Titanium solder masks are important precision tools in the mini wave soldering process. This is because they ensure reproducible process control, protect sensitive assembly areas from unwanted solder contact and precisely define the wetting points of the solder joint. Due to the high thermal, chemical and mechanical stress to which the masks are exposed during series production, regular inspection and professional refurbishment is necessary to ensure consistently good process quality. The soldering specialist Eutect offers this professional refurbishment of titanium solder masks.
„Through structured refurbishment and maintenance, we ensure that titanium solder masks retain their original precision and functionality over many process cycles. The combination of material-appropriate cleaning, precise heat treatment and practical validation guarantees consistently high soldering quality and thus increases the cost-effectiveness and process reliability of mini wave soldering.“
During mini wave soldering, titanium masks are repeatedly exposed to high temperatures. Contact with solders, fluxes and process gases leads to oxidation and changes to the surface structure over the period of use. It can also lead to wear on the fitting and fixing elements, which has a negative effect on the precision of the soldering process.
After use, the masks are first dismantled and subjected to systematic pre-cleaning. This removes flux residues and tin deposits. Eutect uses customised processes that do not attack titanium and at the same time ensure complete removal of organic and metallic residues. This step provides the basis for precise further processing. This is followed by controlled surface preparation, during which oxidation layers and impurities are removed without altering the accuracy of fit or surface structure of the masks. After cleaning, the masks are subjected to a visual inspection. Critical geometries such as webs, phases, baffle walls and contact points are checked for dimensional accuracy, flatness and parallelism. The titanium is then subjected to targeted heat treatment.
„Titanium is a favoured material for our solder masks due to its high strength, low density and excellent temperature resistance. The targeted heat treatment after cleaning serves to optimise the properties for use in the soldering process.“
As mini wave soldering processes involve frequent temperature changes, it must be ensured that the solder mask remains dimensionally stable during subsequent use. Targeted heat treatment ensures that the structure of the titanium stabilises and that thermal expansions are predictable. As a result, the accuracy of fit between the mask, assembly and soldering module remains constant even over many process cycles.
„This means that even delicate geometries, such as thin partitions and webs, retain reliable stability even after reworking.“
Every revised titanium solder mask is subjected to a practical functional test in the Eutect technical centre. The mask is only released for series production once it has passed validation.
The systematic refurbishment of titanium solder masks significantly extends their service life and reduces the need for new production.
„Although this is not directly part of our cradle-to-cradle approach, we are also pursuing real sustainability here, which is designed to conserve resources and maximise reusability.“,
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