電子業的發展和(hé)環保工作 人類自工業革命以來,不(bú)斷(duàn)發展的生產技(jì)術使製造成本不斷下降。自動(dòng)化技術的出現更加(jiā)劇了這一發展。而由於成本價格的(de)下降,造成產品消費的(de)大(dà)眾化,大量生產又進一步推動了技術的發展和製造成本的下降…這現(xiàn)象首(shǒu)先出現在汽車行業中。
快速發展的情況從二次世界大戰後(hòu)開始,一直到70年代中期汽油價格(gé)上漲時才有緩和現象。但這也隻(zhī)是短期性(xìng)的步伐放(fàng)慢。從70年代末(mò)起,隨著電腦技術的誕生和進入80年(nián)代的成熟(shú),工(gōng)業和製造業的發展更(gèng)是快速。而(ér)連帶(dài)的造就(jiù)了用戶市場的劇增。據統計,從70年代末到90年代末的20年中,汽車(chē)的擁有量就翻了6倍,工業材料(liào)的產量需求增加了10倍,能源的消耗達4倍,其中電能源的消耗量更是高達8倍以上。這說明了(le)電器和(hé)電子產品的(de)高速度發展。事實上(shàng),根據美國的統計,電器和(hé)電子業已經在1996年超越其他工(gōng)業而開始成為(wéi)最大的工業。
工業和製(zhì)造業的發展帶給人們更好的物質生活。但卻也同時帶來了影響人(rén)類健康的環境汙染問題(tí)。而人類也早(zǎo)在(zài)60、70年代初就意識到如汽車排氣和水(shuǐ)銀汙染等帶給人們(men)的危害及嚴重程度。而開始設立環保機構和通過立法等來協助控製人們對健康環境的危害。其中較大的成就(jiù)是70年代初從汽車汽油中將(jiāng)鉛去掉(diào)。而使空(kōng)氣中的鉛汙化減少(shǎo)了約94%。以及70年代末的從油漆(qī)中將鉛除去。 電子工業界一直以來也受到環(huán)境保護的影(yǐng)響。例如前些時候(hòu)關注的氯氟碳化(huà)合物CFC,鹵素,揮發性有機化合物VOC等的廢除和控製(zhì)工作。
如今更是在消(xiāo)除含鉛的課題上做了不少的工作。無鉛(qiān)技(jì)術的發展,不(bú)論在經濟、材料技術、工藝技術、生產設備(bèi)、質量管理、設(shè)計、市場、采購,甚至在立法上都造成一定的影響(xiǎng)。可以說是電子製造業中,自SMT技術出現以來影響最大(dà)的改變。 環保和無鉛技術的發展動力 新(xīn)技(jì)術的推動總會帶來(lái)技術風險,初期的成本壓力,以及必須麵對(duì)改變的心理壓力等等問(wèn)題。
當電子製造業(yè)界似乎有點茫然、衝動的對焊接的無鉛(qiān)化進行研究的同(tóng)時。卻有另外的一些人對這方麵的無鉛需求提出懷(huái)疑。而提出懷疑的原因是,電子組裝業中,鉛的使用(yòng)主要來自焊接中(zhōng)的焊料和器件、PCB焊端材料。而這方麵(miàn)的鉛用量(liàng),也不過占總(zǒng)鉛使用量的(de)1%左右(鉛(qiān)的(de)最大用量在電池方麵,約占8成)。而用來在焊料中替代鉛的(de)其他金屬,例如銀、鎳、鎘、銻等也都含有危害(hài)健康的毒素。
根據美國環保局的測試結果,銀(yín)和銻(tī)在所有測試中無一達(dá)到環保要求。因此曾有份報告說(shuō),“在電(diàn)子組裝業中推動無鉛技術,相當於使人類多花些錢來換取一些鉛毒以外的(de)中毒選擇”。一些以美國為主的機構認(rèn)為,人類對於使用在電子產品(pǐn)中(zhōng)的鉛通過環境給人體健康(kāng)造成(chéng)的危害(hài)的課題,所做的研究十分缺乏,完全隻是出於(yú)一(yī)種(zhǒng)感覺上的(de)憂慮。因為鉛雖(suī)然對人體有害,但未必容易通過環(huán)境汙染的途徑造成。事實上,美國近年來的一些環保研究工(gōng)作,其結果發現(xiàn)電(diàn)子產品中鉛造成的環境汙染程度(dù)是十分小的,合乎美國環保局的(de)標(biāo)準(約隻達極限的10%程度以(yǐ)下)。
另一方麵,從無鉛技術從目前的情況看(kàn)來,它將會給人們帶來較高的成本。這些成本來自材料(鉛是十分經濟的金屬(shǔ))、設備、學習(xí)、研發(fā)、質(zhì)量管理等等。加上由於無鉛技術(shù)難度較(jiào)高,不免造成(chéng)質量(liàng)浪費(fèi)較(jiào)大,在(zài)這回收(再循環)技術尚未成(chéng)熟的時候也同時加快了人類對地球資源的消耗(這也包括一些較稀(xī)有金屬如(rú)銦等的(de)使用)。
所以一些人對於是否值得在此(cǐ)刻對電子焊接進行無鉛化提出質疑。美國企業界一般處於這種心態。 市(shì)場考慮也是無(wú)鉛(qiān)發展的(de)動力之一。雖然最(zuì)初的研究開發也(yě)許主要為了環保,但當研發到某些程度(dù)後,市場就逐漸形成了競爭差異。而市場或(huò)經(jīng)濟競爭(zhēng)就(jiù)也成(chéng)為推動無鉛的重要動力(lì)之一。
曾有權(quán)威經(jīng)濟報認為,日本的電子業,將(jiāng)借助無鉛技術的推動而改變其競爭壓力的不良趨勢。這是由於日(rì)本(běn)在(zài)無鉛技術(shù)的研發上,係統性(xìng)強和做得(dé)比其他國家(jiā)來的(de)出色。也就是說在技術整合,在技術和采購整合上都處於較有利的(de)地位。而事實(shí)上,日本(běn)的一些企業,例如鬆下和東芝等,都已經在其某些產品上,借助無鉛技術而贏得良好的(de)西(xī)方市場(chǎng)。而事實上,我們(men)從日本國內上下的活動中也可(kě)以看出,日本企業界一般屬於注重市場動力的一群。
一般(bān)相信,目前來討論是否應(yīng)該推行無鉛技術已經是為時已(yǐ)晚。政(zhèng)府和業界的投入,以及商業活動已經使(shǐ)無(wú)鉛勢在必行。我們可以用一句話來代表麵前的情況。就是(shì)“要嘛把鉛去掉,要嘛交易免談”。主要經濟體的態度和行(háng)動 技(jì)術的逐步成(chéng)熟,市場的誘惑,市場競爭壓力,供應的轉變,國家的立法以及保護主義將使得無鉛技術的廣泛采用成為必然的結果。所以即使不太認同電子組裝業需要進行無鉛化的國家或企業(yè),也(yě)都不敢完全放棄有關方麵(miàn)的研究(jiū)和跟進。雖然大家都(dōu)為推行無鉛化而前進,但代表全球工業的歐、美、日三大經(jīng)濟體的做法不盡相同(tóng)。
歐洲共同(tóng)體在國家和(hé)工業界的緊密配合方麵(miàn),以及在立(lì)法和(hé)教育(yù)上做(zuò)得(dé)較好。例如在回收(再循(xún)環)法規和管理工具上,經濟獎勵等方麵投入比美、日都多。在(zài)研發方麵的投入,歐盟十分注重係統性的運作研(yán)發,尤其是在(zài)針對環保設計方麵的工作。歐盟中不論是在(zài)企業或(huò)國家對相關的教育培訓的(de)資助都較美、日來(lái)得強。 日本方麵,除了在回收(再循(xún)環)技術和立法方麵做了較(jiào)多工作外,國家政府對工業界的協助則不(bú)如歐盟國家。
工業界本身則十分關注對ISO14000之類的遵從和能量(liàng)方麵的節省。日本企業界(jiè)有一個(gè)特點,就是十分注重環保工作(zuò)和企(qǐ)業(yè)營業(yè)策略配合,許多大企業都將環保列(liè)為一個競爭手段。而在研發工作上,日本較(jiào)關注也是在應用科學方麵,基礎研究不如歐美地區。 美(měi)國在無鉛方麵,早期一直抱(bào)著觀望的態度。這和(hé)先前提到的不認同電(diàn)子組裝業應該采用無(wú)鉛化方向的心態有關。所以(yǐ)在許多方麵的發展投入以及推動(dòng)力遠不如歐、日地區。
這(zhè)狀況一直到了1999年,當美(měi)國意識到無鉛課題所帶來的商務或經濟影響更超越(yuè)環保意義時,才在(zài)幾個全國性的重大會議(yì)後(hòu)大量的投(tóu)入相關的研發。美國的研發焦點在材料和材料應用上。 至於其他地(dì)區和國(guó)家,由於本身的技術、經濟能力有限(xiàn),以及對全球(qiú)市(shì)場供應和作為用戶的影響力相對不足。在無(wú)鉛課題上隻能看著以上三大經濟體的方向而選擇何時跟進。而這所謂的“選擇”往往也較(jiào)被動。 推行(háng)無鉛的壓力 由於無鉛(qiān)的推動並不一定給所有(yǒu)企業帶來好處。所以許多企業在這(zhè)課題上並不主動。而最終(zhōng)是(shì)由於壓力(lì)下才轉使用無鉛(qiān)技術的。
壓力(lì)可能來自三方麵,一是需求市(shì)場,二是競爭市場,三是供應(yīng)市場。 需(xū)求(qiú)市場壓力即是客戶的要求。例如目(mù)前已經開始有些來自日本和歐洲的客戶要求必須使用無鉛技術或產品了。除非(fēi)您不做他們的生意,否則沒(méi)有選擇。 競爭市場則是同業中競爭對手(shǒu)們已經采用或有能力采用無鉛(qiān)技術,同時以無鉛技術作為競爭手(shǒu)段。這時雖然有些客戶(hù)未必要立刻要求無鉛技術,但既然供應商能夠提供,而如果成(chéng)本(běn)負擔又不增加或在合理範圍內時,也許會有些吸引力(lì)。這就(jiù)給那些無法提供無鉛的供應商造成了競爭壓力(lì),使(shǐ)他們不(bú)得不(bú)也推行無鉛技術。
供應市場的壓力會也是個重要的(de)因素。也許目前已經有好些(xiē)用戶已經見到這方麵的問題了。就是某些器件或材料已經轉供應(yīng)無鉛的,含(hán)鉛的已(yǐ)經(jīng)停止供貨了。而這種情況會隨著無鉛的逐漸普及化而更嚴重(chóng),最終將會(huì)使那些即是不想(xiǎng)轉換的用戶也必須(xū)進入無鉛。受到這因(yīn)素影響最重的(de)是那些需要確保高產品壽命質量的工業,例如軍品、醫療設備、航天、航空(kōng)等等。這些行業占電子業(yè)產量隻約1%, 在無鉛對產品壽命的影響程度還未很好的確定的情(qíng)況(kuàng)下,如果這樣(yàng)小的市場無法爭取到供應界的支持,對這些行業的生產將是個(gè)問(wèn)題。 不論動機是真正的為了環保,或是商業行(háng)為,以上的壓力所(suǒ)提供的信息很清楚 ---- 不論您是否(fǒu)願意,最終大家都要采用無鉛!
無鉛技術帶來的改變 既然無(wú)可避免的必須轉向無鉛技術,那(nà)麽無鉛帶來的改變(biàn)和影響應該是大家首先最該關心的。在電子組裝業(yè)的發展過程中(zhōng),上一個影響麵較大(dà)的改變是SMT的出現。那是(shì)個“革命性”的改變(biàn)。如今的無鉛技術帶來的並不全是革命性的轉變,這點是用戶(hù)所(suǒ)應該搞清楚的。
在一定程(chéng)度上,它還是屬於(yú)一(yī)個(gè)“發展”(Evolution)技術。也就是說無(wú)鉛技術(shù)是從現有的含鉛SMT技術上發展而來的。自有SMT技術時代開始(shǐ),快速擴張的用戶市場,使工業界已經認識到“革命”式改(gǎi)變的害處。所以在研究(jiū)開發新技術時總千方百計的使其保留有(yǒu)高程度(dù)的舊方法(或至少能使用舊經(jīng)驗)。因此無鉛技術(shù)中仍(réng)有大部分工作或技(jì)術是屬於“發展”(Evolution)而非“革命”(Revolution)。表一從(cóng)不(bú)同方麵來看無鉛技術,並(bìng)說明其屬於(yú)革(gé)命性或發(fā)展性特性。
此主題相關(guān)圖片如下:表一:無鉛技術的發展特性 具備較(jiào)多的“發展性”當然是(shì)件好事,表示我們可以更(gèng)好的利用以往的經驗。然而(ér)對於無鉛技術來說,這卻也非(fēi)簡單。在(zài)SMT的發展過程中,我們已經有(yǒu)經曆過幾次(cì)影響較大的“發展”經驗,例如免清(qīng)洗技術、柵陣排列焊端技術(BGA)、Flip-Chip等等。有些用戶可能對於這些技術帶來的挑戰還記憶(yì)猶新。
但(dàn)無(wú)鉛技術的到來,和以前的幾個技術相比(bǐ)之下,其難度和挑戰絕對是有過之而無不及。 認識表一中的特性,對於新的無(wú)鉛用戶是(shì)重要的(de)。因為技(jì)術的引進需要經曆一個準備期和過渡期,而什麽(me)應(yīng)該加強,什麽可以放棄等等(děng)的管(guǎn)理(lǐ)決策和準備功夫,都必(bì)須(xū)建立在對該(gāi)技術的發展或革新的特性認識上。 材料上的影響和改變 無鉛技術在應用上的最大改變是材料在其特性上和種類多樣化上的變(biàn)化。尤其在焊料合金方麵研發成果十分多。
雖然目前還沒有一種合金焊料能夠和含鉛焊料一樣‘好’,但可以替代(可以滿足應用)的有許(xǔ)多。據筆(bǐ)者了(le)解已(yǐ)經有超過50種不同的合(hé)金申請了專利。這麽多的選擇,估計最終還隻是少部分會被SMT界較廣泛的接收。從目前的情況看來,業界比較(jiào)認同的有Sn/Ag,Sn/Cu,Sn/Ag/Cu,Sn/Ag/Cu/X(X表示其他金屬如鉍、銦等),Sn/Ag/Bi,Sn/Ag/Bi/X(X表示其他金(jīn)屬)。我們在將來的文章中會較具體的討論這些材料的不同(tóng)和強弱(ruò)點。
焊料中除了合金(jīn)是(shì)個考(kǎo)慮和選擇(zé)重點(diǎn)外,焊劑Flux也不應該被忽視。不同的合金有不同的密度重量,有不同(tóng)熔化(huà)表麵張(zhāng)力,不同的熔點溫度,和(hé)不(bú)同的氧化特性。這也就告訴我們(men)焊劑Flux的(de)配方會(huì)出現(xiàn)不同於含鉛的情況(注(zhù)一)。由於焊劑配方一直是個錫膏供應(yīng)商競爭的商業機密(mì),用戶不容易知道其實際的特性。但(dàn)可以(yǐ)預見的(de),是這方麵的改變會對焊接工藝起較大的影響,錫膏印(yìn)刷工藝次之。對於貼片工藝,估計影響十分輕微。
隻在某(mǒu)些特(tè)定應用上才可能(néng)會出現需要特(tè)別照顧的。 材(cái)料除了焊料外,主要的(de)還有器(qì)件以及PCB。在器件方麵,有兩個需(xū)要給於關注(zhù)和考慮的。一(yī)是器件焊端的材料種類和成分,另一是器件本(běn)體的(de)耐熱問題。焊端材料方麵(miàn),即使(shǐ)在含鉛技術中,並不(bú)是所有的焊端都采用含鉛(qiān)的金屬,例如常用的(de)Ag/Pd,Ni/Au,以及Sn,Ni/Pd,Ni/Au/Cu等(děng)等都不含鉛(qiān)的成分。而這些材(cái)料都確認能夠和(hé)某些無鉛焊料兼容使用。所以在器件焊端(duān)材料上,我(wǒ)們所麵對的問題不是太棘手。不過最少還是有三(sān)方麵的問題困擾著(zhe)我們。
首先是模塊器件(例如過濾器、震蕩器、保護(hù)電路等)的一級組裝問題。由於這些器件可能在二(èr)級(jí)組裝時會再度經過焊接所需要的高溫處理,所以一般(bān)必須使用較二級組裝焊接所需焊接溫(wēn)度更高的(de)熔點的合金焊料。而(ér)目前這方麵的研發(fā)遠遠不及二級(jí)組裝技術的研發投入的多。而且由於溫度更高,對所有材料的耐熱(rè)性要求又更高了。
這也進一步增加難度。雖然(rán)目前(qián)有(yǒu)解決方案,但高溫無鉛焊料種類少、成(chéng)本很高。 器件的第二個問題,是在過渡期間無鉛和有鉛混合(hé)的問題。由於無鉛和(hé)含鉛材料並不完全兼容,所以這混合會帶給我們某些問題。例如(rú)溫度承受能力不足,焊點不良,以及“鉛汙染”等(děng)。 第三(sān)個問題,是無鉛技術在焊料合金上出現了許多種選擇,而這些器件的焊端(duān)材料,各種焊料和哪(nǎ)些器件焊端材料能夠兼容,兼容程度有如何(hé),其中組合(hé)眾多,目前的測試資(zī)料還是有限。這增加(jiā)了用(yòng)戶的選擇(zé)風險和(hé)困難(nán)。器件整(zhěng)體的耐熱也將是個考慮重點。
由於無鉛焊料的熔點(diǎn)一般高出含鉛許多(較可能通用的會有30~40oC的提高),意味著在焊接時溫(wēn)度提高許多。含鉛技術(shù)中使用的器件,未必能承受得起這提(tí)高的溫度(事實上含鉛技術下的(de)器件並沒有確保能夠承受無(wú)鉛的溫度,也因此許多材料並不能承受這高溫)。所以除了焊端材料必須是無鉛,以及和所使用的(de)無鉛焊料需要(yào)兼容外,器件本體封裝(zhuāng)等材料也必須承(chéng)受得起所需(xū)要的(de)焊接熱能(néng)(即溫度和時間)。
PCB方麵的影響也有(yǒu)二。一是焊盤(pán)的防氧化保護(hù)層。在含(hán)鉛技術中常用的錫鉛熱風(fēng)整平技術,由(yóu)於含鉛(qiān)而一定要被除去。但一些也被(bèi)使用的材料和技術,如電鍍鎳金(jīn)、化鎳浸金、浸鍍銀、浸鍍錫等(děng)都有許多(duō)試驗結果支(zhī)持其在無鉛技術中的應用。隻有OSP(有機保焊層)技術,由於種類和工藝(yì)較多,而有(yǒu)些承受不了無鉛(qiān)的高溫(wēn)作(zuò)業(尤其是雙麵(miàn)回流工藝),用戶必須較(jiào)小心的認證選擇。業界發表的有些試驗報告,也說(shuō)明了某些(xiē)OSP使用在無鉛高溫下不是問題,甚至可以承受(shòu)4次以上的無鉛(qiān)回流高溫(IPC/JEDEC 的 J-STD-020C 標準)。
PCB的第二個考慮,是基板材料對無鉛(qiān)高(gāo)溫的承受能力。在更(gèng)高的焊接溫度和可能更(gèng)長的焊接時間情況下,傳統常用的FR4可能會出現(xiàn)不能接受的變形或開始變色(外觀問題)。所以(yǐ)有些產品,基於外觀質量要求,設計難(nán)度等理由(yóu),也許必須轉而使用Tg較高的(de)FR4或FR5基材。
無鉛技術在組裝工藝上的影響 ,無鉛在工藝上帶來的較大改變(biàn),是(shì)在焊接工藝上。這改變出於無鉛焊料熔點上的變化,以及較不(bú)被關注的(de)焊劑配(pèi)方的轉變(biàn)上。較高的焊料(liào)合金熔點使焊接溫度必須提高(gāo),而(ér)這溫度需求的(de)提高,加上焊劑的新配方(fāng),也影(yǐng)響前工序的預熱和助焊工藝。而(ér)焊接溫度的提高(gāo),使許多器件(jiàn)材料處於(yú)較高的過熱風(fēng)險下,工藝窗口變小了,所以加熱工藝的調整要(yào)求也提高了。這意味著什(shí)麽呢?對於用戶來說(shuō),雖然掌(zhǎng)握焊接的(de)原理不變,但以往的焊接工藝規範(fàn)已經不能使用而必須重(chóng)新(xīn)進行工藝(yì)認證。
曾有報告和論文指出,無(wú)鉛在錫膏印刷(shuā)和貼片(piàn)工藝上沒(méi)有什麽(me)改變。這說法並不完全精確。錫膏印刷方麵,無(wú)鉛帶來的改變雖然不(bú)會有焊接來得大,但對於一些工藝要求較高的產品(pǐn)來說,我們還是可以看出無(wú)鉛和含鉛是有些不同的。這種(zhǒng)差異其實也(yě)存在於含鉛技術(shù)中不同錫膏牌子型號之間。因為(wéi)造成這種工藝差異是來自錫膏的配方差異。
在無鉛技術中,無鉛合金材(cái)料不同的熔點溫度、不同的表麵(miàn)能量(張力)、不同(tóng)的(de)金屬密度(重量)等給錫膏焊劑配方帶來改(gǎi)變的必要。而這質和量上的改變,也使一些錫膏的粘性和(hé)流變性產生變化。而(ér)錫膏印刷工藝的要點就(jiù)是掌(zhǎng)握和處理錫膏的流變(biàn)性。所以無鉛其(qí)實也給印刷工藝帶來改(gǎi)變。即是您使用的錫膏牌子不變,但其(qí)配方的改變將(jiāng)使您的(de)工藝需求改變,關鍵在於您的產品對印刷工藝的要求是否需要細膩的設置和控製。
由於器件方麵在無鉛技術(shù)中的(de)改(gǎi)變主要在(zài)於耐熱能力的加強,焊端材料改變(biàn)不多,貼片工藝的影響應該十分輕微。唯有在器件工藝特性(注二)處於工藝臨界的情況下,貼片壓力可能需要更嚴謹的調整,以補無鉛潤濕能力較差的特性。 至於波峰焊接(jiē)工藝(yì)方麵,焊料熔點增高了之後,助焊劑(jì)配方也受到影響。因此預熱和焊(hàn)接工藝參數都必須重新處理。
試驗中發現“陰影效應”情況會較含鉛技術嚴重些。這可能需要PCB工藝設計上較好的配(pèi)合。 其實無鉛在工藝設(shè)置、工藝調製方法上都沒有什麽改變。您所需要(yào)的隻是重新製定您的參數(shù)和(hé)工(gōng)藝規範罷(bà)了。我往後的文章會在工藝上和讀者們分享較深入的知識(shí)經驗。 無鉛在(zài)DFM和外觀(guān)檢驗上的影響 無鉛焊料(liào)在焊接特性(如潤濕性等)和含鉛有(yǒu)所差(chà)異,如果要很好的處理工藝(yì),在DFM規範上也(yě)必須有所改變。
例如回(huí)流中“立碑”、“氣孔”等現象以及波峰焊接中的“陰影”現象,在無(wú)鉛(qiān)焊接技術中會(huì)較嚴重,如果通過DFM的修改配合,可以很好的預防和解決這類問題。 在DFM中的焊(hàn)盤和鋼網(wǎng)設計部分,由於和焊接工藝密切相關,無鉛的出現因此也帶來一些影響。此外,一些檢查標準,包括MVI和AOI等,也都(dōu)會有些改(gǎi)變。這是(shì)因為無鉛焊(hàn)點的表麵狀況(光(guāng)滑度和潤濕度)都(dōu)沒有含鉛焊點的理想(但(dàn)不表示有質量問題),所以檢驗標準也應該給於修改。
無鉛在(zài)組裝設(shè)備上的影響 作為支持工藝的設備,主(zhǔ)要是在回流爐和波峰焊接爐(lú)方麵,也因為工藝窗(chuāng)口的縮小而受(shòu)到影響。基本上是對其工藝控製能力的要(yào)求提高了。例如(rú)回流爐子的高溫能力、加熱效率和冷卻控製等,以(yǐ)及(jí)波峰爐子的預熱能力,以及(jí)第一波設計和控製(zhì)等,都必須有較好的表現。而除了工藝能力外,爐子中和無鉛(qiān)錫有直(zhí)接接觸的部分也必須采用適當的材料來抗其腐蝕性。對爐子製(zhì)造商來說,提高加熱溫度和采用不同的熔錫槽材料是無(wú)鉛(qiān)技術的改革重點。
目前推出的爐子,許多都表示可以支持無鉛技術。而這所(suǒ)謂能支持無鉛技術,很多也就是說能夠提供更高(gāo)的(de)溫度以及采用抗腐蝕(shí)材料而已。對於更(gèng)好處理縮小(xiǎo)的工藝窗口的加(jiā)熱效率等(děng)等(děng)特性則未必有改(gǎi)進措施。我(wǒ)曾對兩類爐子進行測試,發現(xiàn)其加熱方麵的(de)工藝(yì)能力,其實和上一代含鉛技術的型號並沒有改變,甚至更不理想的,是在增加後的高溫部分,能力還不如原先的(de)(注三)。
了解設備真正能力對(duì)用戶十分重要,這是用戶所必須給於(yú)注(zhù)意的。 無鉛技術上(shàng)的總體狀況 無鉛技術自(zì)研(yán)發以來,目前對於民用家(jiā)電以及一些不牽(qiān)涉人命安全的電子產品上,已經算是門可以被大量使用的技(jì)術(shù)。焊料上的選擇(zé)雖(suī)然還屬於複雜,業界要(yào)達至認同善需要一些努力,但趨勢已經逐步形(xíng)成,供應也開始普(pǔ)及(jí)。PCB無鉛化技術也已可行。器(qì)件無鉛化,雖然結(jié)果尚未及無鉛技(jì)術理(lǐ)想,暫無法在成本、質量(liàng)、工藝各方麵找到單一優化的選擇。但工藝和質量水平已經基本被業界接受,無鉛(qiān)器件供(gòng)應(yīng)也逐步普及。
設備方麵,受到主要挑戰的(de)焊接設備,情(qíng)況類似器(qì)件,雖然還(hái)有待改善,但基本能力已有。質(zhì)量認證方麵,在較溫和測試條件(溫度範圍(wéi)在0 ~ 100oC 之間)下,大多數無鉛(qiān)技術在大部分測試(shì)特性(xìng)的表現下可比美含鉛(qiān)技(jì)術,甚(shèn)至有些表(biǎo)現還更好。不過有關產品長期壽命方麵的(de)認證,雖然已(yǐ)經有相當的(de)信心,還有待更多的研究以及實際使用觀察來確定。
例如除去鉛後高(gāo)錫含量的金屬須(或(huò)稱金屬針(zhēn))問題還沒有真正有(yǒu)效的解決方法。所以在高質量要求,或關(guān)係到人命安全的產(chǎn)品上,無鉛技術的使用仍然需要進一(yī)步研究決定。而(ér)對於壽命要求不太高的家電或民用產品,則無鉛基本(běn)被認為是可行的技術。 無鉛(qiān)技術在商(shāng)業上的影響 無鉛技術的推動,目前(qián)已(yǐ)不再純屬環保考慮,而是包含了相當成分(fèn)的經濟和商務意義。無鉛技術發展的較好(hǎo)以及能力較強的國家地(dì)區,已意識到它可以成為有理的貿易壁(bì)壘。
而(ér)由(yóu)於無鉛技術所需要的是整體供應、工藝、設備等的係統性,誰能夠較好的掌握(wò)和建立這係(xì)統性,對誰(shuí)就有較好的競爭能力。和當時Flip-Chip技術的開發一樣,企(qǐ)業們為了在新技術(shù)上多占些甜頭,紛(fēn)紛為其科研結果申請專利。不過由於有了以往的經(jīng)驗,“通用”和(hé)“普(pǔ)及(jí)”性已成為(wéi)另外一個業界所關注到的(de)重要特性。在(zài)這認識下出現了一個有趣的現象。就是以往的“專利”政策的失利。無鉛技術的發展焦點在於焊(hàn)料技術,因此初(chū)期許(xǔ)多研究都起於焊(hàn)料的研究。可用的焊料合金種類很多,各(gè)有好壞。
而各個開(kāi)發商為了(le)確保本身的利益,紛紛對其研究成果申請專利。然而,為了避(bì)免采購風險,業界在(zài)後期的推動和推薦材料工(gōng)作(zuò)上,認同采取了不采用“專利”配方作為其中一個考慮點(diǎn)的做法。 無鉛的加工成本會較含鉛來得高,但(dàn)所(suǒ)幸增長不(bú)算多。技術和環保雖然重要,但電子業界中價格仍然是個最重要的競爭武器。誰能將無鉛轉(zhuǎn)換(huàn)的成(chéng)本透(tòu)明化(huà),誰就較具(jù)有競爭(zhēng)力。所以無鉛的出現,也給業界帶來一次成本重整(zhěng)的機會。
無鉛技術推行的問題 推行無鉛技術(shù)的用戶(hù)將會遇到幾個方麵的難處。
1.眾多(duō)的材料的組合和選擇要求用戶對各種材料技術(shù)有足夠的了解。但眾多的可能組合以及有限的實驗報告資料無法很好協助用戶做出(chū)仔細精確的判斷;
2.無鉛技術在技術以及技術和(hé)管理的整合做法上更加重要,但作為業界引進這門技術主要(yào)資源和依賴的供應商,一般缺乏提供技(jì)術整合上的協助。這包括(kuò)一些已集團形式出現在市場的(de)供應商在內。其整合做法較偏向於商(shāng)務方麵而非(fēi)技術及管理上(shàng)的整合;
3.大多數的用戶都沒有意識、計劃或能力投入在無鉛技術質量方麵的研發工作,而業界提供這方麵服務的機構,在相對用戶(hù)素質和數量的質和量上都(dōu)還缺乏,無法有效的降低無鉛的質量風險;
4.過渡期的(de)管理和技術應用將是個(gè)大問題。由於無(wú)鉛和含鉛並不完全兼容,而產品設計工作,以及供應市場上並不可(kě)能做到同時的技術切換,同時使用無鉛和含(hán)鉛技術的情況是存在的,如何使這兩種並不完全兼容的技術同時存在是個管理和技術應用上必須小心處理的;
5.工藝能力的掌握。無鉛工藝的窗口,尤其在必須很好的照顧產品壽命的情況下,較含鉛(qiān)技術(shù)小了許多。這就要求用戶(hù)對工藝的掌握以及質量管理上有更細膩的做(zuò)法。 無鉛對一般國內用戶(hù)的影響中國電子業界在無鉛技術上向來是觀望多於投入。這和其市場背景與定位有關。隨著無鉛推行的逐漸明朗化以及(jí)來自其他經濟體的商務壓力,中國電子業界(jiè)廣泛采用無鉛技術的日子也越來越近了。一般相信,中國有可(kě)能會跟著歐洲的期限和步伐。也就是在2006年7月1日要求較全麵的采用(yòng)無鉛技術。
我個人覺得這期限對中國來說是急了些。這或許是因(yīn)為對(duì)於業界所需要做的工作還沒有深入的分析的緣(yuán)故。不論如何,這期限是否(fǒu)會落實還說不準,就看到時的經濟和(hé)供應壓力(lì),以及業界的擔(dān)心程度了。 如表一中所示,無鉛在好些(xiē)方麵原(yuán)是“發展性”而(ér)非“革命性”。這本對用戶有利,但這有利情況(kuàng)未必適(shì)合於好些國內用戶。原(yuán)因是,雖然無鉛技術是從現有SMT技術發展來的,但其在多方麵對技術的要求,較現有(yǒu)含鉛技術高得多。而(ér)國內一般用戶,自接觸(chù)引(yǐn)進SMT以來,處於一種“重設備、輕工(gōng)藝”的風氣、環境之下。SMT的(de)應用和管理都處於一種(zhǒng)浮於表象的狀況。
對於工藝研(yán)究、技術整合、工藝管理等等都沒有足夠的重視以及缺乏(fá)很好(hǎo)的學習條件和機(jī)會,也因此就說不上很高水(shuǐ)平的掌握了。從事電子板組(zǔ)裝加工業多年的用戶必定感受(shòu)到,SMT的生(shēng)產(chǎn)問題(工藝、質量、設(shè)備等各方麵),較THT時代多出許多。廠內的SMT問題,似乎是此起彼伏,重(chóng)複出現。造成這種狀況的主要原因,是在技術(shù)管理上沒有很好的認識(shí)到從THT發展到SMT過程中所帶來的(de)巨大變化。而沒有很好(hǎo)的針對SMT的特點(diǎn)來進行管(guǎn)理(lǐ)。
這種現象,也很有(yǒu)可(kě)能進(jìn)一步延續(xù)到(dào)無鉛時代,除非在目前的過渡期中,業界在目前的工藝和管(guǎn)理掌握上能夠有較好(hǎo)的認識和改善。無鉛的引進效率(lǜ)和效益必須賴於(yú)良好的技術研發、認證和管理工作。中國SMT用戶在這些方麵都不是強項。因此估計(jì)將來的救火成(chéng)本會提高。對於一些行業來說,這可能會增加原本就不大的利潤壓力。所以用戶麵對的,不隻(zhī)是一個(gè)技術改革,同時也是個成本重組的競爭變化。 國內所麵對(duì)的問題,仍然(rán)會和當初引進含鉛SMT技術時一樣。差別在於無鉛技術中的問題較明顯化(huà)。
無鉛在(zài)工作量上是增加了,但工作方法並沒有多大(dà)的改變。所以對(duì)於那些已(yǐ)經很(hěn)好掌握方法的用戶,無鉛不會帶來太(tài)大的問題。而對於那些還不了解SMT及其管理的用(yòng)戶來說,情況似乎也改變不多。以往的工藝質量問題還一樣的存(cún)在,每天還一樣的在救火,企業還(hái)依賴技術以外的手段競爭生存。。。一直到其他對手改變(biàn)了再隨後改變。 後語 雖然有不少爭議,雖然期限(xiàn)一再展延,雖然無鉛的意義從環保(bǎo)意識逐漸偏向商務意識,但無鉛(qiān)技術(shù)的(de)大量采用應該是個必然的事。
從整體的考慮(lǜ)上,無鉛在壽命要求不是特別高(gāo)的產品(pǐn)上已屬可行的(de)技術,供應方麵也已經逐漸普及。我們可以說已經到了無鉛時代的門(mén)口。 對於這必然出現的改變,扮演(yǎn)跟隨角色的中國SMT界也(yě)開始麵對推行的壓力。如果目前的2006年中作為期限的目標的推測屬實,對於中國SMT用戶來說,時間已不(bú)多了。這是因為無鉛技術的(de)引進並不是件容易處理的事。它牽(qiān)涉到的不隻是用戶本身內部的調整,而是整個供應鏈和係(xì)統性(xìng)的(de)設計和建設,以及強(qiáng)化以往可能忽略的(de)技術和管理基礎(這可是中國SMT界比先進工業國需要多(duō)付出時間和努力的一部分)。
本文和讀者們分享了無鉛發展的情況以及一些使用前應該知(zhī)道的要點。我往後的文章還會給大家分享無鉛在管理上、技術原理上、以及應用上的其他知識和(hé)經驗。但讀者如果希(xī)望更全麵(miàn)、更仔細、更快的學習到相關的知識,或有需要在推動無鉛(qiān)技術應用和管理上得到幫助的。
注一:焊劑Flux是個統稱。錫膏(gāo)中Flux包含許多(duō)不(bú)同功能的成分,如載體、溶(róng)劑、稀釋劑、穩定劑、助焊劑(jì)等(děng)等。這多種成分的組合,多種可選材料,就造成多種不同的(de)Flux配方。
注二:器件工藝性指的是和SMT工藝相關的特性(xìng),例如外形、尺寸、重量、焊端形狀、焊端材(cái)料等等。
注三:熱(rè)風回流爐子的能力(lì),除了溫度控製外,空氣的對流(liú)程度和控製是個同等(děng)重要(yào)的特性。尤其是高溫時,要有足夠傳遞熱能,必須要借助良好的熱氣對流。所(suǒ)以一般氣流不理想的爐子,在高溫時更容易顯示出其弱點。
注四:KIC是家美(měi)國公司,為業界提供爐溫測試(shì)和監控係統,協助用戶在焊接技(jì)術上的工藝設置(zhì)、調製和管製工(gōng)作。從2005年起,該公司也將在中(zhōng)國地區(qū)提供用戶(hù)在焊接工藝和管理上(shàng)的協助。包括含鉛和無(wú)鉛技(jì)術。
Development of the electronics industry and environmental protection Since the industrial revolution, the continuous development of production technology to make manufacturing costs continue to decline. The emergence of automation technology has exacerbated this development. And because of the decline in cost prices, resulting in the popularity of consumer products, mass production and further promote the development of technology and manufacturing costs decline ... This phenomenon first appeared in the automotive industry.
The rapid development of the situation from the Second World War began, until the mid-70s when the gasoline prices rose only to ease the phenomenon. But this is only a short-term pace slowed down. From the late 1970s, with the birth of computer technology and the maturity of the 1980s, the development of industry and manufacturing is even faster. And the joint creation of the user market surge. According to statistics, from the late 70s to the late 90s, the car's ownership has tripled, industrial production demand increased by 10 times, energy consumption up to 4 times, of which the consumption of energy Is up to 8 times more. This illustrates the high speed development of electrical and electronic products. In fact, according to US statistics, electrical and electronics industry in 1996, beyond the other industries began to become the largest industry.
The development of industry and manufacturing brings people better material life. But it also brings the impact of human health environmental pollution problems. And humans as early as the early 60s, 70s realized that such as car exhaust and mercury pollution to bring people the harm and severity. And began to set up environmental protection agencies and through legislation to help control people's health hazards. One of the larger achievements is the early 70s from the car gasoline will be removed from the lead. Leaving the lead pollution in the air reduced by about 94%. And remove the lead from the paint in the late 1970s. The electronics industry has always been affected by environmental protection. Such as chlorofluorocarbon CFCs, halogen, volatile organic compounds, etc., and so on.
Now is to eliminate lead in the subject to do a lot of work. The development of lead-free technology, both in the economy, materials technology, process technology, production equipment, quality management, design, marketing, procurement, and even legislation have a certain impact. Can be said that the electronics manufacturing industry, since the emergence of SMT technology has been the biggest change. The development of environmentally friendly and lead-free technologies The driving force of new technologies will always bring technical risks, initial cost pressures, and the need to face changes in psychological stress and so on.
While the electronics manufacturing industry seems to be at a loss, the impulse to study the lead-free soldering at the same time. There are some other people on this side of the lead-free demand for doubt. The reason for the suspicion is that in the electronics assembly industry, the use of lead mainly comes from welding of solder and devices, PCB solder material. And this amount of lead, but also accounted for about 1% of the total lead use (the maximum amount of lead in the battery, about 8 percent). Other metals used to replace lead in solder, such as silver, nickel, cadmium, antimony, etc., also contain toxic toxins.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency test results, silver and antimony in all tests without any environmental requirements. Therefore, there have been reports, "in the electronic assembly industry to promote lead-free technology, the equivalent of more people spend some money in exchange for some poisoning poisoning outside the lead." Some US-based institutions argue that human research on the use of lead in electronic products through the environment poses a risk to human health, and that research is very lacking, and that it is only a sense of concern. Because lead is harmful to humans, but not necessarily through the way of environmental pollution caused. In fact, some of the environmental research work in the United States in recent years has found that the environmental pollution caused by lead in electronic products is very small, in line with the US Environmental Protection Agency standards (about 10% below the limit).
On the other hand, from the current situation, from lead-free technology, it will bring people a higher cost. These costs come from materials (lead is very economical metal), equipment, learning, research and development, quality management and so on. Coupled with the difficulty of lead-free technology, can not help but cause a lot of waste of quality, in this recovery (recycling) technology is not yet mature time also accelerated the human consumption of the Earth's resources (which also includes some rare metals such as indium usage of).
So some people questioned whether it is worthwhile to conduct lead-free soldering at the moment. The American business community is generally in this state of mind. Market considerations are also one of the driving forces behind lead development. Although the initial research and development may be mainly for environmental protection, but when developed to some extent, the market gradually formed a competitive difference. And market or economic competition has also become one of the important driving force to promote lead-free.
Once the authority of the economic newspaper that Japan's electronics industry, will lead the use of lead-free technology to change the competitive trend of the adverse trend. This is due to Japan in the development of lead-free technology, the system is stronger and better than other countries to do. That is, in technology integration, technology and procurement integration are in a more favorable position. In fact, some Japanese companies, such as Panasonic and Toshiba, have already won good Western markets on some of their products with lead-free technology. In fact, we can also see from Japan's domestic activities, the Japanese business community generally belong to a group of market dynamics.
It is generally believed that it is too late to discuss whether lead-free technology should be implemented. Government and industry investment, as well as commercial activities have made the lead is inevitable. We can use a word to represent the situation before. Is to "go to the lead, to deal with the transaction." The gradual maturity of the major economies and the gradual maturity of the technology, the temptation of the market, the pressure of market competition, the transformation of supply, national legislation and protectionism will make the widespread adoption of lead-free technology become the inevitable result. So even if they do not agree with the electronics assembly industry need to lead the country or business, but also did not dare to completely abandon the relevant aspects of research and follow-up. Although we are all for the implementation of lead-free and forward, but on behalf of the global industry in Europe, the United States, Japan, the practice of the three economies are not the same.
The European Community is well positioned in national and industrial cooperation, as well as in legislation and education. For example, in the recycling (recycling) regulations and management tools, economic incentives and other aspects of investment than the United States, more. In terms of R & D investment, the EU attaches great importance to systematic operational research and development, especially in the design of environmental protection. In the EU, whether in the enterprise or the state of the relevant education and training funding are more beautiful, stronger day. On the Japanese side, in addition to doing more work on recycling (recycling) technology and legislation, the national government's assistance to industry is not as good as that of the EU countries.
The industry itself is very concerned about compliance and energy savings for ISO 14000. Japanese business community has a characteristic, is to pay great attention to environmental protection work and business strategy with many large enterprises will be environmentally friendly as a means of competition. In research and development work, Japan is also concerned about the application of science, basic research as Europe and the United States. The United States in the lead-free, early has been holding wait and see attitude. This and the previously mentioned do not agree with the electronic assembly industry should be used in the direction of lead-free orientation. So in many aspects of the development of investment and the driving force is far less than Europe, Japan region.
This was the case until 1999, when the United States realized that the business or economic impact brought about by the lead-free subject was more environmentally friendly, it was invested in a number of major national conferences. US research and development focus on materials and materials applications. As for other regions and countries, due to their own technology, limited economic capacity, as well as the global market supply and as a user of the relative lack of influence. In the lead-free subject can only look at the direction of the three major economies and choose when to follow up. And the so-called "choice" is often more passive. Lead-free pressure due to lead-free push does not necessarily bring benefits to all enterprises. So many companies in this subject is not active. And ultimately because of the pressure under the use of lead-free technology.
The pressure may come from three aspects, one demand market, the second is the competitive market, the third is the supply market. Demand market pressure is the customer's request. For example, some customers from Japan and Europe have already begun to use lead-free technology or products. Unless you do not do their business, otherwise there is no choice. Competitive markets are competitors in the industry who have adopted or have the ability to use lead-free technology, while lead-free technology as a means of competition. At this time, although some customers do not have to immediately require lead-free technology, but since the supplier can provide, and if the cost burden does not increase or within a reasonable range, may be somewhat attractive. This puts pressure on suppliers who can not provide lead-free, so that they have to implement lead-free technology.
Supply market pressure will also be an important factor. Perhaps there are already some users have already seen this problem. That is, some devices or materials have been transferred to lead-free, lead has stopped the supply. And this situation will become more popular with the lead-free and more serious, and ultimately will make those who do not want to convert the user must also enter the lead-free. The most important factors that are affected by this factor are those that need to ensure the quality of life of high products, such as military, medical equipment, aerospace, aviation, and so on. These industries account for only about 1% of the electronics industry, in the lead-free product life impact of the degree of not yet well determined circumstances, if such a small market can not win the support of the supply sector, the production of these industries will be problem. Whether the motivation is real For environmental protection, or business behavior, the pressure provided above is clear - whether you are willing, and ultimately we will use lead-free!
Lead-free technology to bring the change Since the inevitable must turn to lead-free technology, then lead to the changes and the impact should be the first to be most concerned about. In the electronic assembly industry in the development process, the larger impact of a larger change is the emergence of SMT. That is a "revolutionary" change. Today's lead-free technology is not entirely revolutionary change, which is the user should be clear.
To a certain extent, it belongs to a "development" (evolution) technology. That is, lead-free technology is developed from the existing lead-containing SMT technology. Since its own SMT technology era, the rapid expansion of the user market, so that the industry has recognized the "revolutionary" type of change the harm. So the total amount of research and development of new technology to make it a high degree of retention of the old method (or at least use the old experience). So there is still most of the lead-free technology or technology is "development" (Evolution) rather than "revolution" (Revolution). Table 1 from different aspects of lead-free technology, and that it belongs to the revolutionary or developmental characteristics.
Table 1: The development of lead-free technology with more "development" of course is a good thing, that we can make better use of the previous experience. However, for lead-free technology, this is not simple. In the development of SMT, we have experienced several "development" experiences, such as no-clean technology, wire-array soldering technology (BGA), Flip-Chip, and so on. Some users may still remember the challenges of these technologies.
But the arrival of lead-free technology, and the previous few technologies, compared to its difficulty and the challenge is absolutely beyond it. Knowing the features in Table 1 is important for new lead-free users. Because the introduction of technology requires a period of preparation and transition, and what should be strengthened, what can give up and so on the management decision-making and preparation of effort, must be based on the development of the technology or innovation on the characteristics of understanding. The effect of materials on materials and changes in the application of lead-free technology in the application of the largest changes in its characteristics and species on the diversity of changes. Especially in the solder alloy research and development results are much more.
Although there is not yet a kind of alloy solder and lead-based solder as 'good', but can replace (to meet the application) there are many. As far as I know there are already more than 50 different alloys applied for a patent. So many choices, it is estimated that only a small part will be more widely received by the SMT industry. Sn / Ag / Cu / Sn / Ag / Cu / X (X represents other metals such as bismuth, indium, etc.), Sn / Ag / Cu / , Sn / Ag / Bi / X (X represents other metals). We will be in the future of the article will be more specific to discuss the different materials and weaknesses.
Flux Flux should not be overlooked except that the alloy is a consideration and choice. Different alloys have different density weights, have different melting surface tension, different melting temperatures, and different oxidation characteristics. This also tells us that the flux Flux formula will appear differently than lead (Note 1). Since the flux formulation has been a trade secret for a solder paste supplier, the user is not easy to know the actual characteristics. But it is foreseeable that this change will have a greater impact on the welding process, followed by the solder paste printing process. For the patch process, the estimated impact is very slight.
It may only be necessary for special care in certain applications. Materials in addition to solder, the main devices and PCB. In the device, there are two need to give attention and consideration. First, the type of components and components of the device, the other is the heat resistance of the device body. In the lead-side material, even in lead-free technology, not all solder ends are made of lead metals such as Ag / Pd, Ni / Au, and Sn, Ni / Pd, Ni / Au / Cu, etc. Do not contain lead ingredients. And these materials are confirmed to be compatible with some lead-free solder. So in the device welding material, we are facing the problem is not too difficult. But at least there are three problems plagued us.
The first is a module device (such as filters, oscillators, protection circuits, etc.) a level of assembly problems. Since these devices may be subjected to high-temperature treatment when they are assembled at the secondary stage, it is generally necessary to use an alloy solder having a higher melting temperature than that required for secondary assembly welding. At present, R & D in this area is far less than the two assembly technology R & D investment and more. And because of the higher temperature, the heat resistance of all materials and higher requirements.
This also further increases the difficulty. Although there are solutions, but the high temperature lead-free solder type, high cost. The second problem with the device is the problem of lead-free and lead-free mixing during the transition. Since lead-free and lead-free materials are not fully compatible, this mix will give us some problems. Such as lack of temperature tolerance, poor solder joints, and "lead pollution" and so on. The third problem is that lead-free technology has many options on solder alloys, and the solder bumps of these devices, the various solder and what solder joint materials are compatible and compatible with how many, the current Test data is limited. This increases the user's choice of risk and difficulty. The overall heat resistance of the device will also be a consideration.
As the melting point of lead-free solder is generally higher than lead (more