08 Mar 2007
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Manufacturing problem resolution
Failure Analysis and Problem Resolution
Requirement
A manufacturer of printed circuit boards had noticed unacceptable “white residues” on some products, following soldering and cleaning on a high volume production line. The residues needed to be identified to determine if they would damage the products, and their cause eliminated.
Solution
Product Assurance Group analysed the deposits in its laboratories. The analysis indicated that the residues were related to flux, suggesting the defluxing process on the circuit boards was not well-controlled or effective. A visit by Product Assurance Group to the customer’s production site enabled a review of the in-line aqueous cleaning equipment to be carried out. Inspection of the defluxing agent showed it to be out of shelf-life and saturated with contaminants. More frequent solution replacement was recommended, together with regular checks on the shelf-life of the product.
Benefits
Product Assurance Group were able to identify the contaminant and its cause. The “white residues” were able to be eliminated, thus ensuring a reliable product and avoiding downstream issues.
