Went to SMTAI (surface-mount equip & related show) last week ago and =20
got into discussions with several solder-paste =20
manufacturers/distributors.  Since then, I've been receiving several =20
jars of solder paste (samples) and currently have the equivalent of =20
3000g+ of solder paste in the fridge!  So I want to do an objective =20
evaluation on these.  I have a decent 3-zone oven.

But what's the best and most objective way?  I'm a bit wary of running =20
my regular panels (10" x 4.5") through this, as any mistakes could =20
cost a lot.  So I'm thinking I'll make up some boards specific to =20
these, perhaps something low-volume I can use.  My thoughts...

- Smaller boards.
- Use some older components (like PICs I don't use anymore).
- Healthy mix of QFN's, SSOP's, SC-70's, SOT-23's, 0805's, 0603's, =20
0402's and some others.
- Boards would need to be functional so they can be tested better.
- Only one paste in the oven at any time?  I say this because I expect =20
the temp profiles will probably be different for each, perhaps even =20
the spread temp.  Still need to check this.

Any other thoughts?  It's mostly 63/37 no-clean.  I'm testing for good =20
wetting yet not-too much excess flux, residue color, nice shiny =20
joints, and what else should I be looking for?

Cheers,
-Neil.



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