Genny,

I find this interesting because from my readings both here on the LF
List serve and in the various trade magazines most organizations are
unclear what the exact cause is or how they can best generate
"controlled failures" on command.  Tin Whiskers are real, but being able
to generate them at will seems allusive.

Am I off base here?

Phil 

-----Original Message-----
From: Leadfree [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Genny Gibbard
Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2005 9:57 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [LF] Tin Whisker testing on assemblies

The components we've been sourcing all say that they've been thru tin
whisker testing.  
Is there any value or reason to doing additional testing at the finished
assembly level that uses those components, as well?  
Are lots of companies doing this?

Just for information purposes, I investigated the cost of tin whisker
testing on one assembly, and I was told we should test three samples,
the test would take 18wks +, and cost $14-17K.  

They recommended we test components or coupons, instead.  Since the
components have already been tested by the manufacturers, the only
reason I can see for doing that is if we didn't trust the manufacturer,
or wanted independent validation.

Are there conditions on an assembly, though, that might not exist at the
component level that make it important to retest?

This is a huge investment.  Just trying to figure out whether it is
worth it.

Genny

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