Automated Alloy Refresh
The current semiconductor shortage has forced companies to utilise their entire stock, even components stuffed away in storage.
More often than not, failure to solder a component onto a PCB is a consequence of oxidation caused by improper storage and handling. Retronix can help by undertaking a sample solderability test to determine if your parts are useable, if not, we can refresh the alloy and return your components to a good as new condition.
Oxidisation & Storage Issues
It’s standard for companies to re-seal and vacuum pack trays of electronic devices when in storage. Some organisations will go as far as storing parts in Humidity or Nitrogen cabinets. However, even the most extreme measures can’t guarantee complete protection. Plus, maintaining such perfect storage conditions is expensive, especially if devices are partially in use.
Despite the investment made by companies to properly store their parts, if a device fails at all, they are quick to dispose of them. Ultimately not recognising the value of components that they are essentially flushing down the drain. The risks of long-term storage are well detailed in the GEIA-STD-0003A, including Tin Whiskers, Inter-metallics, Dopant Migration, and Plating Diffusion.
Alloy Refresh Solution
If you suspect that your parts have become damaged during the storage and handling process, Retronix has a range of solutions to assist you.
Firstly, we will undertake a sample solderability test to determine if your parts are useable. Our automated process will refresh the alloy and return the components to a good as new condition. To finish, we bake and repack, resetting the clock and MSL level. All while conforming to the GEIA-STD-0003A.
We deal with issues like this for customers every day and have a full suite of services to enable you to use parts failing solderability or visual inspection after long-term storage.
