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Bob Willis
at
optical view of the complete plated through hole. The easy method of
forming a concave meniscus on the surface and removing excess oil is to use
blotting paper.
In the case of any air trapment being present in the hole further oil is applied
until a clear view of the complete internal surface is obtained. The sample
board is mounted over a light source; this allows illumination of the plating
through the hole. A simple light box or illuminated bottom stage on a
microscope may provide suitable lighting.
A suitable optical viewing aid will be required to examine the hole during
test. For general examination 5X magnification will allow viewing of bubble
formation, for a more detailed examination of the through hole 25X
magnification should be used.
The next stage of the test method is to reflow the solder in the plated through
holes which also locally heats the surrounding board area. The easiest
method is to apply a fine tipped soldering iron to the pad area on the board
or to a track connecting to the pad area. The tip temperature can be varied
but 500oF is normally satisfactory. The hole should be examined
simultaneously during application of the soldering iron. Seconds after the
complete reflow of the tin lead plating in the through hole bubbles will be
seen emanating from any thin or porous area in the through plating.
Outgassing is seen as a constant stream of bubbles which indicates pin holes,
cracks, voids or thin plating.
Generally if outgassing is seen it will continue for a considerable time, in
most cases it will continue until the heat source is removed. This may
continue for 1-2 minutes; in these cases the heat may cause discoloration to
the board material. Generally assessment can be made within 30 seconds of
application of heat to the circuit.
After testing the board may be cleaned in a suitable solvent to remove the oil
used during the test procedure. The test allows fast and effective
examination of the surface of the copper or tin/lead plating. The test may be
used on through holes with non tin/lead surfaces, in the cases of other
organic coatings any bubbling due to the coatings will cease within a few
seconds. The test also provides the opportunity to record the results both on
video or film for future discussion.
TEST EQUIPMENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
A video tape explaining the origins of outgassing and how to conduct the
test procedure above is available from the SMART Group.