowed lead-free solder joints in SMCs and the challenges of simulation modelling in the reflow process. Originality/value The unique challenges in solder joint reliability, and direction of future research in reflow process were identified to clarify the solutions to solve lead-free reliability issues in the electronics manufacturing industry.

Wetting properties of Nd:YAG laser treated copper by SAC solders

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
József Hlinka ◽  
Miklós Berczeli ◽  
Gábor Buza ◽  
Zoltán Weltsch
Keyword(s):  
Surface Treatment ◽  
Laser Treatment ◽  
Contact Angles ◽  
Laser Surface ◽  
Lead Free Solder ◽  
Solder Paste ◽  
Laser Surface Treatment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wetting Properties ◽  
Free Solder

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the effect of surface treatment on the wettability between copper and a lead-free solder paste. The industrial applications of laser technologies are increasing constantly. A specific laser treatment can modify the surface energy of copper and affect the wetting properties. Design/methodology/approach The surfaces of copper plates were treated using an Nd:YAG laser with varying laser powers. After laser surface treatment, wetting experiments were performed between the copper plates and SAC305 lead-free solder paste. The effect of laser treatment on copper surface was analysed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Findings The experimental results showed that the wetting contact angles changed with the variation in laser power. Furthermore, it means that the surface energy of copper plates was changed by the laser treatment. The results demonstrated that the contact angles also changed when a different soldering paste was used. Originality/value Previous laser surface treatment can be a possible way to optimize the wettability between solders and substrates and to increase the quality of the soldered joints.

An Investigation of the Lead-Free Surface Mount Soldering Process: Solder Joint Evaluation and Process Optimisation

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Ryan ◽  
Jeff M. Punch ◽  
Bryan Rodgers ◽  
Greg Heaslip ◽  
Shane O’Neill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Screen Printing ◽  
Solder Joints ◽  
Lead Free ◽  
Lead Free Solder ◽  
Solder Paste ◽  
Surface Mount ◽  
Snagcu Solder ◽  
Soldering Process ◽  
Free Process ◽  
Free Solder

A European Union ban on lead in most electrical and electronic equipment will be imposed as of July 1st 2006. The ban, along with market pressures, means that manufacturers must transfer from a tin-lead soldering process to a lead-free process. In this paper the implications on the surface mount (SMT) soldering process are presented. A set of experiments was conducted to investigate the screen-printing and reflow steps of the SMT process using a tin-silver-copper (95.5Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu) solder and a baseline of standard tin-lead (63Sn37Pb). 10×10 arrays of micro Ball Grid Array (micro-BGA) components mounted on 8-layer FR4 printed wiring boards (PWBs) were used. The screen-printing experiment addressed the deposition of the solder paste on the board. The parameters used in the investigation were print speed, squeegee pressure, snap-off distance, separation speed and cleaning interval, with the responses being measurements of paste height and volume. Optimum screen-printer settings were determined which give adequate paste volume and height and a good print definition. The reflow experiment investigated the following parameters of the temperature profile: preheat, soak, peak and cool down temperatures, and conveyor speed. The resulting solder joints were evaluated using cross-section analysis and x-ray techniques in order to determine the presence of defects. A mechanical fatigue test was also carried out in order to compare the strength of the solder joints. The overall quality of the lead-free solder joints was determined from these tests and compared to that of tin-lead. The outcome is a set of manufacturing guidelines for transferring to lead-free solder including optimum screen-printer and reflow oven settings for use with an SnAgCu solder.

scholarly journals Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Properties of SAC0307 Lead-Free Solder Paste

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kannachai Kanlayasiri ◽  
Nadee Meesathien
Keyword(s):  
Zinc Oxide ◽  
Zno Nanoparticles ◽  
Intermetallic Layer ◽  
Copper Substrate ◽  
Lead Free ◽  
Lead Free Solder ◽  
Solder Paste ◽  
Nano Zno ◽  
Solder Pastes ◽  
Free Solder

This research investigates the effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles of varying concentrations 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 wt.% on the melting temperatures, wettability, printability, slump, and interfacial microstructure of the ZnO-doped Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu lead-free solder pastes on the copper substrate. The results revealed that the introduction of the ZnO particles had no effect on the solidus and liquidus temperatures of the solders. The maximum wettability was achieved with 0.25 wt.% ZnO nanoparticles, while the printability was inversely correlated with the nano-ZnO concentrations. The findings also indicated that, at room temperature, the slumping and the nano-ZnO concentrations were positively correlated and that, under the 150°C thermal condition, the maximum slumping was achieved with 0.25 wt.% ZnO. The slumping mechanism of the SAC0307-xZnO solder pastes is also provided herein. Moreover, the experiments showed that Cu6Sn5 was the single intermetallic compound present in the interfacial layer between the solders and the copper substrate, with the maximum intermetallic layer thickness realized at the 0.25 wt.% ZnO concentration.

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