Useful Tips of QC in SMT Process

 

Printing Process

 

Quality printing results are mainly affected by 3 elements below which must be taken care of during printing process.

 

 

  1. Metal Mask

-The control on cleanliness must be done every 12 hours.

-It is compulsory for 1005 or 0.5 pitch QFP

-Reason: To prevent clogging.

(Clog: the surface of squeegee will be clogged with the solder paste, or the paste itself will be clogged in the opening when the cleaning is insufficient).

 

          -Both handy and auto are available for ultrasonic mask cleaner.

-Confirm the opening of the metal mask (especially corners) by lighting up from the bottom after cleaning.

 

-Please be advised that do not put aluminum tape to fix the mask and its flame. Bonding is the most advisable method for fixing mask.

 

-Concave parts on the mask will affect flattens of metal mask which not only causes the difficulties of paste removal but also will damage the squeegees.

 

 

  1. Squeegee

-Cleanliness is a must and to be done in every 12 hours (same way of cleaning)

 

-Ensure the sharpness of the edges after cleaning.

 

-Rubber squeegee does not harm the mask; printing pressure adjustment must be done for big or small opening mask.

 

-Squeegee edge must be checked and changed daily.

 

-Changing the pressure without checking the squeegee condition will worsen the printing result.

 

-Metal squeegee stabilize printing although it could life span of mask will be shorter.

 

-The condition of mask must be monitored regularly, otherwise when the mask/ metal squeegee wears off, more defectives generated (less solder, bridge, etc.) because of poor ability of paste removal. 

 

 

  1. Solder Paste

-It is advisable that before printing, paste must be stirred properly as like the image mixing of jam and cream.

 

-Color is defected when the mixed paste is not equally and sufficiently stirred; in the other hand, it will be too soft when it is stirred excessively.

         

          -Inner/ outer lid of can must be always tighten and sealed properly.

         

-Excessive paste flow from squeegee must be removed to prevent clogging.

                  

-Maintaining cautious on the smells of solder. Unfavorable solder will incur awful odors. 

 

 

:: Quoted by Rising Dragon, 9-Nov-2009 ::