Do not panic. Depending on the solder mask and your wave soldering conditions (flux etc.) this might be normal for the solder mask in question and although not desirable, it might be acceptable. What I mean by acceptable is that the performance properties of the solder mask was not compromised. The condition, for example, could only be a surface attack and has discolored the mask. More research needs to be done. You should call the solder mask or Board Fab. Manufacturer to take a look at the boards and the wave soldering parameters. Hope this helps ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: Soldermask question Author: [log in to unmask] at corp Date: 2/28/97 2:22 PM We are just beginning to use soldermask on our PC boards. We are specifying liquid or dry s/m over bare copper (no surface mount). Our assembly group is also new at inspecting soldermask boards. They have seen on one part (from another division) where the soldermask changes visually after wave solder. It changes from a 'glossy' look to a 'dull' or 'etched' look. They are unsure if this is a problem. I have looked thru the ANSI/IPC-SM-840B for any information about this, but have found none. Have any of you experienced a similar situation with soldermask? I do not know the type of mask, the vendor, or anything else about the board in question (I've asked our assembly group to see if they can get this info). I just want to make sure to specify the right thing on my drawings without limiting our board vendor(s) too much and calm any fears of our inspectors. Thanks for any help... Ben Davis Systems & Electronics, Inc. *************************************************************************** * TechNet mail list is provided as a service by IPC using SmartList v3.05 * *************************************************************************** * To subscribe/unsubscribe send a message <to: [log in to unmask]> * * with <subject: subscribe/unsubscribe> and no text in the body. * *************************************************************************** * If you are having a problem with the IPC TechNet forum please contact * * Dmitriy Sklyar at 847-509-9700 ext. 311 or email at [log in to unmask] * *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** * TechNet mail list is provided as a service by IPC using SmartList v3.05 * *************************************************************************** * To subscribe/unsubscribe send a message <to: [log in to unmask]> * * with <subject: subscribe/unsubscribe> and no text in the body. * *************************************************************************** * If you are having a problem with the IPC TechNet forum please contact * * Dmitriy Sklyar at 847-509-9700 ext. 311 or email at [log in to unmask] * ***************************************************************************