Amol, if you click on the Crest link, there is a section called Downloads that has a wealth of info on ultrasonics. -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stadem, Richard D. Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 9:06 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] Wire soldering question - Utrasonics discussion I totally agree with Dave. Ultrasonics CAN be used safely, both for soldering and for cleaning, provided you use equipment from electronic-savvy vendors who understand the cavitation mechanics and can set the frequency in such a way as to be somewhat non-resonant. Crest Ultrasonics http://www.crest-ultrasonics.com/aqueous-industrial-cleaning-systems.html is one such vendor. They manufacture US cleaning systems just for electronics, and there is little or no danger of damage to wirebond components. If you have questions regarding this, ask Dr. Sami Awad at Crest. Nobody knows more about the subject than Dr. Awad. I do not have any monetary interest in Crest, just some very, very good experience with their products. Again, echoing Dave's words, you need to qualify the process. There are also ultrasonic solder pots and ultrasonic solder stations. I have a client who actually "solders" copper wire to glass using an ultrasonic soldering process that I set up for them. No intermetallic formation occurs with the glass, but a really good mechanical/electrical bond does occur, using solder as the bonding medium. -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David D. Hillman Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 7:14 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] Wire soldering question - Utrasonics discussion Hi Amol - you can call it a myth or just old tribal knowledge but for many years there was (and still is in some segments) the idea that ultrasonics - either soldering or cleaning - will damage the die or the wirebonds in components. There are a number of good industry publish investigations that show ultrasonics can be applied for in both the cleaning and soldering applications safely without causing component damage provided you do sufficient process qualification. I am not a fan of ultrasonic soldering as I can ultrasonically solder a toothpick - the solder sticks mechanically and not because I made a metallurgical interface. But, ultrasonic soldering is a viable process provided attention is paid to making metallurgically sound solder joints. Ultrasonics have wide application in cleaning processes. Other TechNetters can provide better information on that aspect than I. Dave Hillman Rockwell Collins [log in to unmask] Amol Kane <[log in to unmask]> Sent by: TechNet <[log in to unmask]> 10/12/2011 06:29 AM Please respond to TechNet E-Mail Forum <[log in to unmask]>; Please respond to Amol Kane <[log in to unmask]> To <[log in to unmask]> cc Subject Re: [TN] Wire soldering question Inge, this method would only be suitable for tinning wires... yes? Or is this fair game for leads of active components since only the leads are inserted in the solder pot (unlike an ultrasonic stencil cleaner for cleaning misprinted boards with one side populated where the entire assembly is exposed to ultrasonic energy?) Thanks! Amol Kane | Process Engineer Catalyst Manufacturing Services, Inc. 941 Route 38, Owego NY 13827 Phone: (607) 687-7669 Extn 349 | Website: www.catalystems.com -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Inge Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 6:27 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] Wire soldering question Keith, soldering to Nickel is not difficult. Soldering to Nickel oxide is difficult. There is the solution to your problem: removal of oxide. I had exactly same problem as you many years back. I solved the problem by dipping the dismantled end of the wires in a ultrasonic solder pot. You need just a small one. I demonstrated the efficiency of that method by picking som old and dirty nickel coins from my pocket and dip them directly without any cleaning. People marvelled by the good solder wetting. How come? The ultrasonic shock waves break the oxides and expose fresh nickel. Example on a small U/S soldering pot: http://www.advancedsonics.com/newpage5%20USP.htm My two nickels Inge ----- Original Message ----- From: "Keith Calhoun" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 9:55 PM Subject: [TN] Wire soldering question We are building a small assembly for one of our customers using M22759/12-24 wires, (nickel plated copper, Teflon insulated). We are using Multicore HMP solder, (Sn5, Pb93.5, Ag1.5) for this assembly. Do any of you have a recommendation for a flux that may help in getting this wire to wet? The other solder joints are acceptable, we just can't get the wire to wet. I know that I am trying something difficult, as soldering to nickel is difficult at best. I would be most greatful for any suggestions that anyone has for this. Thanks for the excellent resource! Keith S. Calhoun Manufacturing Engineering Manager SoPark Corporation 3300 South Park Avenue Buffalo. New York 14218 Phone: 716-822-0434 ext. 237 Fax: 716-822-5062 [log in to unmask] Thank you for helping SoPark reach our 30th year as a Premier Electronics Manufacturing Service Provider! ISO 9001:2008 & AS9100B Certified ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. 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