Originally Published EMDM
October 2003
INDUSTRY NEWS
Moisture-Monitoring System Improves Product Reliability
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| Celestica manager Steve Kinloch holds a tray of moisture-sensitive products. Cogiscan’s SmartClip RF tags are attached to the tray. |
IA supplier of electronics manufacturing services has installed an automated moisture-sensitive-device (MSD) control system at its facility. MSD control is a crucial assembly issue, bearing directly on final product reliability and production costs, according to Steve Kinloch, manager at
Celestica (Kidsgrove, Staffs, UK). Makers of sensitive medical equipment that use Celestica’s contract services stand to benefit.
The MSD system uses radio-frequency tags to track and monitor parts’ exposure to moisture. Integrated circuits that are sensitive to moisture are typically packaged in dry bags prior to assembly. Once the bags are opened, each device must be assembled and reflowed within a specific timeframe to prevent defects. Damaged parts are not easily detectable, even by means of x-ray systems, which can lead to field failure.
The new control system is fully automatic. It ensures compliance with J-STD-033, a newly revised guideline for the storage and handling of MSDs. “Moving from a paper-based manual system to an automated process enables us to provide the level of control set forth by the standard,” says Kinloch. “It also prepares us for the impact of proposed lead-free solder legislation.” Soldering without lead requires higher reflow temperatures, explains Kinloch. This will result in more-sensitive devices with lower allowable-exposure levels.
Celestica provides electronics manufacturing services to OEMs at more than 40 facilities worldwide. For more information, contact it at Westfields House, West Ave., Kidsgrove, Stoke on Trent, Staffs ST7 1TL, UK; phone: +44 1782 771000, fax: +44 1782 776527; e-mail:
martin.brooke@mba-pr.com; Internet:
www.celestica.com.
Rita Emmanouilidou
Copyright ©2003 European Medical Device Manufacturer
