Vibration characteristics of aluminum surface subjected to ultrasonic waves and their effect on wetting behavior of solder droplets.
The vibration characteristics of an aluminum surface subjected to ultrasonic waves were investigated with a combination of numerical simulation and experimental testing. The wetting behavior of solder droplets on the vibrating aluminum surface was also examined. The results show that the vibration pattern of the aluminum surface is inhomogeneous. The amplitude of the aluminum surface exceeds the excitation amplitude in some zones, while the amplitude decreases nearly to zero in other zones. The distribution of the zero-amplitude zones is much less dependent on the strength of the vibration than on the location of the vibration source. The surface of the liquid solder vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency that is higher than the vibration source, and the amplitude of the liquid solder is almost twice that of the aluminum surface. The vibration of the surface of the base metal (liquid solder) correlates with the oxide film removal effect. Significant removal of the oxide film can be achieved within 2s when the amplitude of the aluminum surface is higher than 5.4 μm or when the amplitude of the liquid solder surface is higher than 10.2 μm.
Novel Ultrasonic Soldering Technique for Lead-Free Solders
Sn-Bi alloy is one of the representative low temperature type lead-free solders. However, the bonding properties of the Sn-Bi solder are not good. The reason for such properties is related to Bi microcrystallines that segregate at the interface between the solder and a Cu substrate. We found that ultrasound improves the bonding strength for the Sn-Bi alloy system solders by dispersing and miniaturizing the Bi crystals. To achieve such dispersion, we invented a novel ultrasonic soldering technique. By using this technique, ultrasound can be applied to printed wiring boards (PWB). Besides the improved bonding strength, we found that the temperature of a PWB is increased by the application of ultrasound to the PWB. Sn-58 mass%Bi solder is melted by the vibrational energy of ultrasound without other heating methods. Moreover, the interfacial layer between the Sn-58Bi solder and the Cu land is homogenized by ultrasound. Also, the interfacial layer between the Sn-8Zn-3Bi solder and a Cu land becomes thinner by ultrasound. We believe that these changes in the interfacial structure improve the mechanical properties of the solders. Therefore, ultrasonic soldering technique will improve the usability and reliability of Sn-Bi alloy system solders.
Ultrasonic soldering for structural and electronic applications
A study was performed which examined the use of ultrasonic cavitation as a means of solder coating metal surfaces without the requirement of a fluxing agent. Fundamental studies on copper plates revealed that oxide removal and subsequent solder wetting resulted from both mechanical erosion and coupling of sonic energy from the source (horn) into the substrate. Cavitation was removed from the surface oxide layer. Coupling efficiency was dependent upon the power level, horn sample separation, and the substrate geometry. Inefficient coupling was characterized by a reduced area of solder coating and significant erosion of those regions that wet wetted by the solder. In the absence of a flux, traditional meniscus rise and capillary flow processes were limited. Case studies illustrated the use of ultrasonic soldering in the coating of printed circuit board copper features and electronic package leads.