Nolan’s Notes: Everyone Has Their Eye on India
Standard of Excellence: The Human Touch in an Automated World
The Government Circuit: Navigating New Trade Headwinds and New Partnerships
Book Excerpt: 'The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to...Process Control', Chapter 1
August 9, 2023 | I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Excerpt from: The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to...Process Control
Chapter 1: How Did We Get Here?
Measuring SIR has been in use since at least the 1970s. We are aware that Siemens in Germany and GEC Marconi in the UK both developed SIR test systems that have remarkably similar measurement techniques. In 1987, research commenced to evaluate alternative chemistries to CFCs, such as Freon®, to be used in the cleaning of electronic assemblies. The pressure for this came from the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances responsible for ozone depletion. It was agreed on 16 September 1987 and entered into force on 1 January 1989.
This research was initially conducted by IVF (The Swedish Institute for Production Engineering based in Gothenburg) on behalf of business groups throughout the Baltic territories, and by NPL (The British National Physical Laboratory near London) on behalf of several major electronics businesses in the UK and Ireland. (GEN3 have a library of the majority of papers produced by both groups for anyone who is interested.)
The major obstacle encountered was: how do you assess how clean is clean—especially when the process control tool in use at that time was the ROSE test. The ROSE test, of course, needs to be considered as a cleaning process, so there is overlap and conflict with the cleaning technologies. This was especially problematic when “no-clean” fluxes were introduced, as cleaning was not intended; but, then, how do we measure? This is where SIR testing came into broader use. GEC were the only company who commercialised their equipment—the prototype AutoSIR we manufacture today.
It was in 1990 that the first known effort to implement objective evidence was done by GEC Meters in the UK, by the team under the leadership of B.J. Mason. The resulting paper, “No-clean Flux Appraisal—The Total Process Approach” was published by Circuit World Vol. 20, No. 2, 1994. The industry resolutely continued using the ROSE test for optimum convenience, so much so that it became regarded as the “Cleanliness Test” but…
Continue reading this book by visiting our library here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"The I-Connect007 team is outstanding—kind, responsive, and a true marketing partner. Their design team created fresh, eye-catching ads, and their editorial support polished our content to let our brand shine. Thank you all! "
Sweeney Ng - CEE PCBSuggested Items
Datest Unveils Viscom iX7059 XL 3D CT AXI System
08/25/2025 | DatestDatest, a trusted leader in advanced testing, engineering, inspection, and failure analysis services, and the go-to destination for when your boards misbehave and your AXI line goes on vacation, is thrilled to announce the arrival of its newest diagnostic weapon: the Viscom iX7059 XL 3D CT AXI Inspection System.
Gardien Services Installs Customized G93 Flying Probe Tester – Largest Test Area in North America/Europe
08/24/2025 | Gardien GroupGardien Group is proud to announce the successful installation of a customized G93 Flying Probe Test Machine at a major manufacturer in North America. This cutting-edge system features the largest test area of any flying probe tester in North America and Europe, setting a new benchmark for PCB testing capabilities.
Meet with The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI) at SMTA Guadalajara 2025
08/18/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions for more than 45 years, is pleased to announce its participation at the upcoming SMTA Guadalajara Expo & Tech Forum, taking place September 17–18, 2025, at Expo Guadalajara, Salón Jalisco Hall D & E.
MoU to Revolutionize Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Device Testing with AI-Driven Solutions
08/07/2025 | PRNewswireLightium AG, MPI Corporation, and Axiomatic_AI Inc. have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop the world's first Intelligent, Autonomous, and Integrated Test Solution (IAITS) for photonic devices.
InTest Receives $2.6 Million Defense Industry Order
08/06/2025 | BUSINESS WIREInTest Corporation, a global supplier of innovative test and process technology solutions for use in manufacturing and testing in key target markets which include semiconductor (semi), automotive/EV, defense/aerospace, industrial, life sciences, and safety/security, announced that it was awarded a $2.6 million order by a prime defense contractor.