Researchers at Ibaraki University, Japan have published results of new work to use microwaves for soldering joints in fine circuits. 

The work uses circular wave guides with evanescent microwaves and a resonator to provide localised heating to lead-free solder joints. 

Optimum operating conditions are reported. There was no damage to the resonator.

New low energy soldering technologies could reduce energy costs associated with conventional electronics assembly processes.

US electronics consortium iNEMI have reported latest results from their wave soldering project at SMTA International this week. The project is a long-standing collaboration to optimise wave soldering processes for lead-free soldering and is making important knowledge contributions to industry.

The project has been running in various phases since the advent of lead-free soldering a decade ago. Although most iNEMI project results are for members only, some publications have greatly enhanced available knowledge about lead-free solder processing and...