Another source for information regarding cracked capacitors is through the Surface Mount Technology Association Academy. I attended a very excellent seminar given by John Maxwell entitled: "Surface Mount Problem Solving: Design and Production" where a great deal of time was spent on ceramic chip cracking. Two items mentioned which may get you started are (A) most failures of this type occur at the de-paneling stage and (B) the positioning of the crack on the chip may point to the failure mechanism. I surely hope that at least the s.m.t.a. reference source may assist you. Happy Holidays! Tom Eshelman, Enthone-OMI 1.800.548.9801 ext. 7257 [log in to unmask]