> Second Posting as I am not sure the first made it.
>
> Hi everyone!!
>
> I need some help.
>
> In our company, a debate rages about the appropriate date code
limitation
> to use to assure solderability of SMT components in a no-clean
process.
> The engineering side of the house (that's me) recommends that in light
of
> the fact we aren't equipped to do solderability testing on all
materials,
> we opt for a six month shelf life as a target and dig in our heels at
12
> months. The "enemy" (purchasing) says that their vendors
(distribution)
> claims that two years is an industry standard and that they cannot get
> reliable supplies if we tell our vendors we will not accept anything
> older than 12 months.
>
> For those of you working in no clean processes, or product being built
to
> IPC Class III requirements, would you share with us your experiences
and
> requirements with respect to component date codes?? I'd like to know
your
> date code requirements on your vendors, does it cost you extra money
or
> planning time, what type of products do you make, and what IPC Class
> requirements do you use?
>
> By the way, I have a copy of ANSI/J-STD-002 which was helpful, but a
bit
> vague.
>
> Thanks
>
> Regards
>
> Sherman Banks
> [log in to unmask]
> 408/481-6047
> ******************************************************

Sherman,
If i were you i wouldn't listen to purchasing nor the vendors. Just
strictly go on the 6-12 month limit on your components.
Where have this vendor read or heard that components have an industry
standard on 2 years?!

2 years is too long time. Trust me... But this is of course my opinion.

/Jan Merstrand