Lead Free PCB Key Questions & Answers
These are some key questions to ask yourself when buying a lead-free board:1. What temperatures and duration does the laminate need to withstand in order to survive lead-free processing?
Before placing a printed circuit board order, buyers should know the maximum temperature and maximum time their assembly process requires. This information will depend on your solder process and your lead-free alloy processing temperature. The time is accumulative, so if you wave solder a part for 5 seconds, reflow it for 8 seconds and then rework it for another 5 seconds you will have a total of an 18-second excursion. Temperature thresholds typically referenced are T-260 and T-288 ratings. These are the times it would take for a sample to delaminate at either 260 or 288 C constant temperature. 2. What final finish is desired?
There are several options. Often the choice will be dictated by the printed circuit board designer, however, when the opportunity arises to choose a finish you must be aware of the issues surrounding each.
Please check out our finishes for a quick reference - there are several factors that may make one finish better for a particular part number or assembly operation. Certainly, the experience and expertise of the processing organization will figure into the mix.
3. What are the Dielectric and Impedance values of the printed circuit board design?
Boards designed for specific dielectric attributes of most FR4 laminates may not function correctly when placed on higher thermal capacity materials. It is important to understand the function of the board and that a laminate or a final finish change could alter the designer’s intent. As an example, a typical mid-range Tg laminate has a Dk of 4.25 at 1GHz while a high temp material from the same manufacturer is at 4.6. The Df ranges from 0.016 to 0.023 on the higher thermal capacity material. If you have questions about the direction to go, consultation with the designer is a must. 4. Will the current PCB design need to be changed?
Most current designs will be adequate for initial processing but should be reviewed for any possible assembly processing issues. New board designs should take the new processing into consideration. Smaller boards have fewer temperature issues than larger ones with high layer counts. Consider the number of processes your board will need. For instance, surface mounts on both sides require two thermal process excursions. Look at your component list - are all components in the design available as ROHS-compliant items? Do they require longer soak or processing times? What else is available? 5. How soon can I get the boards I need?
Many manufacturers may have issues processing your order in time. There could be issues with outsourcing your final finish, they may not stock the laminate that you need, or they might not even be able to produce RoHS-compliant products. Normally the processing of a RoHS board is not appreciably longer than a normal board. Active Sales is able to provide quick-turn solutions for your lead-free needs. Contact your sales representative. 6. What will the boards be used for? Are you in the testing phase or production phase?
If you are just beginning to test your processes you may be able to reduce your costs by having prototype boards manufactured on the less expensive, lower thermal capacity laminates, You could even consider using a less expensive final surface finish like LF Hasl or Immersion Silver. Once you reach production runs, obviously you need to make sure you’re using the proper laminates and finishes required. 7. What additional information should be added to the fabrication documentation to ensure the boards will come back RoHS compliant?• First, add a statement that either lists the 6 offending elements or manufactures/fabricate to meet the EU RoHS Directive.• Second, state the type of material you need using the IPC-4101 spec sheets and list any tolerances you expect the material to meet.• Or you could list a preferred laminate by manufacturer & name and add "or equivalent".• Ask for certification that the board is RoHS compliant and for traceable markings if they are not already present on the boards. The same requirements should be added to your purchase order.
Before placing a printed circuit board order, buyers should know the maximum temperature and maximum time their assembly process requires. This information will depend on your solder process and your lead-free alloy processing temperature. The time is accumulative, so if you wave solder a part for 5 seconds, reflow it for 8 seconds and then rework it for another 5 seconds you will have a total of an 18-second excursion. Temperature thresholds typically referenced are T-260 and T-288 ratings. These are the times it would take for a sample to delaminate at either 260 or 288 C constant temperature. 2. What final finish is desired?
There are several options. Often the choice will be dictated by the printed circuit board designer, however, when the opportunity arises to choose a finish you must be aware of the issues surrounding each.
Please check out our finishes for a quick reference - there are several factors that may make one finish better for a particular part number or assembly operation. Certainly, the experience and expertise of the processing organization will figure into the mix.
3. What are the Dielectric and Impedance values of the printed circuit board design?
Boards designed for specific dielectric attributes of most FR4 laminates may not function correctly when placed on higher thermal capacity materials. It is important to understand the function of the board and that a laminate or a final finish change could alter the designer’s intent. As an example, a typical mid-range Tg laminate has a Dk of 4.25 at 1GHz while a high temp material from the same manufacturer is at 4.6. The Df ranges from 0.016 to 0.023 on the higher thermal capacity material. If you have questions about the direction to go, consultation with the designer is a must. 4. Will the current PCB design need to be changed?
Most current designs will be adequate for initial processing but should be reviewed for any possible assembly processing issues. New board designs should take the new processing into consideration. Smaller boards have fewer temperature issues than larger ones with high layer counts. Consider the number of processes your board will need. For instance, surface mounts on both sides require two thermal process excursions. Look at your component list - are all components in the design available as ROHS-compliant items? Do they require longer soak or processing times? What else is available? 5. How soon can I get the boards I need?
Many manufacturers may have issues processing your order in time. There could be issues with outsourcing your final finish, they may not stock the laminate that you need, or they might not even be able to produce RoHS-compliant products. Normally the processing of a RoHS board is not appreciably longer than a normal board. Active Sales is able to provide quick-turn solutions for your lead-free needs. Contact your sales representative. 6. What will the boards be used for? Are you in the testing phase or production phase?
If you are just beginning to test your processes you may be able to reduce your costs by having prototype boards manufactured on the less expensive, lower thermal capacity laminates, You could even consider using a less expensive final surface finish like LF Hasl or Immersion Silver. Once you reach production runs, obviously you need to make sure you’re using the proper laminates and finishes required. 7. What additional information should be added to the fabrication documentation to ensure the boards will come back RoHS compliant?• First, add a statement that either lists the 6 offending elements or manufactures/fabricate to meet the EU RoHS Directive.• Second, state the type of material you need using the IPC-4101 spec sheets and list any tolerances you expect the material to meet.• Or you could list a preferred laminate by manufacturer & name and add "or equivalent".• Ask for certification that the board is RoHS compliant and for traceable markings if they are not already present on the boards. The same requirements should be added to your purchase order.