RoHS and stencils

Subscribe to Thread

We have a customer that is transitioning to RoHS compliant a... - Mar 03, 2006 by

Haven't done any studies other than how clean can you get a ... - Mar 03, 2006 by RDR

We've looked at our stencil under magnification after hand c... - Mar 03, 2006 by

i think a more important issue here would be the reduction r... - Mar 03, 2006 by Amol Kane

Our CMs require a new stencil to be purchased, even if it is... - Mar 06, 2006 by muse

Brad

#40158

RoHS and stencils | 3 March, 2006

We have a customer that is transitioning to RoHS compliant assemblies. Their layouts are not changing from the old boards to the compliant ones so the stencils will remain unchanged. They are going through a transition phase where both will be built. Have there been any studies done regarding any potential cross contamination of lead to lead free assemblies from the stencil? We ultrasonically clean the stencils after every job. Instead of using the same stencil, would it be beneficial to order a new stencil just for the compliant assembly?

This message was posted via the Electronics Forum @

reply »

RDR

#40159

RoHS and stencils | 3 March, 2006

Haven't done any studies other than how clean can you get a stencil. I would clean 'em and inspect the apertures and see if you have any residues. If so, I would clean again the amount left would be so miniscule that I don't beleive it would cause a non-compliance.

If you have the money to buy a new stencil for this I would go ahead if you are worried.

I personally would not however.

reply »

Chunks

#40164

RoHS and stencils | 3 March, 2006

We've looked at our stencil under magnification after hand cleaning. There is some paste left behind. Machine washing removes all of the paste. Your best bet is to clean like normal, then look at the aps under magnification. Adjust accordingly (apply, lather, rinse, repeat). Like others have posted, the small amount you would mix in is probably so small you'd never know it, but why cause yourself all them sleepless nights.

reply »

Amol Kane

#40166

RoHS and stencils | 3 March, 2006

i think a more important issue here would be the reduction ratio. as LF solders have a higher surface tension, they do not flow as well as their leaded counterparts. therefore the stencil design may have to be changed (hence a new stencil) if the reduction ratio on the old stencil produces insufficient wetting of the pad/insuifficient fillet heights etc.

reply »

muse

#40213

RoHS and stencils | 6 March, 2006

Our CMs require a new stencil to be purchased, even if it is no different, or else sign a waiver. We purchased a new stencil.

reply »