In a message dated 5/13/99 10:02:59 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:

<< Hello Techies

 Can anyone tell me where to get low tack double sided clear tape in the UK.

 This is for putting on PCBs and then machine placing SMDs on to check out
 placement programmes, alignment etc.
 Low tack so that you can get the SMDs off again without mangled legs.

 Thanks

 Keith

 [log in to unmask] >>

Hey there Keith!

Well, most double-sided tapes are pretty sticky, but about the lowest tack
tape I can think of would be the standard "Scotch" brand double sided tape
(normally 1/2 inch wide tape) that you can buy in any office supply store.
Scotch is a pretty big company and distributes their tapes worldwide, so I
imagine you can buy it at office supply stores on your side of the pond.

Another suggestion though, and I know this'll be a bit of a pain in the butt,
but instead of covering the whole footprint of your IC's with the
double-sided tape, just cover a couple of pads at 2 or 3 of the corners of
the device...should give you the holding power you need to check your
placement, but minimize the "lead tweeking" to just a few leads that you'll
get pulling the parts back up.

You probably already know this, but when you can get a CAD file for your
placement programs, you'll know your placement accuracy will be dead on. Then
it's just a matter of making sure what you're placing matches the
bill-of-material. But I also know getting CAD files is easier said than
done...I work at a contract assembly company and I probably wind-up teaching
the placement on at least 75% of the boards we build here...so I know pardner!

-Steve Gregory-

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