Abstract: A method for remanufacturing an electronic assembly includes removing a first portion of an assembly housing to expose an underside of an enclosed circuit assembly. One or more solder joints on the underside of the circuit assembly are associated with at least one component that is also affixed to a portion of the housing. The opened electronic assembly is lowered onto a desoldering fixture having a plurality of solder pots configured to encompass, and thus desolder, the solder joints associated with the component that is affixed to a portion of the housing. Once the affected solder joints are melted, the remaining portion of the housing and the component affixed thereto may be lifted away, exposing the top surface of the circuit assembly for analysis, repair, and or adjustment.

Abstract: A method for decapsulating a package is provided. The method comprises steps of providing a package having a chip therein, wherein the chip has an active surface and a rear surface. Further, the package further comprises a heat sink, a plurality of solder bumps, a substrate, an underfill and a plurality of solder balls. The method further comprises removing the heat sink and removing the substrate together with the solder balls. A dry etching process is performed to remove a portion of the underfill. A wet etching process is performed to remove the rest portion of the underfill. A thermal process solder bump removal process is performed to melt the solder bumps and then a solder bump removal process is performed to remove the melted solder bumps from the active surface of the chip.

Abstract: An assembly (10) that can be both joined and parted by temperature processing. A parting member (20) captured between two members of the assembly exhibits a state change as a function of temperature such that the two members can be joined with a meltable joining material (18) at a joining temperature, operated at an operating temperature lower than the joining temperature, and then separated at a parting temperature higher or lower than the operating and joining temperatures as a result of a parting force caused by the state change of the parting member. In one embodiment, the parting member has a coefficient of thermal expansion higher than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the assembly members such that differential thermal expansion causes the parting member to expand across the interface (16) between the members to generate the parting force.

Abstract: A soldering method for soldering an electronic part on a substrate by reflow soldering is disclosed that includes the steps of applying a solder paste on the substrate; mounting the electronic part on the substrate by using the solder paste; disposing a heat capacity enhancing member on the electronic part, the heat capacity enhancing member including a gel-like material able to enhance the heat capacity of the electronic part; and soldering the electronic part onto the substrate by reflow soldering with the heat capacity enhancing member being applied thereon.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for performing rework soldering for removing an electronic component from a printed circuit board and re-soldering the electronic component to the printed circuit board. The method includes the steps of positioning a dual structure body including a heating member and a cooling member between a rework target and a non-rework target placed on the printed circuit board, the heating member and the cooling member being arranged facing each other with a slight space provided therebetween, the heating member being situated toward the rework target, the cooling member being situated toward the non-rework target; heating the heating member; and cooling the cooling member.

Abstract: A specialized tool is provided for the removal of components in a microwave module in which a fixed tool having a channeled tip is positioned adjacent the component to be removed, with hot gas from the channeled tip melting the epoxy or solder and with the module forced against the fixed tool to remove it.

Abstract: An apparatus for selective rework for surface mount components. A shield assembly encloses a circuit board on which Surface Mount Technology (SMT) modules are soldered. The shield assembly includes a top shield member having an opening over an SMT module to be removed from the circuit board, and a bottom shield member having an opening exposing the solder mount of the SMT module to be removed. An intermediate shield member is located in the opening in the top shield member and extends through the opening to the circuit board and surrounds the SMT module to be removed. A spring loaded mechanism is positioned over the intermediate shield member and grips the SMT module to be removed. The spring loaded mechanism applies removal force for removing the SMT module from the circuit board when heat is applied causing the solder holding the SMT module to the circuit board to reflow.

Abstract: A method for remanufacturing an electronic assembly includes removing a first portion of an assembly housing to expose an underside of an enclosed circuit assembly. One or more solder joints on the underside of the circuit assembly are associated with at least one component that is also affixed to a portion of the housing. The opened electronic assembly is lowered onto a desoldering fixture having a plurality of solder pots configured to encompass, and thus desolder, the solder joints associated with the component that is affixed to a portion of the housing. Once the affected solder joints are melted, the remaining portion of the housing and the component affixed thereto may be lifted away, exposing the top surface of the circuit assembly for analysis, repair, and or adjustment.

Abstract: An apparatus for selective rework for surface mount components. A shield assembly encloses a circuit board on which Surface Mount Technology (SMT) modules are soldered. The shield assembly includes a top shield member having an opening over an SMT module to be removed from the circuit board, and a bottom shield member having an opening exposing the solder mount of the SMT module to be removed. An intermediate shield member is located in the opening in the top shield member and extends through the opening to the circuit board and surrounds the SMT module to be removed. A spring loaded mechanism is positioned over the intermediate shield member and grips the SMT module to be removed. The spring loaded mechanism applies removal force for removing the SMT module from the circuit board when heat is applied causing the solder holding the SMT module to the circuit board to reflow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing a plurality of raised places of contact made of a meltable metal, such as tin or indium or an alloy, such as tin-containing solder, silver-containing solder or lead-containing solder, the meltable metal being meltable above a first temperature limit, the places of contact being surface-distributed over a substrate. It is also possible to form vaulted domes on a plurality of metallic support segments which are located on one of the surfaces of a substrate. The invention aims at reducing production costs, particularly at removing a soldered layer once applied. If defective contact places occur, a plurality of the raised contact places, particularly substantially all contacts, are at least in substantial portions melted off from the substrate by contacting them with a molten metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selective rework for surface mount components. A shield assembly encloses a circuit board on which Surface Mount Technology (SMT) modules are soldered. The shield assembly includes a top shield member having an opening over an SMT module to be removed from the circuit board, and a bottom shield member having an opening exposing the solder mount of the SMT module to be removed. An intermediate shield member is located in the opening in the top shield member and extends through the opening to the circuit board and surrounds the SMT module to be removed. A spring loaded mechanism is positioned over the intermediate shield member and grips the SMT module to be removed. The spring loaded mechanism applies removal force for removing the SMT module from the circuit board when heat is applied causing the solder holding the SMT module to the circuit board to reflow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a desoldering sheath and a method for making the same. The desoldering sheath is comprised of multiple metal ropes that are each made from two or more fine-gauge wire threads. The metal ropes are woven together to form a metal fabric that approximates the shape of a soldering tool tip. The metal fabric is formed by weaving the metal ropes around a mold that approximates the shape of the soldering tip. In the preferred embodiment, several such molds are strung together when the metal fabric is woven. After the weaving is complete, the fabric is then cut at those points along its length where the consecutive molds meet, and the molds are then removed, while the fabric retains the approximate shape of the molds. The desoldering sheath is mounted over a soldering tool tip and can conduct heat directly from the soldering tool to the solder and then absorb molten solder by capillary action, making desoldering a one-handed task.

Abstract: A de-soldering tool includes an upper heating device having an upper heating element for applying heat to an upper mating structure, the upper mating structure arranged in a pattern matching contacts in an electrical connecter soldered to a printed wiring board; a lower heating device having a lower heating element for applying heat to a lower mating structure, the lower mating structure arranged in a pattern matching the solder connections on the underside of the PWB; a controller applying power to the upper heating element and the lower heating element to liquefy solder on the contacts in the electrical connecter.

Abstract: A method for vertical removal of excess solder from a circuit substrate includes the use of a sacrificial circuit substrate with a plurality of pads and vias that are solder-wettable. The pads and vias of the sacrificial circuit substrate are placed in vertical proximity to the excess solder of the circuit substrate. The excess solder is heated until it is liquid, wherein the excess solder is wicked vertically onto the pads and into the vias of the sacrificial circuit substrate. Thereafter, the sacrificial circuit substrate is lifted from the proximity of the circuit substrate while the solder is in a liquid, taking the excess solder with it but leaving a predetermined amount on the circuit substrate.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for mounting and removing electronic components using solder bumps while constraining thermal stresses to a substrate. The method and apparatus for mounting and removing an electronic component (bear chip 32) to be soldered onto the substrate with solder bumps 114 is configured to move the electronic component to detect contact of the solder bumps with the substrate or contact of a tool (chuck unit 38) with the electronic component, to define the contact as an original point for raising a heating temperature of the electronic component and the substrate from the heating temperature to a maximum heating temperature HTm as well as move the electronic component in conformity with the temperature rising, and to move the electronic component from a position where the maximum heating temperature is achieved to a mounting height of the substrate.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bonding method, comprising disposing on a first body a second body with a bump interposed therebetween; and electrically and mechanically bonding the first body and the second body with the bump by passing a heating element between the first body and the second body to melt the bump by the heating element, the heating element being heated to a melting point or more of a material configuring the bump.

Abstract: A method and electrical structure for separating electronic components from one another joined by solder interconnections. An electronic module is joined to a substrate via a solder interconnection, whereby the electronic module has an electrical heating component residing within a bottom layer thereof adjacent a solder interconnection. Preferably, a chip carrier is joined to a board whereby the chip carrier has an electrical mesh plane for heating adjacent the solder interconnection. Resistive heat is generated within this electrical heating component either by applying an electrical current to the electrical heating component, or by non-contact inductively heating the layer in which such electrical heating component resides to generate resistive heat within the electrical heating component. The resistive heat is transferred to the solder interconnection to allow for localized melting of the solder interconnection and removal of the electronic components from one another.

Abstract: A flip chip bonder including a substrate holding mechanism and a chip die bonder for bonding a semiconductor chip having a plurality of electrodes projecting from its front surface to a substrate held on the substrate holding means. The flip chip bonder includes a chuck table, a semiconductor chip take-out area and an electrode cutting area, a cutting mechanism having a cutting tool for cutting the plurality of electrodes projecting from the front surface of the semiconductor chip held on the chuck table and arranged in the electrode cutting area to make them uniform in height, a semiconductor chip take-in mechanism, and a semiconductor chip conveying mechanism.

Abstract: A method and structure is disclosed for detaching a chip from a substrate that delays the delivery of shear force to the chip until the connectors attaching the chip to the substrate are soft enough that the delivery of shear force will not damage the chip's connectors. More particularly, the shear force is created by a bimetallic disk that, when heat is applied, is transformed into shearing force. The shearing force is delayed by a delaying device until the connectors connecting the chip to the substrate are soft enough that the application of shear force will separate the chip from the substrate without damaging the chip's connectors. The delaying device includes a physical gap that may be adjusted to control when the shear force is applied to the chip.

Abstract: A titanium alloy strip has a reduced cross section in the central region of the strip. By concentrating heat in this central region the process of bonding laser devices to a substrate is greatly improved. Furthermore, the present invention allows for the possibility of removing the laser device from the substrate without destroying the laser device.

Abstract: A connecting material can form a detachable connecting structure. According to the connecting material, a connecting portion between a certain object and another object can be more readily formed, and the certain object can be more readily detached from the another object after formation of the connecting portion. The connecting material comprises a solder material and a hydrogen storage metal material which is able to occlude hydrogen, and which is in the form of particles dispersed in the connecting material.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing an MCM for hat removal where the hat includes a piston thermally coupled to a corresponding chip. The apparatus includes a heater positioned to reflow a joint between the piston and a base of the hat; and a retractor for biasing the piston away from the corresponding chip. Implementation of the apparatus and process prevent a piston, as it moves across the top of a corresponding chip during mechanical shear to remove the hat, to impact chip(s) and surrounding components. In addition, since piston(s) are retracted, the likelihood of piston impact with or cracking of a chip is reduced. In addition, cutting into a corresponding chip having a tilted back surface is prevented. The need to replace chips and other electronic components when making other repairs may, therefore, be greatly reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling movement of packaged devices. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention discloses an apparatus a method of providing a controlling mechanism for effecting physical control over a device that is disposed on a structure. An exothermically reactive structure is disposed on the controlling mechanism, such that, when activated, an exothermic alloying reaction between alloys in the exothermically reactive structure operates the controlling mechanism. The controlling mechanism is adapted to release the device, position the device, or tune the device.

Abstract: A method of brazing an aluminum or aluminum alloy material, containing brazing an aluminum alloy brazing sheet that has an aluminum or aluminum alloy core material and, being clad on one or both surfaces, a filler alloy layer comprised of an Al—Si-based alloy and contains Mg incorporated at least in a constituent layer except the filler alloy layer, thereby to form a hollow structure whose one surface clad with the filler alloy is the inner surface, wherein the brazing is carried out in an inert gas atmosphere without applying any flux; and an aluminum alloy brazing sheet which satisfies the relationship: (X+Y)≦a/60+0.5 and X>Y, wherein a (&mgr;m) represents the thickness of the filler alloy layer clad on the core material of the inner side of the hollow structure, and X and Y (mass %) represent the Mg contents of the core material and the brazing material, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ablating a plurality of raised points of contact (11, 12, 13, 17, 18) that consist of a metal, such as tin or indium, that is meltable above a first temperature, or an alloy thereof, such as tin-containing solder, silver-containing solder or lead-containing solder, said points of contacts being distributed across a substrate (10). It is also possible to produce convex domes on a plurality of metal support segments that are located on one of the surfaces of a substrate. The aim of the invention is to reduce production costs, especially to remove a soldered spot once produced that turns out to be defective. To this end, a plurality of the raised points of contact (11, 12), especially substantially all points of contact, are at least substantially melted off from the substrate (10) by touching them with a molten metal (30, 31, 32).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a chip from substrate where the chip is attached to the substrate by solder connections to form an assembly involve applying a loading force to drive a coil spring biased shearing element comprising a slide block with carrying a shearing blade into a loading position. Load the assembly of the substrate and the chip into a fixture with a window therethrough for the chip with the shearing blade in contact with the chip. Remove the loading force to arm the shearing blade to apply a shearing force from the shearing blade to the chip. Heat the solder connections of the assembly in the fixture to a predetermined temperature, preferably below the melting temperature of the solder at which shearing of the solder connections occurs. The shearing blade comprises a slidable plastic blade backed up by a metal blade.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing an image sensor from a printed circuit board. The apparatus includes a hot-air nozzle for producing hot air and a hot-air tube connected to the hot-air nozzle to transfer the hot air produced by the hot-air nozzle. The hot-air tube surrounds the image sensor and is formed with a plurality of outlets for outputting the hot air toward the image sensor so as to melt the solder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing solder adhering to an LSI. In this method, a plate-shaped first member for causing molten solder to adhere thereto is mounted on top of a heater. An LSI is placed on top of the first member with the surface on which solder is attached facing downward. A second member for adding a load to the LSI is placed on top of the LSI. The heater is heated up to heat the first member and the LSI, and to melt the solder. The molten solder is transferred to the first member. A suction mechanism is positioned at a location a predetermined distance away from the top surface of the second member. The second member and the LSI are attracted by the suction mechanism, and the LSI is pulled away from the first member. The solder is thereby removed from the LSI.

Abstract: A titanium alloy strip has a reduced cross section in the central region of the strip. By concentrating heat in this central region the process of bonding laser devices to a substrate is greatly improved. Furthermore, the present invention allows for the possibility of removing the laser device from the substrate without destroying the laser device.

Abstract: A heating head for soldering and de-soldering surface mount devices (SMD's) using hot inert gas or air is comprised of a handle in which there is placed a heater sub-assembly on which there is secured a quick connect mechanism for mounting a heating nozzle. The heater sub-assembly is enclosed in a shroud and is secured to the end of the handle by a thermal insulating ring, such shroud housing a ceramic rod having elongated bosses on which a heating element is secured, while a laminar flow equilizer is used to provide more uniform gas flow across the heating element. Quick connect mechanism is secured to the heater sub-assembly shroud and uses a spring loaded winged locking mechanism to the secure heating nozzles to the heater head. In one embodiment, the heating nozzles have a truncated pyramid shaped chamber to which individual end nozzles are attached for directing gas flow.

Abstract: A method and structure for a chip detach apparatus and method that limits the solder ball maximum shear rate and, more particularly, that delays the application of shear force until a minimum predefined temperature is reached. The chip detach apparatus and method can be applied to chips with high solder ball counts, chips with small solder ball sizes, and chips with weak surface strength. The chip detach apparatus and method measures and accounts for variability in the electronic module manufacturing and assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a griper for detaching a packaged chip from a PCB. The griper comprises a plurality of hooks, elastic slices, and a heating device. These hooks are used for gripping and hooking the packaged chip. Each hook comprises a chip-upholding part and a chip-gripping part, wherein the chip-gripping part is used for gripping the packaged chip, and the chip-upholding part is used for hooking the packaged chip in the gap. These elastic slices are used for providing the elasticity. Each elastic slice comprises a fastened end and a flexible end, wherein the flexible end connects the chip-gripping part and results the hook griping the packaged chip. The heating device is used for heating the packaged chip to melt the solder balls. Wherein all the bonded fastened ends are exerted an upward force, and the griper detaches the packaged chip from the PCB when the solder balls of the packaged chip are melted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reworking electronic component assemblies where the components are joined by solder interconnections. A cutting device employing a heated wire, blade or other cutting element is forced against and through the solder interconnections to sever the interconnections. A preferred cutting device employs moving the cutting element transverse to the solder interconnections to also provide a sawing action to the solder interconnections. Another cutting device employs a water jet to provide a high pressure stream of water that cuts and severs the solder interconnections.

Abstract: Discarded printed circuit boards are sorted according to the alloying elements in solder used on the printed circuit boards. After sorting, the printed circuit boards are heated to melt the solder, and the molten solder is collected.

Abstract: A method and structure for a chip detach apparatus and method that limits the solder ball maximum shear rate and, more particularly, that delays the application of shear force until a minimum predefined temperature is reached. The chip detach apparatus and method can be applied to chips with high solder ball counts, chips with small solder ball sizes, and chips with weak surface strength. The chip detach apparatus and method measures and accounts for variability in the electronic module manufacturing and assembly.

Abstract: A method and structure is disclosed for detaching a chip from a substrate that delays the delivery of shear force to the chip until the connectors attaching the chip to the substrate are soft enough that the delivery of shear force will not damage the chip's connectors. More particularly, the shear force is created by a bimetallic disk that, when heat is applied, is transformed into shearing force. The shearing force is delayed by a delaying device until the connectors connecting the chip to the substrate are soft enough that the application of shear force will separate the chip from the substrate without damaging the chip's connectors. The delaying device includes a physical gap that may be adjusted to control when the shear force is applied to the chip.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing solder ball connections from electrical circuits are disclosed. The apparatus and methods comprise a solder ball removing tool 20 having a multiplicity of raised ribs 22 defining a contact surface 24 and made up of heat conductive material having a melting point above the melting point of solder. There is also included a heating source 30 for heating at least a portion of the multiplicity of raised ribs 22 to a temperature sufficient to melt the solder and yet below the melting temperature of the conductive material. The tool 20 is preferably supported or constructed such that the contact surface is tilted so that the melted solder will run down the raised ribs into a collecting pan 46.

Abstract: Brazed structures comprising hollow components having a closure component bonded thereto by a metallic brazing alloy for closing off an end of the hollow component are disassembled by locating a wire transport material in the hollow component and covering the open face of the hollow component with a wire fiber material. Heat is then applied to liquefy the brazing alloy which is drawn up into the metal wire fiber material by capillary affect created by the wire transport material.

Abstract: The present invention is a disassembly apparatus and method for disassembling a workpiece having at least two layers joined together by welding or other bonding processes at bonding points. The method includes the steps of securing the workpiece into a fixture to prevent movement of one of the layers. The apparatus includes a sonotrode and a holding device. The method further includes moving the sonotrode to contact the workpiece to apply a predetermined amount of contact pressure to the workpiece. The sonotrode in contact with the layer on a side opposite the anvil is then vibrated at a predetermined frequency until the layers become disassembled. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flash circuit board in a lens-fitted photo film unit includes a board part, and a battery contact part connected to the board part by solder. A part exchanging apparatus for the circuit board includes an eliminating unit, which melts the solder, and removes the battery contact part from the board part while the solder is melted. An assembling unit mounts an unused battery contact part on the board part. The unused battery contact part has an unused form of the first battery contact part. A soldering unit connects the unused battery contact part to the board part by use of solder.

Abstract: A printed circuit board comprises plural electronic parts, a printed-wiring board for mounting the plural electronic parts mounted thereon, and soldered portions provided on the printed-wiring board, wherein the soldered portion connects electrically the printed-wiring board and the electronic part by solder, and a soldered portion to be restored is assigned according to a failure data derived in a preliminary reliability test of a printed circuit board, and the assigned soldered portion is subjected to re-soldering. A method for restoring a printed circuit board comprises steps: recovering a printed circuit board used in market having plural electronic parts mounted through solder at soldered portions provided on a printed-wiring board, assigning soldered portions to be restored according to a failure data derived in a preliminary reliability test of a same printed circuit board, and carrying out a re-soldering at the assigned soldered portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating a cull from a molded part including a chip mounted on a tape circuit board are provided. The apparatus includes a cull support block for supporting a cull and a cull holder for clamping the cull. The cull holder is disposed above the cull support block. The apparatus further includes a frame support block for mounting a molded part and a frame holder for pressing the molded part against the frame support block to fix the molded part thereon. The frame support block is hinged on a first axis near the cull support block. The frame holder is hinged on a second axis near the cull support block. The apparatus also includes a pressing means configured to move downward against a distal end of the frame holder to cause the frame support block and the frame holder to rotate about the first and second axes, respectively, to separate the cull from the molded part.

Abstract: Brazed structures comprising hollow components having a closure component bonded thereto by a metallic brazing alloy for closing off an end of the hollow component are disassembled by locating a wire transport material in the hollow component and covering the open face of the hollow component with a wire fiber material. Heat is then applied to liquefy the brazing alloy which is drawn up into the metal wire fiber material by capillary affect created by the wire transport material.

Abstract: Discarded printed circuit boards are sorted according to the alloying elements in solder used on the printed circuit boards. After sorting, the printed circuit boards are heated to melt the solder, and the molten solder is collected.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing solder ball connections from electrical circuits are disclosed. The apparatus and methods comprise a solder ball removing tool 20 having a multiplicity of raised ribs 22 defining a contact surface 24 and made up of heat conductive material having a melting point above the melting point of solder. There is also included a heating source 30 for heating at least a portion of the multiplicity of raised ribs 22 to a temperature sufficient to melt the solder and yet below the melting temperature of the conductive material. The tool 20 is preferably supported or constructed such that the contact surface is tilted so that the melted solder will run down the raised ribs into a collecting pan 46.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining heat at a pin-in-hole rework site on a printed circuit board during solder fountain rework of the board. A preheated heat retention plate is attached to the rework side of the printed circuit board. The heat retention plate covers a substantial portion of the board surface. During rework of the printed circuit board, the heat retention plate minimizes the temperature gradient between the rework site of the printed circuit board and the remainder of the printed circuit board. During the rework, the heat retention plate can be heated by an active heater in order to maintain a constant temperature gradient between the rework site of the board and the remainder of the board. By minimizing the escape of heat from the rework site, the number of solder cycles required to rework the board is decreased, resulting in reduced board rework times and increased board longevity.

Abstract: An integral heating nozzle and a syringe needle pickup vacuum tube where the nozzle moves relative to the pickup tube, FIG. 4, and where the nozzle does not move relative to the pickup tip, FIG. 1. The relative movement allows the heating gas to be directed to the solder connections while the vacuum tube may be independently moved so as to attach to the component body for removal and replacement, even when the component body is small and of different contours. In both cases the nozzle size allows components of cross section 0.01×0.01 inch to 0.05×0.05 inch to bereplaced. The opening of the nozzle accommodates removing and placing these smaller components through the nozzle. In some embodiments helium rather than air or nitrogen is used as a heating gas.

Abstract: The present invention is a disassembly apparatus and method for disassembling a workpiece having at least two layers joined together by welding or other bonding processes at bonding points. The method includes the steps of securing the workpiece into a fixture to prevent movement of one of the layers. The apparatus includes a sonotrode and a holding device. The method further includes moving the sonotrode to contact the workpiece to apply a predetermined amount of contact pressure to the workpiece. The sonotrode in contact with the layer on a side opposite the anvil is then vibrated at a predetermined frequency until the layers become disassembled. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reworking electronic component assemblies where the components are joined by solder interconnections. A cutting device employing a heated wire, blade or other cutting element is forced against and through the solder interconnections to sever the interconnections. A preferred cutting device employs moving the cutting element transverse to the solder interconnections to also provide a sawing action to the solder interconnections. Another cutting device employs a water jet to provide a high pressure stream of water that cuts and severs the solder interconnections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for desoldering electronic components from a substrate. A vacuum is used to enhance the flow of a hot gas under an electronic component to reflow the solder connections attaching the electronic component to a substrate. Water vapor is added to the hot gas to increase the heat capacity of the hot gas. A system for periodically changing the direction of flow of the hot gas and vacuum under the electronic component is used to uniformly heat the solder connections. A method and apparatus for depositing underfill material between an electronic component and the substrate on which the electronic component is mounted. A vacuum is applied to enhance the flow of underfill material into the space between the electronic component and the substrate.