Chris, Your req for 0.020" max is very tight indeed, I can see more serious problem of solder joint fractures with shaving off board surfaces. I think IPC610 specifies min 0.040", being 0.060" is typical. Check section 3 or 4. I don't think you can get repeatable process with the tight requirement. Remember boards get warped one way and another after wavesoldering. Some of things you can do; - provide more support pins, so boards stays even during leadtrimming, - move the trimming blade at a constant and controlled speed (slower is better), - avoid cutting heavy leads, - use a new blade when you see a first sign of flagging and bending of leads being cut. regards Matthew NII, Norsat >>> Chris_Smith <[log in to unmask]> July 16, 1998 11:39 am >>> All, I have a lead trim operation that uses a Q-corporation LOM II trimming system with a vacuum fixture. We are using the standard cutting rings with a 30 degree angle. The Vacuum fixture being used is quite snug and there is very little vacuum loss in the process. The issue I have is the height requirement we're trying to meet is .020" max length. This strict requirement is resulting in pcbs being cut into and damaged, some flagging, and some solder fractures. This seems to be a very operator dependent operation and costly if not done correctly. I have tried varying the speed the cutter is moved across the board, having Q-corp sharpen the blades instead of us doing it and using a QB-1 PCB brusher which was purchased for this product. Is there anyone out there with a similar trim height requirement and what types of things do you perform to insure a repeatable process? Also anyone with suggestions please let me, I need to get this resolved if at all possible. Thanks Chris Smith Manufacturing Engineer ################################################################ TechNet E-Mail Forum provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ################################################################ To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TechNet <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TechNet ################################################################ Please visit IPC's web site (http://www.ipc.org) "On-Line Services" section for additional information. For technical support contact Hugo Scaramuzza at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.312 ################################################################ ################################################################ TechNet E-Mail Forum provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ################################################################ To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TechNet <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TechNet ################################################################ Please visit IPC's web site (http://www.ipc.org) "On-Line Services" section for additional information. For technical support contact Hugo Scaramuzza at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.312 ################################################################