We have been experiencing some shorting of surface mounted tantalum capacitors (CWR09) which is showing up at functional test following a completely automated SMT process. A profile of the reflow process indicates that temperatures are within manufactures recommendations for these parts. However, there are subsequent operations which could be applying excessive heat to these parts. We are considering hand soldering these devices just prior to final test in an attempt to reduce frequency of failures. We have already established that the supplied capacitors not faulty. Some concern has been voiced that hand soldering is not the recommended method of mounting these parts. Is anyone out there aware of concerns related to the reliability of hand soldering SMT tantalum capacitors? Any other recommendations? Kim O'Haver 813 972-6574 ################################################################ 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 ################################################################