lifted solder pads...what's the main cause?

Started by powerplayj, March 26, 2006, 09:13:56 PM

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powerplayj

I was drilling the Neovibe PCB and a had a problem with the pads lifting (more than usual) and was trying to troubleshoot the cause.  I'm using a Dremel press so the bit is secure when drilling the board.  The bit size is just large enough to fit cap/resistor legs.  The etching was done with Ferric Chloride.  Could the problem be any of these?

1. etched too long?
2. bit speed too slow?
3. thin traces more prone to lifting?  This board has smaller traces compared to most so is this problem more common to boards with thinner traces.

Any insight into how to prevent this or is this a case where I might be better off buying a board from JD at GGG?   :icon_question:
builds completed: boutique fuzz, rangemaster, BSIAB2, PT-80, Tonepad wah, Ross Comp, Axis Fuzz, MOSFET boost, Thunderchief, Big Muff (triangle), Mr. EQ, Dr. Boogey,  Neovibe, Dist+, EA Tremelo, ADA Flanger, RM Octavia
next build(s): ???

no one ever

heat and pressure.


oh and if the etchant gets under the trace, that helps lift it too.
(chk chk chk)

$uperpuma

so far the only instance I've had of a trace pulling up was too much heat, resolved it by getting a variable heat iron... $50 well spent.
Breadboards are as invaluable as underwear - and also need changed... -R.G.

brett

Hi.
In my estimation, the No 1 cause is a poor quality blank board.
The No 2 cause is when I remove a component, then try to insert a new one without re-drilling the hole to clear excess solder away.

In either case, try wrapping the pad around the leg/pin and soldering well.  90% of the time you can get away with this.  The other 10% requires replacing the pad or track with a wire.  Component legs are good for this.

cheers
Brett Robinson
Let a hundred flowers bloom, let a hundred schools of thought contend. (Mao Zedong)