Hello TechNetters, I have a question about acceptable BGA repair methods. I have always required my EMS's to pre-apply solder paste to either the PWB or device prior to placing and reflowing a BGA. Some of my EMS's pushed back initially but always complied. IPC-7711/21B has two defined repair methods which both require adding solder by either pre-applying solder by using solder wire (section 5.7.1) or using solder paste (Section 5.7.2). No where does IPC-7711/21B state that you can get by with only applying tacky flux. Here is where I feel there is a conflict. In IPC-7095B Section 6.1.2 it states a couple places that you must "new solder paste or flux". No where does it mention pre-applying wire solder before applying the flux. IPC may want to review the wording there. I am not sure how you would control manually applying core (wire) solder so I only consider pre-applying solder paste an acceptable method. I am a firm believer that by not applying solder paste reduces the solder volume, joint height and thereby reducing reliability of the solder joint. First, I would like to know if anyone knows of a published reliability study of Flux only versus Pre-pasting a BGA repair. Second, I would like to hear other opinions on this subject. From a processing standpoint I understand the EMS's position that applying tacky flux makes the BGA repair a whole lot easier and cheaper as adding paste requires a mini-stencil and a trained operator. I am all for easy if it does not but reliability at risk. I also have a concern about the excessive flux that I find under a BGA that has been attached with only tacky flux. They are no-clean fluxes but but excess is never good or pretty. Thanks in advance. --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 16.0 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 For additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 -----------------------------------------------------