circuitnet
Sponsor
SEHO Systems GmbH
You need clear soldering results?
The SEHO PowerVision AOI system is for fast, automated optical inspection. Designed for THT processes & focusses on 2 points: Continuous quality assurance & cost-efficient production processes.
SEHO Systems GmbH
Introducing New Board-to-Board Connectors
Sponsor
Circuit Technology Center
The Right Tools for Every PCB Repair
Damaged circuit boards don't always need to be replaced. CircuitMedic offers professional-grade repair kits, tools, and materials for restoring damaged pads, traces, plated holes, and circuit board surfaces.
Circuit Technology Center
Ask the Experts
QUESTIONS
  
SUBMIT
  
MEMBERS
  
JOIN
November 11, 2009 - Updated
November 9, 2009 - Originally Posted

Component Clearance Specification

Is there a general minimum spacing requirement we should apply to SMD components to comply with the majority of SMT pick and place systems on the market? Are there different minimum spacing requirements for small chip caps such as 0204s and 0805s vs larger components such as QFP's?
P. R.
Expert Panel Responses
Realistically the smallest spacing between components will be about 0.15mm. Even though a machine might be rated to place better there are several other variables that must be overcome. First is the land pattern, if the land matches the component one-to-one its not a big variable, but ifthe land isbigger or smaller than the component it can create variation in positioning during reflow. Next is part deviation, the tolerance of the component itselfcan be as much as 0.03mm part-to-part from the same vendor, different vendors increase the variable even more. You will also have to take into account pre-placed components, nozzle dimensional deviation and part center to nozzle deviation. If you add it all up, 0.15mm works good. To answer the second part of the question, the minimum tolerance doesn't really change with the part size, the variables all remain about the same.

Scott Wischoffer
Marketing Manager, Fuji America Corporation
Scott Wischoffer has been in the SMT industry since 1986 with experience in service, training, sales & applications, and marketing.
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.

Your Name


Your Company
Your E-mail


Your Country
Your Comments



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

Sponsor
BEST Inc.
Bring IPC Training to Your Facility
Mobile training center offers IPC certified classes at your company’s facility making solder training effective and convenient for your entire team.
BEST Inc.
Focus on Storage Solutions -post APEX