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» TEST & QUALITY ASSURANCE Source: MicroCare An ESD-safe flux remover dispensing system improves cleaning results, limits fluid waste and increases ESD safety Static dissipating PCB cleaning tools Some flux removers and other cleaning fluids used within PCB production can generate as much as 12,000 volts of ESD, which is more than enough to damage or destroy electronic components. This build-up of ESD comes from the friction of the static molecules as they move down the plastic spray tube, which is commonly used to dispense these cleaning products. There are, however, alternative tools that can be used with cleaning aerosols to dissipate any static charge. By removing the plastic straw and using a static zapping dispensing tool that attaches to the top of the aerosol can, ESD can be reduced. Made from durable aluminium and stainless steel, this static dissipating tool makes the user part of the grounding circuit by maintaining contact with it. This reduces static charges to just 50 volts to prevent ESD damage. Compressed air may cause damage Cleaning and drying PCB assemblies with compressed air may increase ESD. Fast moving air can cause charge separation, resulting in a build-up of static. To reduce the risk of ESD, use alternative cleaning tools and fluids specifically developed to dissipate the static and remove any contamination quickly. Static-safe flux remover dispenser An ESD-safe controlled flux remover dispensing system is another tool that helps to eliminate static when cleaning PCBs. It not only improves the outcome of benchtop cleaning but improves ESD safety. The dispensing system usually includes brush and syringe attachments. These help to clean under low surface mounted components for thorough cleaning. The scrubbing action of the brushes increases the effectiveness of the fluid, which loosens and rinses away contaminants with little effort and minimal cleaner. Using a controlled dispensing system keeps the flux remover clean for each use delivering the correct amount of fluid to wet the PCB completely but without overspray or waste. It reduces fluid use by up to 60% to help cut cleaning costs and ensure every drop inside the aerosol can is used. This in turn makes it easier to dispose of as non-hazardous waste. Cleaning with this tool also helps to control ESD by carrying down any charges to the ground, cutting the static going to the PCB, its microchips and other sensitive electronic components. Removing ESD to enhance PCB reliability ESD has no place in modern electronics manufacturing facilities. This invisible threat can have catastrophic effects on PCBs. As PCB assemblies become miniaturised and multi-functionalised, with highlysensitive components, the capacity to withstand applicable voltage is reduced, making them vulnerable to in-the-field failure. It is, therefore, important to ensure any ESD is removed. By controlling ESD, production efficiency can be improved, product quality and reliability can be increased and costs reduced. Implementing effective measures to prevent ESD in the workplace is fundamental. With the correct static-dissipating cleaning tools and fluids, electronic assemblies can be protected. www.microcare.com About the author Elizabeth Norwood is a Senior Chemist at MicroCare, provider of precision cleaning solutions. She has been in the industry for more than 25 years and has a BS in Chemistry from the University of St. Joseph, Connecticut. Norwood researches, develops and tests cleaning-related products. She currently has one patent issued and two pending for her work. 48 EPP Europe » 04 | 2023
Product Updates « TEST & QUALITY ASSURANCE In-circuit bed of nails and functional test solutions Seica launches new leading-edge test solution Seica has announced the premiere of the Compact LR, the latest addition to its in-circuit bed of nails and functional line of test solutions, the Compact Next line. “The Compact LR provides additional legacy replacement capabilities for customers looking to replace test systems which are no longer supported by the original manufacturers,” the company said. The configuration joins the existing legacy replacement solutions for in-circuit testers such as Aeroflex/Marconi as well as for functional testers including Computer Automation, Schlumberger/Factron, GR179X, and GR275X series, and Teradyne’s L2XX, and L3XX. The new system addresses the challenge of allowing redeployment of Teradyne Spectrum 8851 and 8852 fixtures onto a modern platform which includes all of the technologically advanced performances required by new applications, while at the same time allowing developers to continue to use their traditional standard fixture design. All the systems in the series are compatible with the ACL synthesized drive and sense instruments and the VIVA management software; but if required the Compact Line systems may be controlled also by alternative software packages such as LabviewTM, LabWindowsTM/CVI and TestStandTM by National Instruments. The manufacture‘s VIVA software platform also includes a fast, “The Compact LR provides additional legacy replacement capabilities for customers looking to replace test systems which are no longer supported by the original manufacturers,” the company said streamlined process to automatically generate and debug a complete test program starting from the board CAD data, enabling the immediate test of the prototype board to detect any manufacturing errors. Functional tests can be created easily, on the fly, with the powerful QuickTest software, with only the knowledge of the circuit to be tested. www.seica.com Source: Seica New AXI doubles cycle-time speed Saki adds ultra high-speed 3D AXI solution in-line x-ray inspection range Saki Corporation has added new 3D X-ray Automated Inspection System (3D-AXI) to its 3Xi-M110 range. The company says the new system, known as the 3Xi-M110 V3, further improves cycle time and inspection accuracy. “The newly-developed 3Xi-M110 V3 delivers an impressive 50% cycle-time reduction and the highest accuracy volumetric inspection results on the market today.” “At the core of the machine’s upgrades is the exclusive Planar CT technology and a The ultra-high-speed 3D-AXI machine delivers industry‘s fastest cycle-time speeds, highest inspection accuracy and 40% less power consumption per board Source: Saki Corporation suite of tools that are custom developed in-house to optimize the inspection of PCBs of every type. The [new] model delivers cycle times of more than twice as fast as previously possible and the accuracy provided is unparalleled, ensuring cleaner results untarnished by shadows or noise.” The company‘s Planar CT technology used in the system detects solder joint defects and microstructure abnormalities in highdensity PCBs. The automated X-ray in- spection system utilizes Real 3D volumetric inspection to clearly identify voids in multi-layer solder, THT assembly and BGA head-in-pillow issues, and defective component parts based on fillet position and other factors. The machine maintains the same light weight and footprint as the original 3Xi-M110 while consuming 40% less power per board which, the company says, underlines its commitment to sustainable manufacturing. “The 3Xi-M110 V3 model has merged hardware and software optimization to achieve speeds that are twice as fast as the previous model and to help improve manufacturing quality thanks to Saki‘s proprietary planar CT technology for X-ray inspection,” Norihiro Koike, President and CEO said. www.sakicorp.com/en/ EPP Europe » 04 | 2023 49
