Yes, I still use MELFs. Regular and mini MELF.

They are round and they can roll but place a Coke Bottle on wet sand, 
give it a slight push down and it does not roll.

I think the biggest problem with MELFs is spinning them to the correct 
rotation when using a flat steel Pick and Place tip. If you use a tip 
with the rounded end then no problem.

And I have always used rectangular pads with no problem. I like MELFs as 
they solder well and tend to be very easy to inspect.

Bob K.


On 12/4/2017 11:55 AM, Jack Olson wrote:
> I am using MELF components on my current design,
> which I haven't seen much this century.
> But I remember way back when we used "U-shaped" land shapes.
>
> I notice the current Land Pattern standard (IPC-7351) recommends
> rectangular,
> but at least one person has suggested using U-shaped "just in case".
> I generally resist that kind of philosophy unless there is science behind
> it.
> Is anyone using U-shaped pads anymore?
> (Is anyone using MELFs anymore? smile)
>