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4.5.1 Land Repair, Epoxy Method

 
Outline
This method is used to replace damaged and lifted lands. The damaged lands are replaced with new lands. The new lands are bonded to the circuit board surface using epoxy.

Caution: This method is used to replace a damaged or missing land, but the new land will not have an intermetallic connection to the remaining plated hole. The solder joint of the replaced component will restore the electrical connection.

Caution: It is essential that the board surface be smooth and flat. If the baseboard is damaged, see appropriate procedure.

Note: This method uses new lands that are fabricated from copper foil. They are available in hundreds of sizes and shapes and are generally supplied solder plated. If a special size or shape is needed, it can be custom fabricated.


Minimum Skill Level - Advanced
Recommended for technicians with soldering and component rework skills and exposure to most repair/rework procedures, but lacking extensive experience.

Conformance Level - Medium
This procedure may have some variance with the physical character of the original and most likely varies with some of 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 4.5.1 Land Repair, Epoxy 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.
201-1400
Land/Pad Repair Kit
Kit to repair circuit board damage including lands and pads.
201-1600
Aerospace Repair Kit
Kit to replace damaged lands and pads where out-gassing of epoxy may be an issue.
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.
201-4350
Repair Skills Practice Kit
Training kit to practice circuit board repair skills prior to testing for certification.
201-7100
Precision Tool Set
Nine precision-crafted tools for detailed circuit board work.
Tools and Materials
circuit-frames
Circuit Frames
Circuit Frames
115-3302
Circuit Bond Epoxy
Clear, superior strength epoxy in two-compartment plastic packages.
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.
Microscope
Microscope
Precision microscope with stand and lighting for work and inspection.
Oven
Oven
General purpose oven for drying, baking and curing epoxies.
Solderinmg Iron
Soldering Iron
Properly maintained soldering iron and properly sized soldering iron tips.
Hot Plate
Tweezers
Multiple sizes and tip configurations of tweezers for various small parts handling needs.
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
Circuit Frames
Circuit Frames have a dry-film adhesive backing that is heat-cured in 30 seconds. Use Circuit Frames to repair and replace damaged surface mount pads, lands and conductors without the mess of liquid epoxy, with a bond strength equal to the original, in just a few minutes. The dry-film adhesive backing makes this delicate repair procedure easy, fast, and highly reliable. Circuit Frames are available with a bright tin, tin/lead and nickel/gold plating finishes. This reliable IPC recommended procedure meets the highest conformance level for this type of repair. For over 30 years Circuit Frames have been used by thousands of commercial, medical and military manufacturers around the globe. Below are examples for some Circuit Frame patterns.
Images and Figures
4.5.1 Land Repair, Epoxy Method
Damaged Land
4.5.1 Land Repair, Epoxy Method
Figure 1: Remove the defective land and remove soldermask from the connecting circuit.
4.5.1 Land Repair, Epoxy Method
Figure 2: Select a replacement land that matches the missing land.

4.5.1 Land Repair, Epoxy Method
Figure 3: Cut out the replacement land.
4.5.1 Land Repair, Epoxy Method
Figure 4: Apply epoxy to the back surface and hold in place using hight temperature tape.
4.5.1 Land Repair, Epoxy Method
Figure 5: Completed repair.

Procedure
  1. Clean the area.
  2. Remove the defective land and a short length of the connecting circuit, if any. (See Figure 1)
  3. Use the knife and scrape off any epoxy residue, contamination, or burned material from the board surface.
    Caution: Abrasion operations can generate electrostatic charges.
  4. Scrape off any solder mask or coating from the connecting circuit. (See Figure 1)
  5. Clean the area.
  6. Apply a small amount of liquid flux to the connection area on the board surface and tin with solder. Clean the area. The length of the overlap solder connection should be a minimum of 2 times the circuit width.
  7. The area for the new pad on the board surface must be smooth and flat. If internal fibers of the board are exposed or if there are deep scratches on the surface, they should be repaired. Refer to the appropriate procedure.
  8. Select a replacement land that most closely matches the land to be replaced. (See Figure 2)
  9. Cut out and trim the new land. Cut the length to provide the maximum allowable circuit overlap for soldering. Minimum two times the circuit width. (See Figure 3)
    Note: The new replacement land may be trimmed from a copper sheet.
  10. Mix the epoxy and apply a small amount to the surface where the new land will be placed.
  11. Place a piece of High-Temperature Tape over the top surface of the land. Place the new land into position on the circuit board surface using the tape to aid in alignment. (See Figure 4)
  12. Cure the epoxy per Procedure 2.7 Epoxy Mixing and Handling.
  13. After the epoxy has cured, remove the High-Temperature Tape used for the alignment. Carefully clean the area and inspect the new land for proper alignment.
  14. If the new land has a connecting circuit apply a small amount of liquid flux to the lap solder joint connection area and solder the circuit from the new land to the circuit on the circuit board surface. Use minimal flux and solder to ensure a reliable connection. Tape may be placed over the top of the new land to prevent excess solder.
    Note: If the configuration permits, the overlap solder joint connection should be a minimum of 3.00 mm (0.125") from the related termination. This gap will minimize the possibility of simultaneous reflow during soldering operations. Refer to 7.1 Soldering Basics.
  15. Remove the tape and clean the area.
  16. Mix the epoxy and coat the lap solder joint connections. Cure the epoxy per Procedure 2.7 Epoxy Mixing and Handling.
    Note: Additional epoxy can be applied around the perimeter of the new land to provide additional bond strength.
    Caution: Some components may be sensitive to high temperatures.
  17. Carefully remove any excess epoxy inside the plated hole using a ball mill or drill bit. Turn the ball mill or drill bit by hand to prevent damage to the wall of the plated through hole.
  18. Install the proper component and solder in place.
    Note: This method is used to replace a damaged or missing land, but the new land will not have an intermetallic connection to the remaining plated hole. The solder joint of the replaced component will restore the integrity of the electrical connection, or an eyelet or buss wire may be used. See Plated Hole Repair Procedures.
  19. Apply surface coating to match prior coating as required.
Evaluation
  1. Visual examination.
  2. Measurement of new pad width and spacing.
  3. Electrical continuity measurement.
Procedure for reference only.