Miniaturization thanks to controlled laser soldering

Packing densities increase on ever smaller electronic assemblies due to technical requirements and possibilities. Accordingly, the requirements imposed on soldering these components become all the more stringent because, for instance, sensitive components have to be protected from great heat effects. Pinpoint-accurate, fast, and definable soldering is necessary. Therefore, EUTECT GmbH has been using diode lasers for its customized soldering systems for years.

For Matthias Fehrenbach, managing director of EUTECT GmbH, the advantages of laser soldering are clear: “Direct mechanical contact to the soldering point is eliminated during laser soldering, in contrast to other selective soldering methods. That means we can’t use other selective soldering methods particularly in confined spaces on the circuit board. Only laser soldering is possible there.”

Here, special attention is paid to the laser source. Laser sources are subdivided into various categories; gas, solid, and semiconductor lasers are differentiated. The laser-active medium is important in this connection, since it determines the wavelength as well as the radiation quality. Radiation quality is decisive for the laser’s energy density and ability to focus. Medium or low energy densities are needed during laser soldering. In this connection, the solder joints must be efficiently and homogeneously heated without scorching the material. “The solder must absorb laser energy well and convert it into heat. That’s the only way we can create a good connection between the surfaces,” according to Fehrenbach.

Miniaturization is allowing solder joints are becoming ever smaller. They inhabit ranges from <200 μm to a few millimetres. So it’s important that the laser radiation’s focus can be bundled with pinpoint accuracy. “For us, the diode laser has won out in our applications because it offers a series of advantages,” Fehrenbach explains. The diode laser’s output power is thus easy to regulate. The power can be smoothly adjusted into the kilohertz range, whereby the laser can react quickly to energy fluctuations. An additional advantage is radiation focusing, which puts the laser in a position to solder 180 μm solder joints. Focusing with fixed focal width limits energy input locally and with pinpoint accuracy, thereby enabling reduced thermal load on the components in the immediate vicinity.

The temperature-time curve is decisively important during the entire soldering process. The diode laser can be controlled according to a prescribed curve. Among other things, a non-contact temperature-measurement system, which regulates heat input relative to process- and product-specific specifications, can be used for this. The system records all process changes, which are retrievable for quality-assurance measures. Combined with the likewise adjustable wire feed, the customer obtains a system that guarantees reproducible solder quantities and connections.