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3.3.2 Hole Repair, Transplant Method

 
Outline
This method is used to repair severe damage to a hole or to modify the size, shape, or location of an unsupported tooling or mounting hole. The hole may have component leads, wires, fasteners, pins, terminals, or other hardware run through it. This repair method uses a dowel of matching board material and high-strength epoxy to secure the dowel in place. After the new material is bonded in place, a new hole can be drilled. This method can be used on single-sided, double-sided, or multilayer circuit boards and assemblies.

Caution: Damaged inner-layer connections may require surface wire adds.

Minimum Skill Level - Expert
Recommended for technicians with advanced soldering and component rework skills and extensive experience in most repair/rework procedures.

Conformance Level - High
This procedure most closely duplicates the physical characteristics of the original, and most probably complies with all the functional, environmental and serviceability factors.

Acceptability References
IPC-A-600 2.0 Externally Observable Characteristics
IPC-A-610 10.0 Laminate Conditions
Procedure References
1.0 Foreword
2.1 Handling Electronic Assemblies
2.2 Cleaning
2.5 Baking And Preheating
2.7 Epoxy Mixing and Handling
IPC7721 3.3.2 Hole Repair, Transplant Method
Kits and Systems
201-2100
Professional Repair Kit
Kit to repair circuit board damage including pads, lands, conductors, base material and plated holes.
201-2400
Master Repair Kit
Kit to repair circuit board damage including pads, lands, conductors and base material.
201-3110
Base Board Repair Kit
Kit to repair base board and laminate damage on circuit boards.
115-1322
Circuit Bond Kit
Includes packages of clear, low viscosity, superior strength epoxy for circuit board damage repair.
110-4106
Micro Drill System
Versatile power tool for milling, drilling, grinding, cutting and sanding circuit boards.
201-7100
Precision Tool Set
Nine precision-crafted tools for detailed circuit board work.
Tools and Materials
cutting
Ball Mills, Abrasives, Cutting Tools
Ball mills, abrasives and cutting tools for working on circuit boards.
235-2106-5
Cleaning Brushes
Disposable brushes for solvent cleaning and application of coatings.
115-3302
Circuit Bond Epoxy
Clear, superior strength epoxy in two-compartment plastic packages.
115-3132
File
High carbon steel needle file perfect for all kinds of detail work.
235-3050
High Temp Tape Discs
High temperature polyimide tape discs, .50" diameter.
355-0614
Knife with #16 Blades
A must-have tool for precise cutting, scraping and trimming.
335-3197
Scraper, Curved Tip
Hardened stainless steel tip for scraping solder mask and removing defects.
Additional Items and Supplies
Cleaner
Cleaner
General purpose cleaner for removing contamination.
End Mills
End Mills
Designed for end cutting and hole boring.
Microscope
Microscope
Precision microscope with stand and lighting for work and inspection.
Oven
Oven
General purpose oven for drying, baking and curing epoxies.
Drill
Precision Drill
Precision drill press for accuracy and controlled depth drilling.
Wipes
Wipes
Nonabrasive, low-linting wipes for cleanup.
Circuit Bond Epoxy
Circuit Bond is a clear, low viscosity, superior strength epoxy precisely measured out into two-compartment plastic packages, so it's easy to use, and there's no measuring. For over a decade, this high-strength epoxy has been qualified and used by thousands of high-rel electronics manufacturers across the globe.
1. Circuit Bond has a working pot life of 30 minutes. It should not be mixed until ready to use.
2. To use Circuit Bond, remove the plastic clip separating the resin and hardener. Squeeze back and forth from one half of the package to the other to mix the contents.
3. Cut a corner off the package and squeeze all the contents into a Plastic Cup. Stir the contents to ensure it is thoroughly mixed.
4. Circuit Bond may contain bubbles from the mixing process. If needed, use a vacuum system to remove bubbles.
5. Color Agent can be mixed in with Circuit Bond to match surface colors if desired.
6. Apply using a Foam Swab, Micro Probe, or Mixing Stick as required.
7. Cure Circuit Bond for 24 hours at room temperature or 4 hours at 65°C (150°F).
Specifications
Packaging2 gram pre-measured packages
Mix ratio4 parts resin to 1 part hardener
Mix Ratio by Weight (R/H)100/25
ColorClear, transparent
Pot life30 minutes
Cure cycle24 hours at room temp (25 °C) or 4 hours @ 65°C
Thixotropic Index1
Specific Gravity1.20
Percent Solids100%
Viscosity (after mixing)2000 cps
Operating temperature range-55°C to 135°C
Hardness88 Shore D
Lap Shear, Alum to Alum1100 psi
Glass Transition Temperature, Ultimate92°C
Coefficient of Expansion, cm/cm/°C6 E-05
Dielectric strength400 volts/mil
Dielectric Constant, 1KHz@25°C4
Shelf Life6 months minimum
Images and Figures
3.3.2 Hole Repair, Transplant Method
Damaged Hole, Non Plated
3.3.2 Hole Repair, Transplant Method
Figure 1: New hole is milled to encompass entire damaged area.
3.3.2 Hole Repair, Transplant Method
Figure 2: Place replacement dowel in position and bond with epoxy.

3.3.2 Hole Repair, Transplant Method
Figure 3: Cut off excess material and re-drill holes as required.
3.3.2 Hole Repair, Transplant Method
Figure 4: Micro-Drill System.
Procedure
  1. Clean the area.
  2. Drill out the damaged or improperly sized hole using a carbide end mill or drill. Mill the hole using a precision drill press or milling machine for accuracy. The diameter of the cutting tool should be as small as possible yet still encompass the entire damaged area. (See Figure 1)
    Note: Abrasion operations can generate electrostatic charges.
  3. Cut a piece of replacement base material rod. The base material rod is made from FR-4 dowel stock. Cut the length approximately 12.0 mm (0.50") longer than needed.
  4. Clean the reworked area.
  5. Use High-Temperature Tape to protect exposed parts of the circuit board bordering the rework area.
  6. Mix the epoxy.
  7. Coat both the dowel and the hole with epoxy and fit together. Apply additional epoxy around the perimeter of the new material. (See Figure 2) Remove excess epoxy.
  8. Cure the epoxy per Procedure 2.7 Epoxy Mixing and Handling.
    Caution: Some components may be sensitive to high temperatures.
  9. Remove the tape and cut off the excess material using the razor saw. Mill or file the dowel flush with the board surface. (See Figure 3)
  10. Complete the procedure by redrilling holes and adding circuitry as required. (See Figure 3)
    Note: Apply surface coating to match prior coating as required.
  11. Clean the reworked area.
Evaluation
  1. Visual and dimensional examination of the reworked area for conformance to drawings and specifications.
Procedure for reference only.