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1 – 4 of 4Songtao Qu and Qingyu Shi
In the electronic assembly industry, low-temperature soldering holds great potential to be used in surface mounting technology. Tin–bismuth (Sn–Bi) eutectic alloys are lead-free…
Abstract
Purpose
In the electronic assembly industry, low-temperature soldering holds great potential to be used in surface mounting technology. Tin–bismuth (Sn–Bi) eutectic alloys are lead-free solders applied in consumer electronics because of their low melting point, high strength and low cost. This paper aims to investigate how to address the problem of hot tear crack formation during Sn–Bi low-temperature solder (LTS) in the mass production of consumer electronics.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper explored the development of hot tear cracks during Sn–Bi soldering in the fabrication of flip chip ball grid arrays. Experiments were designed to simulate various conditions encountered in Sn–Bi soldering. Quantitative analysis was conducted on the number of hot tear cracks observed in different alloy compositions and solder volumes to explore the primary cause of hot tear cracks and possible methods to suppress crack formation.
Findings
Hot tear cracks existed in Sn–Bi solders with different bismuth (Bi) contents, but increasing the solder volume reduced the number of hot tear cracks. Experiments were designed to test the degree of chip transient thermal warpage with temperature change, and, according to the results, glue was dispensed in specific areas to reduce chip warpage deformation. Finally, the results of combined process experiments pointed to an effective method of low-temperature soldering to suppress hot tear cracks.
Research limitations/implications
The study focuses on Sn–Bi solders only without other solder pastes such as SAC305 or Sn–Zn series.
Practical implications
With the growing popularity of smart electronics, especially in intelligent terminals, new energy vehicles electronics, solar photovoltaic and other field, there will be more and more demand for low- temperature, energy-saving, lead-free solders. Therefore, this study will help the industry to roll out LTS (Sn–Bi) solutions rapidly.
Social implications
In the long term, lean and green manufacturing is expected to be essential for maintaining an advanced manufacturing industry across the world. Developing new LTSs and soldering processes is the most effective, direct solution for energy conservation and emission mitigation. With the growing popularity of smart electronics, especially in intelligent terminals, new energy vehicles and solar photovoltaics, there would be an increased demand for low-temperature, energy-saving, lead-free techniques.
Originality/value
Although there are many methods that can be used to suppress hot tear cracks, there is little research on how to control the hot tear cracks caused by the low-temperature soldering of Sn–Bi in laptop applications. The authors studied the hot tear cracks that developed during the world’s first mass production of 50 million personal laptops based on low-temperature Sn–Bi alloy solder pastes. By controlling the Bi content, redesigning the solder paste printing process (e.g. through a printer’s stencil) and adding dispensing processes, the authors obtained reliable and stable experimental data and conclusions.
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Mohamad Solehin Mohamed Sunar, Maria Abu Bakar, Atiqah A., Azman Jalar, Muhamed Abdul Fatah Muhamed Mukhtar and Fakhrozi Che Ani
This paper aims to investigate the effect of physical vapor deposition (PVD)-coated stencil wall aperture on the life span of fine-pitch stencil printing.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effect of physical vapor deposition (PVD)-coated stencil wall aperture on the life span of fine-pitch stencil printing.
Design/methodology/approach
The fine-pitch stencil used in this work is fabricated by electroform process and subsequently nano-coated using the PVD process. Stencil printing process was then performed to print the solder paste onto the printed circuit board (PCB) pad. The solder paste release was observed by solder paste inspection (SPI) and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The printing cycle of up to 80,000 cycles was used to investigate the life span of stencil printing.
Findings
The finding shows that the performance of stencil printing in terms of solder printing quality is highly dependent on the surface roughness of the stencil aperture. PVD-coated stencil aperture can prolong the life span of stencil printing with an acceptable performance rate of about 60%.
Originality/value
Stencil printing is one of the important processes in surface mount technology to apply solder paste on the PCB. The stencil’s life span greatly depends on the type of solder paste, stencil printing cycles involved and stencil conditions such as the shape of the aperture, size and thickness of the stencil. This study will provide valuable insight into the relationship between the coated stencil wall aperture via PVD process on the life span of fine-pitch stencil printing.
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Bingyi Li, Songtao Qu and Gong Zhang
This study aims to focus on the surface mount technology (SMT) mass production process of Sn-9Zn-2.5Bi-1.5In solder. It explores it with some components that will provide…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on the surface mount technology (SMT) mass production process of Sn-9Zn-2.5Bi-1.5In solder. It explores it with some components that will provide theoretical support for the industrial SMT application of Sn-Zn solder.
Design/methodology/approach
This study evaluates the properties of solder pastes and selects a more appropriate reflow parameter by comparing the microstructure of solder joints with different reflow soldering profile parameters. The aim is to provide an economical and reliable process for SMT production in the industry.
Findings
Solder paste wettability and solder ball testing in a nitrogen environment with an oxygen content of 3,000 ppm meet the requirements of industrial production. The printing performance of the solder paste is good and can achieve a printing rate of 100–160 mm/s. When soldering with a traditional stepped reflow soldering profile, air bubbles are generated on the surface of the solder joint, and there are many voids and defects in the solder joint. A linear reflow soldering profile reduces the residence time below the melting point of the solder paste (approximately 110 s). This reduces the time the zinc is oxidized, reducing solder joint defects. The joint strength of tin-zinc joints soldered with the optimized reflow parameters is close to that of Sn-58Bi and SAC305, with high joint strength.
Originality/value
This study attempts to industrialize the application of Sn-Zn solder and solves the problem that Sn-Zn solder paste is prone to be oxidized in the application and obtains the SMT process parameters suitable for Sn-9Zn-2.5Bi-1.5In solder.
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Kanwal Anil, Anil Misra and Ruchika Bal
The case projects how a women-led social enterprise provides livelihoods through a digitally operated unique micro-entrepreneurship model for the rural artisans of the Indian…
Abstract
Social implications
The case projects how a women-led social enterprise provides livelihoods through a digitally operated unique micro-entrepreneurship model for the rural artisans of the Indian handicrafts industry, thus bringing about social change through economic empowerment of the community.
Learning outcomes
To understand how women entrepreneurship is contributing towards livelihood generation and rural artisan empowerment in India. To understand the make-up of a for-profit social enterprise in the Indian Handicrafts Industry, its challenges and solutions through innovative business. To present the mindset and journey of a woman social entrepreneur. To present and understand the growth and scaling up of such unique social ventures. To understand a unique form of the micro entrepreneurship model being built through digital platforms.
Case overview/synopsis
The objective of writing this case is to bring out a case of women entrepreneurship in the craft-based industry in India. This case seeks to emphasise on the following learning themes in the area of entrepreneurship: Women entrepreneurship: trials and tribulations. Micro entrepreneurship/rural artisan empowerment. Livelihood generation and upliftment of the rural artisans and revival of dying art and crafts in the Indian craft-based industry. The novel ecommerce and data analytics experience being skilfully incorporated by small enterprises to their vantage and making both the seller’s as well as the buyer’s experience unique. The case highlights how the unique business models of social entrepreneurship through the use of technology bring the digital experience to rural India. Social entrepreneurship. The case narrates the story of a budding social entrepreneur Megha Das who is a textile designer by profession and showcases her journey towards the creation of unique digital platforms which transf
Complexity academic level
The case has been targeted to be taught in Masters level course in business management/administration, entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, development studies, gender studies, design, etc. Its watered-down version can also be taught in under graduate programs in commerce, business management, business administration, fashion and textile designing, entrepreneurship, development studies, gender studies, etc.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CCS 3: Entrepreneurship.
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