10.2.2 Tinning, Chip/Discrete Components, Robotic

Outline

This procedure covers the robotic tinning of chip components.

Caution: Due to the need to completely control the rates of immersion and emersion of the chip component terminations and the dwell times in and between each process step, a robotic hot solder dip is recommended for chip component tinning. Semi-automatic or purely manual solder dipping processes may not be capable of completely controlling the rates of immersion and emersion of the chip component terminations and only provide approximate dwell dipping times in the solder bath. Greater variation in the process may cause a higher chance of damage, including latent reliability problems.

Manual dipping required for full solder finish replacement is different than manual dipping currently practiced for meeting solderability requirements because of the increased need for 100% coverage on the chip component leads to preventing whisker growth. Certain electronic component package styles may not lend themselves to robotic hot solder dipping and may require alternative processing.

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-610	Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies


Procedure References
1.0	Foreword
2.1	Handling Electronic Assemblies
2.2	Cleaning
2.5	Baking and Preheating
10.1.1	Component Tinning Basics
IPC J-STD-033	Joint Industry Standard for Handling, Packing, Shipping and Use of Moisture/Reflow Sensitive Surface Mount Device
J-STD-001	Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies
J-STD-020	Moisture/Reflow Sensitivity Classification for Nonhermetic Surface Mount Devices
GEIA-STD-0006	Requirements for Using Solder Dip to Replace the Finish on Electronic Piece Parts
Manufacturer's Datasheets	Requirements for case temperature maximum and Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)

Additional Items and Supplies ▼

Images and Figures

10.2.2 Tinning, Chip/Discrete Components, Robotic

Various Chip Components.

Figure 1. Custom holding fixture tray.

Figure 2. Robotic tinning system for controlled tinning of components.

Procedure

Procedure

Ensure the components to be processed meet the requirements for acceptable Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL).
Note: For information on baking and moisture level control, see 2.5 Baking and Preheating.
A matrix tray or custom holding fixture tray will be required if the components are supplied on tape and reel. (Figure 1.)
Set up the Robotic Tinning System with the proper process parameters, including solder immersion depth, dwell times, insertion and extraction speeds, solder temperature, and other settings. (Figure 2.)
Note: Refer to the component datasheet for guidelines regarding component peak temperature specifications and other process parameters.
Load the chip components onto the fixture or matrix tray and place them into the Robotic Tinning System.
Activate the Robotic Tinning System's process cycle.
Using a multi-head vacuum pickup or mechanical grippers, pick up a row of chip components from the tray.
Apply flux to the chip component terminations.
Remove the excess flux using the robotic system air knife.
Run the components through the preheat stage to activate the flux and reduce the likelihood of temperature shock when placed in the liquidus solder.
Dip the terminations of the chip components into the solder pot and rotate the nozzle(s) until all the terminations have been tinned.
Run the components through a filtered hot water rinse to remove the flux residues.
Dry the components using the robotic system air knife.
Return the tinned chip components to their original position in the matrix tray or precision machined tray.
Complete the cleaning by washing the components in a cleaning system.
Dry the components in a general-purpose oven.
Visually inspect the chip components' appearance, cleanliness, and condition. Check the terminations for acceptable solder coverage and inspect the body of the chip components for abnormalities.
Before packaging for shipping, dry the components again in a general-purpose oven at a temperature and for a time that meets the components' stated Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) requirement from the manufacturer's datasheet.

Evaluation

Visual examination
Tests or other inspection criteria as specified by customer drawings.