Abstract: This disclosure relates to a process for laser soldering surface mount components on a printed circuit board using the continuous wave laser scanning technique. The process involves factoring together the scan rate, the beam diameter, and the laser power level, in order to determine what these specific process variables should be. In addition, the process also involves taking account of the depth of a metallic layer, such as a reference plane, inside the printed circuit board to determine its effect on other process variables. On the other hand, if the board does not have a metallic layer, the process takes account of the thickness of the board being processed. Preferred ranges for process variables are identified, as well as optimization techniques which further refine the process variables to achieve production efficiency or bonding pull strength.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to laser bonding electrical components having conductive elements which are naturally reflective of the laser beam wavelength. Component leads or pads which are made of copper or have a gold coating, for example, will reflect the wavelength of an Nd:YAG laser, making it difficult to form physical and electrical bonds using the laser bonding technique. In preferred embodiments, the conductive elements are coated with a non-flux, non-metallic, coating material which is less reflective of the laser energy than the conductive elements, making it possible to efficiently use a laser to accomplish bonding.

Abstract: The present invention involves a hold-down fixture which is usable in connection with bonding an integrated circuit package to a printed circuit board in a surface mount environment. The purpose of the fixture is to hold each of the leads of the package in intimate contact with corresponding contact pads on the printed circuit board during the bonding process. The fixture includes a base with two bars for each group of leads extending from the perimeter of the housing of the package. Together the bars compressively force the entire foot of each lead to set flatly against its pad. The bars are spaced such that an aperture, which is defined by an opening through the base and positioned between the bars, can admit a bonding means, such as a laser beam, to reflow a solder composition at the lead/pad junction. Accordingly, with the leads compressed against the pads by the bars of the fixture, and with the reflow of the solder composition by means of the laser, a good bond between each lead and pad will be formed.

Abstract: A solder paste for use in a reducing atmosphere is disclosed. The solder paste includes a solder powder and an alcohol binder. The reducing atmosphere serves as a flux, thereby eliminating flux residues and the problems associated therewith. Solder splattering is reduced by using a polyhydric alcoholic binder which vaporizes or decomposes before the solder liquifies during heating. The use of such a solder paste in a reducing atmosphere results in no hazardous chemical by-products and, because the solder is handled in the form of a paste, is compatible with electrical components requiring precise dimensional tolerances.

Abstract: A workpiece is joined to a substrate by employing solder and applying diol and/or polyol and/or ether derivative thereof to the substrate. The workpiece is placed in contact with the diol and/or polyol and the resulting assembly is heated in a reducing atmosphere.