True tented vias can only be achieved using dry film solder mask. Many people us liquid photoimageable solder mask to "plug" vias. This is fairly effective but not as reliable as dry film. The liquid method can lead to entrapment of contaminants as well as not form a 100% reliable plug. Plugging with a liquid is dependent on both the solder mask and the skill of the people applying the mask. Bob Metcalf Morton Electronic Materials >>> Frank Hinojos <[log in to unmask]> 06/10/97 04:18pm >>> I would like to use tented vias in my designs for the assembly advantages but have heard that the tented via can then act like a trash can which collects contaminants and therefore may cause reliability problems. Is this rumor founded? Are there studies? Frank Hinojos Watkins-Johnson Co. *************************************************************************** * 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] * ***************************************************************************