What are the solder paste viscosity test methods?

There are various methods of solder paste viscosity testing, each with its own specific scope of application, advantages and disadvantages.Below is an overview of several common solder paste viscosity testing methods:

1. Rotational Viscometer Method

Principle: Calculate the viscosity of solder paste by measuring its resistance in a rotating cylinder or disc.

Steps:

Sample preparation: Take a representative sample of solder paste from the production line.

Instrument preparation: Place a rotational viscometer (e.g. Malcom PCU-02V) on a smooth horizontal surface and set the rotation speed and test temperature according to the test requirements.

Measurement operation: Place the solder paste sample into the measurement vessel of the viscometer and start the instrument for measurement.The instrument will automatically record and display the viscosity value.

Result analysis: Judge whether the viscosity of solder paste meets the specified range according to the measurement result.

2. Rheometry

Principle: Based on the principle of hydrodynamics, the viscosity is calculated by measuring the shear force on the contact surface with the solder paste by means of a flat plate or a spine plate.

Steps:

Sample preparation: Ensure that the solder paste sample is well mixed.

Instrument preparation: Select a suitable flat plate or spine plate and adjust it to the temperature required for the test.

Measuring operation: Inject the solder paste sample into the sample stage and record the rheological properties of the paste.

Calculation of viscosity: The instrument software automatically calculates the viscosity and thixotropic properties of the solder paste based on the tested shear force and shear rate data.

3. Vibrating Viscometer Method

Principle: Calculate the viscosity of solder paste by measuring its vibration attenuation or resonance frequency in a vibrating plate or tube.

Steps (exact steps may vary depending on the instrument model)

Sample Preparation: Place the solder paste sample in the measurement area of the vibrating viscometer.

Instrument setting: Adjust the vibration frequency, amplitude and other parameters according to the test requirements.

Measurement operation: Start the instrument and measure the response characteristics of the solder paste under vibration (e.g. vibration decay time, resonance frequency, etc.).

Calculate viscosity: Calculate the viscosity of solder paste according to the measurement results and the algorithm or formula provided by the instrument.

Notice:

Environmental control: Temperature, humidity and other conditions need to be strictly controlled during the testing process to reduce the influence of the external environment on the test results.

Instrument calibration: Regularly calibrate the test instrument to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the measurement results.

Sample representativeness: Ensure that the solder paste samples collected are representative and can truly reflect the viscosity level in the production process.

Operational practices: Follow the operating procedures and precautions of the test instrument to ensure the safety and accuracy of the measurement process.

Please note that the operation and calculation of solder paste viscometers produced by different manufacturers may be different, and the viscosity data tested by different instrument models may be different, so in actual application, you should refer to the instruction manual of the specific instrument for operation.

Solder paste viscosity testing is an important part of ensuring solder paste fluidity and coating performance.By using instruments such as rotational viscometers and following strict testing procedures and precautions, paste viscosity can be accurately measured to ensure product quality.In practice, adjustments should be made according to the specific instrument model and test requirements.