We use the V-tek machines also. Much, much better than tubes. We find it much more economical becuase the placement accuracy is much better. On a separate note, I know this topic has been on Technet before, but does anybody electroplate tin/lead, rather than HASL? Is it common? If it is not done, why not? The reason this comes up is that we get bare boards in here with soldermask plugging (capping, tenting) the topside vias and test points. Solder from the HASL process invaraibly plugs some bottom side vias/testpoints. When they pass through the reflow oven, boom, solderballs. I understand why this is happening, so to relieve the trappped air/flux residue/etc., we spefified that the topside vias/testpoints be left open with 20-mil opening in the soldermask. Now, when we send the boards through, we don't get solder balls, but some (a few) vias form a drip that is adhered to the annular ring of the via and is difficult to remove. Stencil gasketing is then nearly inpossible. While these occur much less frequently than the solder balls, a plating process would not plug holes like HASL does. So, rather than having to choose the lesser of two evils, is plating possible? -Ryan Jennens TelGen Corporation (517) 887-6666 x151 -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Stephen R. Gregory Sent: Friday, September 22, 2000 2:16 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] Component Taping Equipment? In a message dated 09/22/2000 12:20:07 PM Central Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: > As a small contract manufacturer, we receive alot of components that aren't > machine placeable from our customers. I'm looking into the possibility of > putting the components on tape and reel in-house. Any feedback on vendors > for this equipment and the feasability/cost effectiveness of doing this > would be appreciated. Should I even consider it or just send parts out? > > Thanks in advance, > > > Rick Thompson > Ventura Electronics Assembly > 2665A Park Center Dr. > Simi Valley, CA 93065 > > +1 (805) 584-9858 voice > +1 (805) 584-1529 fax > [log in to unmask] Hi Rick! We've got a V-Tek machine here...it's a model that I don't think they make any more...it's called a Compak. It's manual but we don't do any high-volume tape and reeling. I like it because the set-up is so easy. Uses PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive) cover tape, so you don't have to worry about heat shoe settings or things of that sort... Go to: http://www.vtekusa.com/products.htm There will be their latest models there...they're not that expensive either. Like I said we don't do any high volume taping, so it fits our needs pretty good. -Steve Gregory- ############################################################## TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8d ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TECHNET ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5315 ############################################################## ############################################################## TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8d ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TECHNET ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5315 ##############################################################