Michelle,
 
One method used by scavengers/recyclers is to use a bath of low melting point solder. It combines with the existing solder to form an alloy which is liquid at lower than "normal", so the whole process becomes safer to both components and operators.
 
Regards,
Peter

 =========================================================
Peter Swanson            [log in to unmask]
INTERTRONICS                http://www.intertronics.co.uk

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-----Original Message-----
From: Michelle Huang [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 06 June 2002 19:49
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] How to de-populate a PWB?

Hi All,  How do you de-populate a PWB board without causing too much damage on the board's outer layer, that you can still measure the resistance of all of the traces?  I am looking for inner layer shorts on the PWB. 
 
I heard you can de-populate a board by placing the loaded board into a solder bath, and the components falls off automatically.  Then, put the board into an acid bath to etch off the solder on the surface of the board.  This method seems to etch out some of the outer traces.  Do any of you have suggestions to my assistance?  Your help will be greatly appreciated it.
 
 
Michelle