[TowerTalk] re; Whiskers growing where you cannot shave them

[Frank Latos]

Tin whiskers are a different phenomenon from dendrite growth 
(electromigration). But you're right -- whiskers are very much a concern 
for everyone making the transition to lead-free finishes and solder alloys.

Frank AC8P



Jamesnf at aol.com wrote:

>Not so Tom.  Although much progress has been made with "no-clean" solders, 
>dendrite growth is still an issue when pc board assemblies are exposed to 
>humidity.  To remove flux residues after waveline or smt reflow soldering processes, 
>it was common to use either chemical or deionized water board washers 
>followed by dryers.  Eventually, the EPA banned the CFC emissions and the deionized 
>washers were expensive and a mess to maintain, so "no-clean" solders took the 
>lead. Believe me, we wouldn't have gone to all this trouble in the industry if 
>whiskers only formed in a high vacuum.
>
>Regards,
>
>Jim W9TM   
>  
>