|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Ask the Experts | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
February 17, 2023 - Updated May 2, 2012 - Originally Posted Mixing Different SAC305 SoldersWe have been using SAC305 bar solder from one supplier. We now want to source it from a different supplier. Should we be concerned if we mix the new bar solder in with the current solder in our wave soldering systems? Are there any reliability concerns? M.K. |
|||||||||||
| Expert Panel Responses | |||||||||||
|
If both of the manufacturers certify that their products conform to the requirements of J-STD-006, then the solders should be interchangeable. There may still be differences between different manufacturers' products with regard to the amounts of certain contaminants present, based on the source materials and processes used to manufacture the bar, but unless you have specific concerns/knowledge that lead you to conclude you need lower contamination limits than specified in J-STD-006, this should not be an issue. If you are producing high-reliability electronics (class 3), you will want to have independent testing done on incoming lots to verify the manufacturers' data.
Process Engineer Astronautics Fritz's career in electronics manufacturing has included diverse engineering roles including PWB fabrication, thick film print & fire, SMT and wave/selective solder process engineering, and electronics materials development and marketing. Fritz's educational background is in mechanical engineering with an emphasis on materials science. Design of Experiments (DoE) techniques have been an area of independent study. Fritz has published over a dozen papers at various industry conferences.
Provided the new material meets the requirements of the appropriate JSTD, I would see no issues in mixing the SAME alloy from two suppliers.
President S T and S Testing and Analysis Gerald O'Brien is Chairman of ANSI J-STD 003, and Co Chairman of IPC 4-14 Surface Finish Plating Committee. He is a key member of ANSI J-STD 002 and 311 G Committees Expert in Surface finish, Solderability issues and Failure analysis in the PWA, PWB and component fields.
As long as the assay reports on the two different vendors materials are of the same chemical levels there should be no issues.
President JSK Associates Based in. Northern California since 1971. Founded JSK Associates in 1979. Actively involved in soldering, cleaning, chemistries. 30 years experience in EOS/ESD control.
As long as the impurities are the same or less than your existing Alloy with the exceptions of Bi then you should be fine. HOWEVER,many companies claim various impurities so it is best to get it independently analyzed on a reliable analysis machine designed for solder alloys.
Technical Sales Manager BLT Circuit Services Ltd Greg York has over thirty two years of service in Electronics industry. York has installed over 600 Lead Free Lines in Europe with Solder and flux systems as well as Technical Support on SMT lines and trouble shooting.
SAC305 bar solder normally follows similar elemental specifications from one manufacturer to the other, so they are normally identical in composition.Adding one SAC305 to another manufacturer's SAC305 is not usually a problem. Some manufacturers may use some recycled materials to make the bar solder but because of the high tin content this is done to a lesser extent than tin-lead solder.If it is recycled you want to pay attention to the impurities but also it may create more dross in use at times.Creation of more dross or oxides during use will not impact quality of the solder joint but increase operating costs. The other factor is the quality and consistency of the solder itself, composition at times depending on the method used to make each bar, the tin or silver content may be higher or lower.Process consistency is key, so dealing with a reliable supplier is important. It is important to have the lowest lead content and copper within limits since this may go up in use and require pot adjustments.
Senior Market Development Engineer Kester Mr. Biocca was a chemist with many years experience in soldering technologies. He presented around the world in matters relating to process optimization and assembly. He was the author of many technical papers delivered globally. Mr. Biocca was a respected mentor in the electronics industry. He passed away in November, 2014.
First, I would recommend you to check the certificate of conformity (CoC) or the certificate of analysis (CoA) of the new suppliers alloy: does it conform to J-STD-006 ? are the maximum levels of impurity the same or even better compared to your current supplier? Second, check the quality of your current solder bath: is it in the specification or close to the limits? If necessary, adjust it first. Then, you can add the new bars, there will no concern of reliability.
Application Manager Inventec Performance Chemicals Emmanuelle Guene began her career as an R&D Technician with Promosol, which later became Inventec Performance Chemicals, France. Upon obtaining her Masters of Chemistry degree in Organic Synthesis from CNAM in Paris in 2003, Emmanuelle became a Development Engineer where she has been involved in formulating leading edge solder pastes and fluxes as well as providing training and technical support to customers worldwide. Since 2011, she is worldwide Application Manager.
Based upon all the patents on solder alloys, I would doubt there would be a problem. To verify this make sure you review the certificate of analysis which comes in with every lot of solder you buy. The analysis should be very similar, if they are not something is wrong and I would not mix them, but if the percentages are exactly the same then I see no problem in mixing them in the wave. If this is the first time you are thinking about doing this due to the cost of solder from one supplier to another, this raises a red flag. I would recommend an independent analysis of the alloys to make sure they are in fact compatible. Additionally make certain the analysis also checks for sulfur and other types of salts as these are sometimes used to clean impurities from reclaim solder and this could lead to increase dross in the wave. Finally, I would recommend working with reputable firms in the purchase of bar solder for the wave as there is no such thing a low cost solder. It may be less expensive to buy, but the quality of the solder joint and the quality of the product cannot be put in jeopardy, due to buying low cost materials.
Vice President, Technical Director EPTAC Corporation At EPTAC Corporation, Mr. Lambert oversees content of course offerings, IPC Certification programs and provides customers with expert consultation in electronics manufacturing, including RoHS/WEEE and lead free issues. Leo is also the IPC General Chairman for the Assembly/Joining Process Committee.
In most circumstances mixing SAC305 bar from different suppliers is fine. However, keep in mind that some solder manufacturers use virgin raw metals and some use reclaimed metals. Putting reclaimed SAC305 bar into a solder pot with virgin SAC305 can cause contamination and excessive drossing. Contamination, depending on the type and amount, can affect solder joint strength and reliability. In the distant past, OEMs and CMs would test a supplier's solder materials for purity and consistency and would only purchase from approved suppliers. Many still do, but the volatility of the metals market is pushing price to the forefront. The pressure to switch, or add solder suppliers, without proper testing is growing. Ultimately you want your customers to have confidence in the quality and durability of your products. Your suppliers play a very important role in helping gain that confidence. The best answer is to test the composition of a few different lots from your prospective solder supplier. The process is quick and painless and will give you the data you need to make the best choice.
V.P. Technology & Engineering Fine Line Stencil, Inc. Robert Dervaes has worked in the electronics industry since 1992 in both design and manufacturing. Over the past 11 years he has established the technical foundation of Fine Line Stencil, Inc. - a premier stencil supplier to the electronics industry.
Yes, you can mix, but ensure the alloys are from 100% virgin materials, as more and more offers on the market are based on recycled material that makes uneasy the respect of tight impurities range. The better is to check the items as per J-STD-006 make assembly trial in your process. You can perform a lab analysis if required, or an end to line IPC-A-610 inspection should be sufficient to validate first batch.
PCBA Industrialization Schneider Electric Have 18 years of experience in electronic Industrialization. Specialties in PCB Design & manufacturing process, PCBA Process Development and Continuous Improvement.
In theory yes you can mix suppliers, however we have had issues where compliant SAC305 actually had various 'anti-dross' agents added. For wave soldering this may be okay, but for selective can cause issues.
Marketing Manager Pillarhouse International Ltd Mr. Smith has been in the electronics industry for over 30 years, the last 21 in the Selective Soldering field. He has progressed from electronics design, through after sales and now marketing.
I wouldn't have solder joint reliability concerns, but there can be performance differences between vendors due to material inputs and manufacturing processes. And as Simon points out, selective soldering processes cannot have dross reducing agents incorporated into the alloy as they will dramatically reduce soldering nozzle life.
Director of Product Management AIM Timothy O'Neill is the Director of Product Management for AIM Solder. AIM Solder is a leading global manufacturer of assembly materials for the electronics industry. Mr. O’Neill has 25 years of industry experience is a Certified IPC Specialist.
Mr. O’Neill’s responsibilities include developing product and technical information; he is a technical writer and presenter for industry trade publications and events and has been recognized as a Speaker of Distinction by the SMTA. |
|||||||||||
| Submit A Comment | |||||||||||
|
Comments are reviewed prior to posting. You must include your full name to have your comments posted. We will not post your email address. |
|
Free Newsletter Subscription
Circuitnet is built for professionals who bear the responsibility of looking ahead, imagining the future, and preparing for it. Insert Your Email Address |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|