Abstract: A screen printing head for and method of printing deposits of a print medium onto a workpiece through apertures in a printing screen, the printing head comprising a vibration unit for vibrating a printing blade to condition print medium forward of the printing blade, wherein the printing blade is vibrated at least one frequency in the range of from about 20 kHz to about 200 kHz and with a displacement of at least about 0.4 pm.

Abstract: A multi-spot soldering apparatus which applies temperature protection to molten solder to be applied to the contacts of electronic components on printed circuit boards is provided. The multi-spot soldering apparatus includes a bottom plate, a number of containers mounted on the bottom plate and communicating with the multiple solder pot, and a number of protrusions mounted on the containers. Each of the protrusions defines an opening communicating with a container and the size and shape of each protrusion reduces the exposure of molten solder to ambient temperatures and reduces the distance that the molten solder must travel before application to a contact of an electronic component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a vertical deposition mask capable of welding a mask sheet and a mask frame for preventing a large area mask from drooping due to the weight of the mask. The apparatus includes a tensioning device for tensioning a mask sheet and a welder for attaching a mask frame to a circumference of the mask sheet. The tensioning device includes clamps for supporting the mask sheet and tensioners coupled to the clamps for applying tensile force to the clamps and to evenly fix in place the mask sheet by the clamps.

Abstract: A device for loading electro-conductive ball onto the terminal regions of a substrate more correctly and reliably is disclosed. Micro-ball loading device (200) may have the following parts: backing plate (220) supporting substrate (100) such that plural terminal regions (108) formed on one surface of substrate (100) are free, transfer mask (210), which contains a metal mask and has plural through-holes (216) formed corresponding to plural terminal regions (108) of the substrate, fixing block (230) onto which end portions (210a) of the transfer mask are fixed such that transfer mask (210) faces one surface of the substrate, and magnet part (240), which attaches transfer mask (210) by magnetic force to the side of backing plate (220); for magnet part (240), the attachment force to the center portion of the substrate is less than that of the peripheral edge portion.

Abstract: A stencil for printing solder paste on a printed circuit board improves an assembly process, cuts production costs, and saves storage space. The stencil is coupled to a fixing frame having a plurality of fixing portions and a motor unit. The motor unit generates a plurality of pulling forces. The stencil includes a solder paste printing region and a plurality of fixing regions. Vias are disposed in the solder paste printing region. The directions of the pulling forces are coplanar with the solder paste printing region. The edge of the solder paste printing region extends outward to define the fixing regions. The fixing regions are movably fixed to the fixing portions and bear the pulling forces to flatten the solder paste printing region of the stencil.

Abstract: A flexible unitary mask has a plurality of through holes. A substrate has a plurality of wettable pads in recessed regions defining volumes. The through holes are aligned with the wettable pads. Molten solder is directly injected through the through holes of the flexible unitary mask into the volumes with the wettable pads, such that the through holes and the volumes with the wettable pads are filled with solder. The solder is allowed to solidify, forming a plurality of solder structures adhered to the wettable pads. The flexible unitary mask is peeled from the substrate after the solder has solidified.

Abstract: A method of bonding includes providing a first work piece, and attaching a second work piece on the first work piece, with a solder bump disposed between the first and the second work pieces. The second work piece is heated using a heating head of a heating tool to melt the solder bump. After the step of heating the second work piece, one of the first and the second work pieces is allowed to move freely in a horizontal direction to self-align the first and the second work pieces. After the step of allowing one of the first and the second work pieces to move, a temperature of the heating head is lowed until the first solder bump solidifies to form a second solder bump.

Abstract: A flux spray head, a mask, and an integrated circuit substrate are arranged in a flux spray station to reduce flux overspray during a spraying operation. A support element within the spray station is used to align the substrate with the mask and spray head. A portion of the mask contacts the substrate along a boundary between a region to be sprayed and a region to be masked. The flux spray head sprays the substrate while a portion of the mask is in contact with the boundary of the region to be masked. In an embodiment, the mask may comprise one or more replaceable non-stick stencil elements and associated springs to press the stencil elements against the substrate. Each stencil element may have a wall to contact the substrate along a portion of the boundary.

Abstract: There is provided a bump printing apparatus and a method of controlling the same that can increase the printability of solder bumps being printed on a board. The bump printing apparatus may include a printing table onto which a board is mounted; a mask making close contact with the board and printing solder bumps on the board by separating the mask from the board after a printing operation; and air nozzles provided within the printing table and providing air suction to bring the board into close contact with the printing table and spraying air to separate the mask from the board.

Abstract: A fixing frame and an assembled fixing device printing solder paste on a printed circuit board improve an assembly process, cut production costs, and save storage space. The fixing frame has a plurality of fixing portions and a motor unit. The fixing portions are connected to each other to define a hollowed-out planar region. The motor unit generates a plurality of pulling forces by means of mechanical transmission. The assembled fixing device includes a fixing frame and a stencil. The stencil has a solder paste printing region and a plurality of fixing regions. The edge of the solder paste printing region extends outward to define the fixing regions. The fixing regions are movably fixed to the fixing portions and bear the pulling forces. The solder paste printing region lies within the hollowed-out planar region. The directions of the pulling forces are coplanar with the solder paste printing region.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for fully automatic screen printer including two stacked light sources, two stacked beamsplitters, two stacked optical reflectors, two stacked imaging lens and two stacked image sensors, wherein the two stacked optical reflectors and the two stacked light sources are correspondingly disposed on two different sides of the two beamsplitters, the two stacked imaging lens are disposed on another side of the beamsplitters different from that of the optical reflectors and the light sources, the two stacked image sensors are disposed behind the imaging lens; the optical reflectors are provided with an upward reflection plane and a downward reflection plane, the optical axes of the imaging lenses are orthogonal to that of the light sources. The imaging apparatus is of two independent optical paths which capture the image of the printed circuit board and that of the screen respectively.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method, are provided to deposit conductive bonding material into cavities in a mold. A fill head is placed in substantial contact with a mold that includes cavities. The fill head includes a sealing member that substantially encompasses an entire area to be filled with conductive bonding material. The conductive bonding material is forced out of the fill head toward the mold. The conductive bonding material is provided into at least one cavity of the cavities contemporaneous with the at least one cavity being in proximity to the fill head.

Abstract: There is provided a bump printing apparatus that can improve the printability of solder bumps printed on a board. The bump printing apparatus may include a printing table onto which a board is mounted; a mask making close contact with the board and printing solder bumps on the board by separating the mask from the board after a printing operation; and mask tables extending from the printing table to edges of the mask and sucking the edges of the mask to bring the edges of the mask into close contact with the board under vacuum.

Abstract: A mask (stencil) having cells (openings) is disposed on a surface of a heater stage, and is then filled (printed) with solder paste. Then a substrate is assembled to the opposite side of the mask. Then the solder paste is reflowed. This may be done partially inverted. Then the mask is separated from the substrate, either before or after cooling. Solder balls are thus formed on the substrate, which may be a semiconductor wafer. A biased chuck urges the substrate into intimate contact with the mask. A method for printing the mask with solder paste is described. Methods of forming high aspect ratio solder bumps (including balls and reflowable interconnect structures) are described.

Abstract: A method for forming solder bumps on an electronic component. Providing a transfer substrate having a plurality of solder balls, disposing the transfer substrate on the surface of the electronic component, heating to reflow the solder balls onto the electronic component; and removing the sacrificial substrate. The transfer substrate may comprise a sacrificial film and a metal layer patterned with a mask which is used to form solder balls on the transfer substrate. Or, the transfer substrate may comprise a sheet of silicone rubber having solder balls embedded at least partially in the sheet. A method of aligning a part being bumped with a transfer substrate, using a shuttle mechanism and an alignment film is disclosed.

Abstract: A mask (stencil) having cells (openings) is disposed on a surface of a heater stage, and is then filled (printed) with solder paste. Then a substrate is assembled to the opposite side of the mask. Then the solder paste is reflowed. This may be done partially inverted. Then the mask is separated from the substrate, either before or after cooling. Solder balls are thus formed on the substrate, which may be a semiconductor wafer. A biased chuck urges the substrate into intimate contact with the mask. A method for printing the mask with solder paste is described. Methods of forming high aspect ratio solder bumps (including balls and reflowable interconnect structures) are described.

Abstract: A paste coater that can apply an amount of a solder paste to small-diameter bump electrodes at a narrow pitch is described. A paste coater includes: a transfer roller, supported by a sub frame; a roller drive mechanism for rotating the transfer roller; a paste storage unit for storing paste to be supplied to the surface of the transfer roller; a squeegee having a distal edge, parallel to the rotary shaft of the transfer roller, separated by a gap from the distal edge to the surface of the transfer roller; a squeegee holder for holding and including biasing means for pushing the squeegee in a first direction thereby widening the gap; and a gap adjustment mechanism with biasing means for pushing the squeegee in a second direction thereby narrowing the gap.

Abstract: A method for dispensing solder bumps on a mold plate includes the steps of: relatively moving a fill head comprising an o-ring from a first location to a second location such that the o-ring decompresses as it crosses from the first location to the second location; filling at least one cavity in the mold plate with solder; and then relatively moving the fill head from the second location to a third location such that the o-ring decompresses as it crosses from the second location to the third location. The step of relatively moving the fill head from the first location to the second location includes moving from a higher elevation to a lower elevation.

Abstract: A stencil used for printing solder paste on a contact pad of a printed wiring board has interior surfaces that define one or more apertures through the stencil. Those interior surfaces are coated with a material, such as parylene, having a lower surface tension than the interior surfaces absent the coating. The stencil can also have one or more reverse-tapered apertures passing there through, wherein the apertures have a variable cross-section that is larger at the fill side of the stencil (i.e., where solder paste enters the apertures) than at the board side of the stencil (i.e., where the stencil contacts the contact pad of the printed wiring board). Solder paste can be printed through the aperture(s) of the stencil onto contact pads on a printed wiring board.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in forming and transferring solder bumps for use in mounting integrated circuit substrates on chip carrier packages. A mold having cavities for the solder bumps is held in contact with a substrate and a compressible device. As the temperature is increased to melt the solder in the cavities, at an appropriate time and temperature, the compressible device is caused to decompress resulting in the mold separating from the substrate and leaving formed solder bumps on the contacts on the substrate. Various mechanisms are described to cause the force holding the mold and substrate together to decrease.

Abstract: A stencil used for printing solder paste on a contact pad of a printed wiring board has one or more reverse-tapered apertures passing there through, wherein the apertures have a variable cross-section that is larger at the fill side of the stencil (i.e., where solder paste enters the apertures) than at the board side of the stencil (i.e., where the stencil contacts the contact pad of the printed wiring board).

Abstract: An electronics packaging system (1) including a printer (3), a placing unit (4) and a reflow unit (5), wherein a printed wiring board (2) is carried while being kept in an upright position. The printed wiring board (2) has solder printed on all the lands thereof at the same time, the electronic parts (10) are all placed on the lands at the same time, and the electronic parts (10) are all soldered to the lands at the same time. Thus, the system (1) can be designed more compact, and the electronic parts packaged in a shorter time.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and dispensing a plurality of solder columns in an array. The apparatus includes a vibrator and an elongated alignment plate supported on the vibrator. The alignment plate includes a plurality of longitudinal guide grooves. A transparent cover is secured on the alignment plate and shaped to cover part of the guide grooves. A parts feeder is operatively associated with the alignment plate to feed solder columns over the upstream end of the alignment plate. The solder columns are received in the guide grooves and fed toward the downstream end of the alignment plate while the alignment plate is vibrated by the vibrator. The solder columns are arranged in an array within the guide grooves so that a vacuum pickup tool may readily capture the cylindrical body of the solder columns.

Abstract: A solder ball attachment system for manufacturing an integrated circuit or the like is disclosed. The solder ball attachment system includes a flux station to apply flux onto a substrate and a solder ball placement station to place solder balls onto the flux on the substrate. The solder ball attachment system further includes a conveyor assembly to move the substrate between the flux station and the solder ball placement station.

Abstract: Conductive balls are transferred from a pallet onto an array of conductive pads on a semiconductor chip by means of a transfer apparatus; the transfer apparatus includes a pallet formed with an array of recesses same in pattern as the array of conductive pads, a movable head formed with an array of vacuum holes and a driving mechanism for moving the head from an idle position onto the pallet and from the pallet to the semiconductor chip; when the head is moved to the pallet, the vacuum holes are connected to the recesses so as to confine the conductive balls in the narrow spaces; the vacuum is developed; then the conductive balls are traveled through the closed spaces to the vacuum holes; even if the conductive balls have been charged, the conductive balls are never attracted to the adjacent balls, and are surely captured by the vacuum holes.

Abstract: The solder paste printing method of the present invention mounts a solder paste containing therein as a solder material a Sn—Zn system solder on a mask, and urges the solder paste to make rolling over the mask from one end thereof toward the opposite thereof by means of a squeegee to thereby fill the solder paste into apertures formed in the mask. At this time, by maintaining moisture contained in the atmosphere surrounding the solder paste at a value equal to or less than a predetermined value, as the solder paste is suppressed from causing an increase in the viscosity thereof due to the reaction with the moisture in the surrounding atmosphere during the solder paste printing process, the rolling ability of the solder paste during the printing process can be kept, and attachment of the solder paste to the squeegee can be prevented.

Abstract: A filling squeegee and a scraping squeegee are provided in a printing apparatus. The filling squeegee is moved without contacting a surface of a mask in order to fill a solder paste into openings of the mask. Unnecessary solder paste on the surface of the mask is scraped by the scraping squeegee. The solder paste is prevented from being improperly filled in or scraped from the openings even if a speed of the squeegee is increased, so that the solder paste can be printed stably on circuit board.

Abstract: A solder ball attracting mask which is mounted on a suction apparatus for sucking a plurality of solder balls under vacuum so as to place the solder balls on electrodes of an electronic component and formed with a plurality of through-holes for attracting the solder balls thereto, with the solder ball attracting mask having a principal face engageable with the solder balls and a rear face engageable with the suction apparatus such that the through-holes extend through the solder ball attracting mask from the principal face to the rear face, the through-holes each including a funnellike attraction area for attracting the solder ball thereto, which reduces its diameter gradually from the principal face towards the rear face up to a suction port and a suction hole which has a diameter larger than that of the suction port and extends from the suction port to the rear face to define a suction space.

Abstract: Temperature-sensitive electrical and electronic components which are connected to a board by soldering during the installation process are protected from the heat during the soldering process in order to prevent permanent damage to the components. The solder connections of the component are thermally coupled to a protection apparatus during the soldering process, so that some of the heat which is introduced into the solder connections during the soldering process is passed to the protection apparatus. The protection apparatus also has a protection sleeve, which surrounds the component in places. The protection sleeve is advantageously composed of a thermally insulated material, and is provided with a coating with a high thermal reflection capability in places on its outer wall which faces away from the component.

Abstract: A solder ball attachment system for manufacturing an integrated circuit or the like is disclosed. The solder ball attachment system includes a flux station adapted to apply flux onto a substrate and a solder ball placement station adapted to place solder balls onto the flux. A conveyor assembly is included to move the substrate between the flux station and the solder ball placement station.

Abstract: A solder bump fabrication method and apparatus. First, a printed circuit board, having a plurality of devices, is provided. A material is formed on the printed circuit board, and it is disposed between pins of the devices to prevent the devices from short-circuiting due to the solder bumps. Then, the solder bumps are formed on the pins of the devices so that the devices are fixed on the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is passed through an infrared oven to melt the solder bumps. The material separates the solder bumps attached to the pins of the devices so that the devices are prevented from short-circuiting.

Abstract: A method of forming solder connections on a circuitized substrate having connection pads is provided. A laser ablatable solder mask material, preferably an epoxy, is degassed and then dispensed as a liquid onto the substrate over the circuitization. The surface of the solder mask material as applied is leveled, and the solder mask material is then cured to form a solder mask. Openings are laser ablated in the solder mask material to reveal those connection pads which are to receive solder to form the solder connections. Liquid solder is dispensed under pressure in a confined space into the openings as blades move laterally on top of the solder mask to fill the openings in the solder mask. The solder material is then solidified to form domed solder bumps in the openings.

Abstract: A method for molding and soldering electrical connection pads to the electrical connection-receiving zones of electronic components or circuits includes an operation for the injection of conductive liquid alloy into a guide open at one end placed so as to face the connection-receiving zone of the component. The guide is formed by two separable parts, a mold and an injection matrix, the mold and the injection matrix including passages, with a narrowing of the guide at the level of the separation of the parts, and the parts of the guide are separated while the alloy is in the liquid state. Such a method may find particular application to, as an example, making connection pads for substrates or electronic components.

Abstract: In one embodiment, portions of a plurality of solder balls are placed within a frame and in registered alignment with individual bond pads over a substrate. While the ball portions are within the frame, the balls are bonded to their associated bond pads. In another embodiment, a frame is provided having a plurality of holes sized to receive individual balls. Individual balls are delivered into the holes from over the frame. The balls are placed into registered alignment with a plurality of individual bond pads over a substrate while the balls are in the holes. The balls are further bonded. In another embodiment, a frame is provided having a hole. A solder ball is provided having an outer surface. The ball is retained within the hole in an ambient processing environment which is generally uniform over the entirety of the ball's outer surface. While the ball is within the hole, the ball is bonded.

Abstract: When a movement of a film-like printing body is stopped for a longer time than the normal time because of generation of trouble or the like, heat of hot plates for full heating is prevented from being transmitted to the film-like printing body. All of the hot plates (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) for preheating and full heating are moved downward, and a warp inhibiting body (27) is moved upward. Further, a shutter (34) for shutting off heat is inserted between the film-like printing body (2) and the full heating hot plates (6, 7). Further, at this time, a cold blast is blown to the shutter (34) for shutting off the heat.

Abstract: Process for the production of at least one solderable surface in selected solder regions and of at least one functional surface in function regions differing from the solder regions on circuit carriers provided as well as of corresponding circuit carriers.

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 flux supply device comprises a liquid replenishing portion containing a liquid flux for replenishment, a liquid holding portion connected to the lower end of the liquid replenishing portion with a first electromagnetic valve provided therebetween, and a liquid supply portion connected to the lower end of the liquid holding portion with a second electromagnetic valve provided therebetween. The lower end of the liquid supply portion is located in a flux storage tank in which a mixed gas is generated. A gas blow-in pipe for supplying a combustible gas is also located in the flux storage tank. The first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve are controlled in given timing so that one opens and closes and then the other opens and closes, alternately and repeatedly. This prevents the pressure variation in the flux storage tank from affecting the liquid replenishing portion and the surface level of the liquid flux in the flux storage tank is kept unchanged.

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: An apparatus for placing spheres at predetermined positions on a substrate. The apparatus includes a platform to support the substrate at a first sphere placement position in the apparatus, and a placement station disposed above the platform that places spheres at locations on the substrate. The placement station includes a first container having a chamber to contain spheres, and a first carrier tray having a substantially horizontal upper surface that forms a lower surface of the chamber. The upper surface has a first section and a second section, the second section having a plurality of holes formed therein to receive spheres. The first carrier tray is movable to position the second section between a fill position beneath the first container and a place position disposed over the first sphere placement position.

Abstract: A method of depositing solder on a conductive region of a substrate comprising providing a substrate having a substrate aperture and a coefficient of thermal expansion. A polymeric stencil is also provided such as to have a stencil aperture and a coefficient of thermal expansion which is approximately equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate. The method also includes disposing the polymeric stencil on the substrate such that the stencil aperture is aligned with a conductive region; and reflowing the solder paste while the polymeric stencil remains disposed on the substrate. The polymeric stencil is then removed from the substrate essentially without any solder-paste being removed with the polymeric stencil.

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 method and apparatus are disclosed for applying solder mask to an area respective of a plurality of receiving pads on a Printed Circuit Board. The solder mask can be at least partially removed during the component removal process exposing the conductor, via and annular ring. The exposed conductor, via and annular ring can cause defects and unreliable solder joints should the solder flow along the conductor and into the via. A small stencil can be used to apply solder mask in a desirable pattern to a selective area of a PCB. Alternatively, an elastomeric transferring apparatus can be used. Various methods can be included to assist in aligning the applicator to the desired area such as an overlaid, dual imaging system.

Abstract: A tool for applying solder paste to leadless chips has recesses adapted to receive the leadless chips. Apertures in each recess are arranged according to pads on the leadless chip. With the chips held in the recesses, solder paste is applied in the apertures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for soldering electrical components to soldering positions, which are provided with soldering material, on a plastic sheet provided with applied conductor tracks. The plastic sheet is heated, from the side which is remote from the components, to a below its damage temperature and after heating its side which is remote from the components is thermally insulated. Then, the side which faces the components is acted on by a heating-gas stream which is concentrated onto the locations which are to be soldered by a template which has windows.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for placing solder balls 320 on electronic pads 910 or 1010 on a component 900 or substrate 1000, such as for a ball grid array (BGA) applicator 100. The solder balls 320 are held to openings 202 in a foil 130 against a second layer 350 by a holding force, whereby the second layer is of a porous material and laminated to the foil 130. One such holding force can be a vacuum force 222 applied to the solder balls 320 through the openings 202 in a foil 130. After locating the solder balls 320 at electronic pads 910 or 1010 on a component 900 or substrate 1000, by removing the holding force 222, the solder balls 320 are released and placed on the electronic pads 910, 1010. Optionally, a plurality of pins may provide a releasing and/or placing force.

Abstract: An integrated solder bump deposition method and apparatus that enables solder bumps to be lithographically formed on a substrate. The apparatus comprises a plurality of electrolyte cells, and etch/clean/passthrough station and a reflow chamber.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a piezoelectric actuator having a piezoelectric element and a lead wire for supplying a drive signal to the piezoelectric element. A melt material is immersed into a fusing agent. A quantity of the material and the fusing agent is supplied to a transfer plate and then adjusted. A preselected quantity of the melt material and the fusing agent is then transferred preselected quantity of the melt material and the fusing agent is supplied from the transfer tool to the lead wire. The melt material is then welded on the lead wire and on the piezoelectric element to thereby connect the lead wire to the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A bump forming apparatus comprises a container for retaining therein a solder melt, a solder forming member having a side wall portion and a ceiling portion which form, above a substrate's flat surface, a chamber for receiving therein the solder melt. The solder forming member also includes a height regulator portion provided on an exterior of the side wall portion and having a flat surface for restricting the height of the solder melt during formation. Heating means for heating the solder melt may also be provided. A hole in the solder forming portion allows solder melt to flow from the container to the chamber. Pressurizing means for pressurizing the solder melt in the container to thus expedite passage of solder melt into the chamber of the forming member may be used. Depressurization means for reducing the inside pressure of the container to cause the unused metal to return from the chamber into the container may also be used.

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.