White Papers

Check the box next to each paper you want to download. You may download as many papers as you wish. After selecting papers and completing the contact information form on this page, the paper(s) will be e-mailed to you at the e-mail address you provide.

Papers by Chris Nash

• Choosing a Pb-Free Solder Paste

  by Chris Nash

  With all the different Pb-Free solder pastes on the market today, how does anyone choose the correct solder paste that will ensure finished goods reliability? The answer lies within the hands of the experts. A few quick phone calls to the solder paste manufacturer and you will be building Pb-Free printed circuit boards in no time.

  pb-free, lead-free

  [Permanent Link to this Paper]

  Posted on 4 Mar 2010

• Compatibility of Polymers and Fluxes: Getting to the Heart of the Matter

  by Chris Nash, Andy C. Mackie PhD

  Few things strike more dread in the hearts of technical service personnel than the words: “Is your flux compatible with material XYZ?” This issue is especially difficult if XYZ polymerizes (cures). The customer’s expectation is that there will be an unequivocal yes-or-no answer, yet there is a myriad of complexities behind which the question that materials suppliers and users alike are sometimes unaware. This question may come from engineers in any of the fields of SMT (surface mount technology) to power semiconductor die-attach to flip-chip underfill. This paper explains customer fears that lie behind the compatibility question; gives a better concept of what may be in the customer’s mind when they ask if a material is “compatible”; and also explains potential failure modes, main control parameters, and what test methods are currently available to test “compatibility”.

  [Permanent Link to this Paper]

  Posted on 4 Mar 2010

• The Basics of Soldering

  by Chris Nash

  In this article, I will present a basic overview of soldering for those who are new to the world of soldering and for those who could use a refresher. I will discuss the definition of soldering, the basics of metallurgy, how to choose the proper alloy, the purpose of a flux, soldering temperatures, and typical heating sources for soldering operations.

  soldering, metallurgy, flux, Solder Basics

  [Permanent Link to this Paper]

  Posted on 10 Mar 2010

• Understanding SIR

  by Eric Bastow, Chris Nash

  Many electronics manufacturers perform SIR testing to evaluate solder materials and sometimes the results they obtain differ significantly from those stated by the solder material provider. The difference in the results is typically the result of SIR coupon preparation. This paper will discuss the issue of SIR coupon preparation, board cleaning techniques, and how board cleanliness directly affects SIR results.

  solder paste, flux, SIR, surface insulation resistance, solder materials

  [Permanent Link to this Paper]

  Posted on 20 Jun 2011

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