The solder paste I'm using allows for eight hours between stenciling and reflow. Can one increase that time by refrigerating again? Since PCB assembly isn't exactly my "day job", I want the flexibility to stencil then leave for a few days before pick&place or pick&place then leave for a few days before reflow. Any thoughts on this?
Refrigerate after stenciling/pick&place
Jun 01, 2009
6 Replies
I don't know the answer, but I'm curious - do you have your own pick and place machine or are you doing it manually?
-- Joe
I believe the problem is in the solder paste *oxidizing*...
If that's the case (certainly plausible) then drop the board into one of these gizmos and pull a vacuum in it before tossing it in the fridge.
Rich Webb Norfolk, VA
Manually, us>
Agreed, an air-tight storage container is the best thing to use. Even though ideal, don't think a vacuum is necessary at least not with the paste I'm using. Stencil paste is more forgiving when compared to syringe paste.
en
fA vacuum might even make things worse if the paste is actually drying out. Then again, maybe a relatively inert atmosphere would work better, such as N or CO2. Try e-mailing the paste manufacturer.
-- Joe
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