Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/935136
46 SMT007 MAGAZINE I FEBRUARY 2018 Figure 3: Print definition improvements. hours of line time. They weigh the importance of each characteristic to their operation and rank the solder pastes' performance relative to each other. The scorecard mathematically calculates overall performance scores to help the engineer determine the best chemistry for their process. "I will be presenting a paper on how we took the test vehicle from the lab to the line at the APEX conference, and Henkel and Practical Components will be featuring it in their booths on the show floor." Best Practices Shea is very involved in solder paste print- ing, because she says that's a pivotal area where money is made or lost on an SMT line. Having said that, one of the best practices that she sees in printing is the use of nanocoating, engineered solvent for under wiping, and coat- ing-compatible wiper material. "We call that combo the 'trifecta.' It is extremely effective and very cost efficient. I've done the research, published the numbers and posted the videos. And companies like Rauland-Borg have quantified the process improvements and cost savings they have real- ized by deploying this 'tech trifecta' on their lines," she explains. She also stresses on the need to use an SPI (solder paste inspection) machine. "I teach lots of printing classes. I always stress SPI. I tell people if there is only one automated inspection machine they can add to their line this year, it should be an SPI machine. These things not only pay for themselves very quickly, they are a great analytical tool to help engineers test and tune print processes," Shea says. Overall, Shea is a huge proponent of process control throughout the entire factory. "I was lucky enough to work for a brilliant statistician early in my career, and I quickly became a believer," she concludes. SMT007 I tell people if there is only one automated inspection machine they can add to their line this year, it should be an SPI machine.