Doug,

 The idea that HASL was/is associated with residues on test probes makes no
sense to me. Flux and board cleaning, now that is an issue.

 I have a Z-1820 ICT machine and I use only HASL PCBs. The only residue I
have ever heard of being a problem on test points is flux residue. And,
without a doubt flux can be an issue.

 Flux is not a problem on most test points as the shape of the probe is
often one with sharp points and steep sides. They go through flux fine. When
you probe gold fingers you might have rounded end probes and any residues
there are a problem. But you should not have residues on gold fingers in the
first place.

 I tend to be in a minority as I prefer HASL to other finishes. Reflow is
fantastic, flatness is not an issue as stencil printed paste goes over the
raw pads. Nickel is just not as easy to solder to as solder coated copper.
No one ever got "Black Pad" on HASL.

Thanks,
Bob Kondner



-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jerry Dengler
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 12:30 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] IPC-5703 Question 1

Hi Doug,

I work for an EMS company so I do not have any experience with this but
offer the following thought.
  
HASL is still used so if it was a cause before it is still a potential cause
in my opinion.

Regards,

Jerry Dengler

-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Douglas Pauls
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 12:18 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] IPC-5703 Question 1

Good morning all,

I am working on a draft of IPC-5703, titled " Cleanliness for Fabricators",
a kind of Cleanliness 101 for board fab houses.  It should be ready for
wider review in a month or so, but you can see drafts of it here.

http://www.ipc.org/CommitteeDetail.aspx?Committee=5-32C

So you will see several questions from me. 

Question 1:  In the board fabrication process (not the OEM/EMS assembly
process), have any of you ever seen residue accumulation on in-circuit test
pins or flying probe test pins which interfere with in-circuit test
continuity?  Our board shop says it does not happen today.  It was a more
common occurrence 10 years ago when HASL was more prevalent, but I don't
believe it happens today.

Agree or not, and why.

Thanks.

Doug Pauls


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