Abstract: A component mounter provided with head, a device for moving head, transfer unit, and a mounting controller. Round plate is an example of a container for paste. The mounting controller, in the first operation mode, images components held by multiple nozzles using an imaging device before transfer is performed, and recognizes the position and/or orientation of each component based on the image of each component. Further, the head and the head moving device are controlled based on the position and/or orientation of each component such that a coating layer is transferred to connection terminals of each component at a transfer area of each of the components set in advance that does not include a margin based on the holding deviation of each component.

Abstract: A component supplying device includes a body portion including a component pick-up position, a tape path, first and second transfer portions, a control portion, and an input portion. The control portion includes a discharge processing portion which executes a discharge process in response to an instruction at the input, and a transfer processing portion which executes a transfer process after the discharge process. In the discharge process, a first component supply tape is transferred by the first transfer portion away from the first transfer position so that at least a part of the first component supply tape is discharged outside the body portion while holding the components. In the transfer process, a second component supply tape that is at the second transfer position is transferred by the second transfer portion toward the first transfer position, and transferred by the first transfer portion toward the component pick-up position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic component mounting line on which a substrate undergoes solder paste printing, electronic component placements, and then reflow, while being moved from upstream to downstream.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic component mounting line on which a substrate undergoes solder paste printing, electronic component placements, and then reflow, while being moved from upstream to downstream. The line includes: a substrate feeding machine for feeding the substrate; a screen printing machine for applying solder paste to the substrate; a first electronic component placement machine for placing a first electronic component on the substrate; a resin dispensing machine for dispensing a thermosetting resin onto at least one reinforcement position arranged on the substrate; a second electronic component placement machine for placing a second electronic component on the substrate, such that its peripheral edge portion comes in contact with the thermosetting resin; and a reflow machine for bonding the first and second electronic components to the substrate, by heating and cooling the resultant.

Abstract: A flux dipping apparatus includes a flux plate having a top surface; and a dipping cavity in the flux plate and recessed from the top surface. A flux leveler is disposed over the flux plate and configured to move parallel to the top surface. A piezoelectric actuator is configured to adjust a distance between the flux leveler and the top surface in response to a controlling voltage applied to electrodes of the first piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a print technology in which a solder pool staying on the surface of a mask is driven by means of a squeegee, and solder is applied onto a substrate onto which the lower surface of a mask is placed. A forward print process where solder is applied by driving a squeegee in a predetermined forward direction relative to a mask, and a backward print process where the solder is applied by driving the squeegee in a returning direction opposite to the forward direction are switched alternately. When the squeegee passes through the solder pool on the downstream side in a moving direction before switching in the course of switching from any one of the forward and backward print processes to the other one of these processes, the amount of solder in the solder pool is measured. Based on the amount of solder thus measured, the necessity of replenishing solder is determined. The solder pool is supplemented with solder, based on the result of the decision on whether solder replenishment is required.

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of excess solder or contaminant, which are encountered on the surfaces of injection mold prior to the transfer of a solder on a silicon wafer. More particularly, there is provided an apparatus for the removal of excess solder, which may be present on a mold surface, without removing any solder, which is located in cavities formed in the mold, and wherein the solder is applied through an injection molded soldering process.

Abstract: In a flux transfer unit to be used in an electronic component mounting apparatus for transferring flux to an electronic component picked up from a component feed unit and then mounting the electronic component onto a board, a blade holding head which has a first blade and a second blade for film formation use and scraping use of flux, respectively, and which is reciprocatively driven by a rodless cylinder via a drive transmission pin, is held by a movable member so as to be swingable about a swing support pin, and the movable member is braked with a specified braking force by a plate spring member. Thus, each time the direction of motion of the blade is reversed, the blade holding head swings, so that the first blade and the second blade can be automatically switched over without providing any exclusive drive mechanism.

Abstract: To provide an electronic component placing apparatus and an electronic component mounting method that can prevent a cold joint from occurring when an electronic component likely to cause warp deformation is mounted by means of soldering. In the electronic component placing apparatus for placing the electronic component 16 with a plurality of solder bumps 16a formed on a lower surface on a board, a film 7a having a film thickness distribution for transferring a desired transfer amount of solder paste according to a state of warp deformation to each of the plurality of solder bumps is formed in a paste transfer unit 24, based on the component warp information indicating the state of warp deformation in a reflow process of the electronic component. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a cold joint from occurring when the electronic component likely to cause warp deformation is mounted by means of soldering by additionally supplying a just enough amount of solder to each solder bump 16a.

Abstract: Stenciling machines and methods for forming solder balls on microelectronic workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for depositing and reflowing solder paste on a microelectronic workpiece having a plurality of dies includes positioning a stencil having a plurality of apertures at least proximate to the workpiece. The method further includes placing discrete masses of solder paste into the apertures and reflowing the discrete masses of solder paste while the stencil is positioned at least proximate to the workpiece and while the discrete masses are in the apertures. In another embodiment of the invention, a stenciling machine for depositing and reflowing solder paste on the microelectronic workpiece includes a heater for reflowing the solder paste, a stencil having a plurality of apertures, and a controller operatively coupled to the heater and the stencil. The controller has a computer-readable medium containing instructions to perform the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: A conductive ball mounting apparatus and method for holding a conductive ball on the holding face, as has a suction port formed therein, of a holder head thereby to mount the held conductive ball, while interposing a flux therein, on a workpiece. After the end of the mounting action and before a next conductive ball is held, flux removing means for removing the flux adhered to the holding face is brought into abutment against the holding face of the holder head thereby to remove the flux from holding face.

Abstract: Stenciling machines and methods for forming solder balls on microelectronic workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for depositing and reflowing solder paste on a microelectronic workpiece having a plurality of dies includes positioning a stencil having a plurality of apertures at least proximate to the workpiece. The method further includes placing discrete masses of solder paste into the apertures and reflowing the discrete masses of solder paste while the stencil is positioned at least proximate to the workpiece and while the discrete masses are in the apertures. In another embodiment of the invention, a stenciling machine for depositing and reflowing solder paste on the microelectronic workpiece includes a heater for reflowing the solder paste, a stencil having a plurality of apertures, and a controller operatively coupled to the heater and the stencil. The controller has a computer-readable medium containing instructions to perform the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: Stenciling machines and methods for forming solder balls on microelectronic workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for depositing and reflowing solder paste on a microelectronic workpiece having a plurality of dies includes positioning a stencil having a plurality of apertures at least proximate to the workpiece. The method further includes placing discrete masses of solder paste into the apertures and reflowing the discrete masses of solder paste while the stencil is positioned at least proximate to the workpiece and while the discrete masses are in the apertures. In another embodiment of the invention, a stenciling machine for depositing and reflowing solder paste on the microelectronic workpiece includes a heater for reflowing the solder paste, a stencil having a plurality of apertures, and a controller operatively coupled to the heater and the stencil. The controller has a computer-readable medium containing instructions to perform the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: A lead-free solder paste printing method is practiced with use of a metal mask of the invention by placing the metal mask 1 on a circuit board 2 having an electrode 21 formed in a predetermined pattern to join an end portion of a lead member 6, and moving a printing squeegee along the upper surface of the metal mask 1 to thereby print a lead-free solder paste on the surface of the electrode 21 on the circuit board 2. The method produces on the electrode 21 of the circuit board 2 two lead-free solder paste patterns 30a, 30a each circular or elliptical in shape and arranged in a direction in which the lead member 6 is to extend from the electrode.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has an alignment mark which can be recognized by a conventional wafer prober. A redistribution layer connects electrodes of the semiconductor device to electrode pads located in predetermined positions of the redistribution layer. Metal posts configured to be provided with external connection electrodes are formed on the electrode pads of the redistribution layer. A mark member made of the same material as the metal posts is formed on the redistribution layer. The mark member serves as an alignment mark located in a predetermined positional relationship with the metal posts.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying solder paste to circuits, such as integrated circuits, are disclosed. The apparatus and methods comprise a squeegee blade having a pair of elongated face sides spaced apart by a selected thickness and a corresponding pair of elongated substantially parallel narrow sides spaced apart by a selected width. The elongated face sides and elongated narrow sides join together to form squeegee operating edges. The squeegee blade is free of mounting aperture as to provide four operating edges. The squeegee blade is mounted to a resilient clamping structure which applies a regular and controlled gripping force so as to avoid deformation of the squeegee blade edge due to excessive mounting force. The plurality of fasteners are received by the clamping structure for adjusting the gripping force to the squeegee blade.

Abstract: A squeegee unit having a stirring squeegee and a leveling squeegee fixed thereto is rocked with the reciprocating operation of a transfer unit moving mechanism to cause the stirring squeegee and the leveling squeegee to approach the pan surface of a transfer unit on going and returning paths. Consequently, the stirring squeegee stirs a viscous fluid put on the transfer unit on the going path of the transfer unit and the leveling squeegee uniformly flattens the viscous fluid stirred on the going path to have a predetermined thickness on the returning path of the transfer unit, thereby forming a flat viscous fluid transfer surface on the transfer unit. By immersing the terminal portion of the electronic component in the viscous fluid transfer surface, the viscous fluid is transferred to the electronic component and the electronic component is then mounted in a predetermined mounting position.

Abstract: A squeegee unit having a stirring squeegee and a leveling squeegee fixed thereto is rocked with the reciprocating operation of a transfer unit moving mechanism to cause the stirring squeegee and the leveling squeegee to approach the pan surface of a transfer unit on going and returning paths. Consequently, the stirring squeegee stirs a viscous fluid put on the transfer unit on the going path of the transfer unit and the leveling squeegee uniformly flattens the viscous fluid stirred on the going path to have a predetermined thickness on the returning path of the transfer unit, thereby forming a flat viscous fluid transfer surface on the transfer unit. By immersing the terminal portion of the electronic component in the viscous fluid transfer surface, the viscous fluid is transferred to the electronic component and the electronic component is then mounted in a predetermined mounting position.

Abstract: A system comprising a scavenging blade, a printed wiring board receiving portion, and a movement mechanism adapted to move the scavenging blade and printed wiring board receiving portion relative to each other, and to a method of removing excess fill material comprising providing a printed wiring board having filled holes and at least some excess fill material on a surface of the printed wiring board, providing a system comprising a scavenging blade, positioning the printed wiring board in the system, and causing the scavenging blade to traverse at least a portion of the printed wiring board in a manner that causes the scavenging blade to remove at least a portion of the excess fill material from the printed wiring board.

Abstract: A squeegee unit having a stirring squeegee and a leveling squeegee fixed thereto is rocked with the reciprocating operation of a transfer unit moving mechanism to cause the stirring squeegee and the leveling squeegee to approach the pan surface of a transfer unit on going and returning paths. Consequently, the stirring squeegee stirs a viscous fluid put on the transfer unit on the going path of the transfer unit and the leveling squeegee uniformly flattens the viscous fluid stirred on the going path to have a predetermined thickness on the returning path of the transfer unit, thereby forming a flat viscous fluid transfer surface on the transfer unit. By immersing the terminal portion of the electronic component in the viscous fluid transfer surface, the viscous fluid is transferred to the electronic component and the electronic component is then mounted in a predetermined mounting position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying solder paste to circuits, such as integrated circuits, are disclosed. The apparatus and methods comprise a squeegee blade having a pair of elongated face sides spaced apart by a selected thickness and a corresponding pair of elongated substantially parallel narrow sides spaced apart by a selected width. The elongated face sides and elongated narrow sides join together to form squeegee operating edges. The squeegee blade is free of mounting aperture as to provide four operating edges. The squeegee blade is mounted to a resilient clamping structure which applies a regular and controlled gripping force so as to avoid deformation of the squeegee blade edge due to excessive mounting force. The plurality of fasteners are received by the clamping structure for adjusting the gripping force to the squeegee blade.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving a screen printing process by applying vibrational energy to assist in the print release, cleaning, and drying processes. The vibrational energy or acoustic pressure waves may be created by a transducer where the waves are transferred to the stencil or printable material through air or a vibrational interface medium. The vibrational energy in turn assists with separating the printable material from the side walls of the apertures of the stencil. The vibrational energy can further assist in the process of cleaning the stencil. The acoustic pressure can also be used in the drying process by having the waves impinge on the water droplets to atomize the droplets on the surface of the stencil. The technology can be used for the assembly of Printed Circuit Assemblies, Ball Grid Array IC Packages, Flip Chip, etc.

Abstract: When solder paste passes through a first gap (34) located between a pressurizing member (28) and a printing mask (3) during solder paste printing, a pressure directed toward the printing mask is applied from the pressurizing member to the solder paste.

Abstract: A soldering system which reduces the numbers of steps for paste supply and soldering onto a printed circuit board. A printed circuit board has through holes through which a lead of each provided part is to be inserted. A printing mask is matched with the through holes and a paste receiving plate having holes to which solder paste is supplied corresponding to the through holes is disposed. A printing roller is swept by forcibly rotating it to fill with solder paste, then a printing squeegee follows the printing roller to further fill through holes. Parts are loaded on the through holes and reflowing is carried out on the printed circuit board and paste receiving plate, so that the parts are soldered to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing solder paste on a printed wiring board has a stencil with a pattern of multiple apertures. The pattern aligns with a through-hole in the printed wiring board when the stencil is in physical contact with the printed wiring board. A squeegee arrangement applies solder paste through the multiple apertures in the stencil through the through-hole of the printed wiring board to the upper surface of the printed wiring board for securely mounting electronic components to the upper surface of the printed wiring board, for providing a thermal path for the heat sinks of the electronic components and for providing a low inductance electrical path to ground for the electrical components.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning solder paste off the bottom side of a printed circuit board stencil includes a container of cleaning solution therein and a blade holder that is movable between a wiping position and the container of cleaning solution. A wiping blade is mounted in the blade holder. The blade holder, with the blade mounted thereon, is reciprocated back and forth when in communication with a stencil to be cleaned. The blade is moved from the wiping position in communication with the stencil into the cleaning solution in the container. A pneumatic piston and rotary actuator provides controlled movement of the wiping blade. The wiping blade may be vibrated during wiping to improve removal of solder paste from the stencil and the cleaning solution may be ultrasonically vibrated to improve removal of solder paste from the wiping blade. The wiping blade may also be pulsed into a sponge to remove excess cleaning solution prior to the next cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A solder paste stenciling apparatus for minimizing residue of solder paste has a stencil disposed above a substrate in a proper distance. Multiple stencil opens are defined through the stencil and distributed in a predetermined formation. A squeegee for applying solder paste onto the stencil has a hollow body for receiving the solder paste. A piston is used to apply pressure to the solder paste in the body so that the solder paste is urged to flow through an outlet defined in a bottom surface of the body. Two blowers are mounted on opposite sides of the body and a vent is defined in each blower. In operation, the solder paste flows out of the body via the outlet and into the stencil opens to be further deposited onto the substrate. Then, air coming out of the blowers assists the solder paste to be fully evacuated from the stencil opens.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning solder paste off the bottom side of a printed circuit board stencil includes a container of cleaning solution therein and a blade holder that is movable between a wiping position and the container of cleaning solution. A wiping blade is mounted in the blade holder. The blade holder, with the blade mounted thereon, is reciprocated back and forth when in communication with a stencil to be cleaned. The blade is moved from the wiping position in communication with the stencil into the cleaning solution in the container. A pneumatic piston and rotary actuator provides controlled movement of the wiping blade. The wiping blade may be vibrated during wiping to improve removal of solder paste from the stencil and the cleaning solution may be ultrasonically vibrated to improve removal of solder paste from the wiping blade. The wiping blade may also be pulsed into a sponge to remove excess cleaning solution prior to the next cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning solder paste off the bottom side of a printed circuit board stencil includes a container of cleaning solution therein and a blade holder that is movable between a wiping position and the container of cleaning solution. A wiping blade is mounted in the blade holder. The blade holder, with the blade mounted thereon, is reciprocated back and forth when in communication With a stencil to be cleaned. The blade is moved from the wiping position in communication with the stencil into the cleaning solution in the container. A pneumatic piston and rotary actuator provides controlled movement of the wiping blade. The wiping blade may be vibrated during wiping to improve removal of solder paste from the stencil and the cleaning solution may be ultrasonically vibrated to improve removal of solder paste from the wiping blade. The wiping blade may also be pulsed into a sponge to remove excess cleaning solution prior to the next cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A method for removing at least one molten or solid structure from a surface including: placing the surface with the at least one molten or solid structure in a fixture; disposing said wiper assembly acted on by a bias proximate the at least one molten or solid structure; retaining the wiper assembly in a first position with a device having a first temperature point level equivalent to or higher than a second melting point level of the at least one molten or solid structure; and raising the temperature of the fixture to the first temperature point level; wherein the at least one molten or solid structure is wiped from the surface when the device reaches the first temperature point level.

Abstract: A system comprising a scavenging blade, a printed wiring board receiving portion, and a movement mechanism adapted to move the scavenging blade and printed wiring board receiving portion relative to each other, and to a method of removing excess fill material comprising providing a printed wiring board having filled holes and at least some excess fill material on a surface of the printed wiring board, providing a system comprising a scavenging blade, positioning the printed wiring board in the system, and causing the scavenging blade to traverse at least a portion of the printed wiring board in a manner that causes the scavenging blade to remove at least a portion of the excess fill material from the printed wiring board.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reflow furnace for heating a carried circuit module to perform reflow soldering. The reflow furnace has a nozzle 60 for performing an operation of spraying the inert gas on a soldering portion for the circuit module carried into the furnace while the nozzle is moved, maintaining high mounting reliability and high productivity, even if apertures of the carrying inlet and the carrying outlet are large.

Abstract: A method for reworking a Ball Grid Array electronic module by removing the solder balls from the substrate surface after one or more of the connections have been detected to be damaged. The module is immersed in a water soluble oil bath and heated to the melting point. Then a rotating brush, with the rotating axis perpendicular to the substrate plane, removes the solder balls and the solder material particles while the module is still immersed in the fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a reflow furnace for an electronic assembly. The electronic assembly comprises a printed circuit board and a device on the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has solder at a first area near the device and a metallic surface at second area distant from the device. The furnace comprises a frame, a support, a heater, and a shield. The support is secured to the frame and is capable of holding the printed circuit board. The heater is secured to the frame and is capable of heating the printed circuit board while being held by the support. The shield is secured to the frame and is positioned to prevent solder from migrating from the first area to the metallic surface at the second area while the printed circuit board is being heated.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for forming solder bumps on integrated circuit chips (and other similar circuitized units) and apparatuses. A screening stencil is laid over the surface of the substrate and solder paste material is deposited into the stencil's apertures with a screening blade. The stencil is placed in such a manner that each of its apertures is positioned over a substrate pad, upon which a solder bump is to be formed. Next, a flat pressure plate is laid over the exposed top surface of the stencil, which creates a fully enclosed, or "captured", cell of solder paste within each stencil aperture. Then, with the stencil and plate remaining in place on top of the substrate, the substrate is heated to a temperature sufficient to reflow the solder paste material. After reflow, the substrate is cooled, and the pressure plate and stencil are thereafter removed, leaving solder bumps on the substrate.

Abstract: The method is directed to attaching spherical and/or non-spherical contacts to a substrate having mounting pads arranged in a predetermined array. The method includes the steps of positioning the substrate over a fixture, and positioning a stencil over the substrate. The stencil has openings arranged in the predetermined array, and is held and aligned by the fixture in such a position that the openings of the stencil are aligned with the mounting pads of the substrate. Soldering paste is applied onto the stencil so as to fill the openings of the stencil wherein a dab of paste is left in the openings of the stencil. Next, a contact loading plate is positioned over the substrate, the plate having openings arranged in the predetermined array. The plate is held and aligned by the fixture in such a position that the openings of the plate are aligned with the mounting pads of the substrate. The openings of the is contact loading plate are then filled with contacts.

Abstract: An apparatus for solder joining metal tapes to form laminated metal tapes comprises a channel means having a base, and sidewall means extending therefrom to a cover extending over the sidewall means. The sidewall means define converging channels having an entrance end for admitting the tapes spaced apart, and an exit end where facing tape surfaces can come into contact. The sidewall means separate the base and cover by a distance selected to align the tapes in the width dimension. The cover having a first section extending from the exit end, and a second section extending from the first section to the entrance end, the second section being formed with a cavity facing the channel that permits a solder flow therethrough that minimizes accumulation of particles in the channels. A solder duct means mounted on the channel means for directing molten solder into the channels to flow from the exit end to the entrance end. The solder duct means having a slot extending therethrough and aligned with the exit end.

Abstract: A method of forming thin, uniform braze joints is effected through the use of curtain coating. Braze powder is admixed with a liquid polymeric binder to form a slurry. The slurry is forced through the slots in a curtain coating head and deposited on at least one of the metal surfaces to be bonded together. The method has particular utility for bonding fin/plate sections of a heat exchanger where the fins have a U-shaped cross section. The slurry is deposited on the top portion of the fin and the side portion of the fin and wiped from the top portion leaving braze material primarily on the side wall portion. When the plates are contacted to the fins and heating performed, a bond is effected with maximum plate-to-fin contact for high heat transfer and a strong braze joint.