We have an existing design PWA with socket mounted parts. The design has vias under the sockets as well as PTH under the sockets that were intended for use as spares to facilitate future design changes. The sockets are of the open construction frame type (an H configuration), or otherwise are body-less sockets. We are considering removing all sockets and direct soldering the components into the existing PTH using ORL0 type flux. We are concerned about flux residue and other forms of contamination such as from the PWB manufacturing process and the PWA assembly process getting into the open via and spare PTH and not being removed by the in-line cleaning system. We are considering having the vias and spare PTH tented in some fashion. We need to retain use of the tented spare PTH for future use if needed. What method do folks recommend to tent vias on equipment that was already designed with un-tented vias and spare PTH? On a go forward basis, we are considering mandating that if vias are used under components, they must be tented and we will not allow spare PTH under any component. Allowing spare PTH under open frome or bodyless sockets was a dumb idea. --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 15.0 To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 -----------------------------------------------------