Inspection summary

• The established inspection and test methods used for boards assembled with tin- lead alloys can also be used with Lead-Free assemblies. However, some changes may be needed.
  
  
• Operators need to be trained to understand that Lead-Free solders behave differently and that Lead-Free joints can have a significantly different appearance to joins with traditional alloys.
  
  
• Whenever possible a selection of reference joints should be made available to help operators carrying out inspection.
  
  
• With careful control and optimisation of inspection parameters, along with operator training there is no reason while the established inspection processes should not be used successfully with Lead-Free assemblies.
  
  
• The IPC standards IPC 610D and IPC 7095/7095A provide useful reference standards and related information.