I would like to know what others do to ensure that the solder paste is
good at the point of use.

I am NOT looking for a solder paste handling procedure, what I am
looking for is what type of test can be performed that is quick, easy,
and does not hold up production. We do paste viscosity testing on each
lot that we receive, and we also strictly monitor our paste printing
process with the post-print inspection machine. We have validated our
entire solder paste handling system to ensure that the paste is handled,
labeled, and properly rotated. 

We have had no issues with the solder paste that we use.

Our customer thinks we should test each lot of paste when it is removed
from refrigeration prior to use on production hardware.  I am not really
sure what a second viscosity check would do for us, but I am open to
some other testing method that does not consume a lot of paste and would
provide data we can use.

Any suggestions? 


---------------------------------------------------
Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 15.0
To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in
the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet
To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL)
To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest
Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives
Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815
-----------------------------------------------------