This ESA-authorized training develops an understanding of the practical advantages gained in designing and creating applications in surface mount technology.
The course has a practical focus, including hand soldering as well as methods of applying solder paste with available reflow heat sources. The training is in accordance with the ECSS-Q-ST-70-38 standard “High Reliability Soldering for Surface Mount and Mixed Technology”.
The training provides hands-on experience. All necessary tools and equipment are provided.
Training Objectives
- Learn and understand the requirements of the ECSS-Q-ST-70-38 standard
- Develop the skills necessary for effective positioning and manual soldering of surface-mounted components
- Identify methods of applying solder paste and gain practical experience in precise dispensing
- Familiarize with a wide range of reflow heat sources and their impact on the solderability of surface mount applications
- Demonstrate the advantages of surface mount assembly
Experience and Prerequisites
- Intended for Production Operators, Quality Assurance Engineers, and Design and Production Engineers
- Those not holding an ESA manual soldering certificate for ECSS-Q-ST-70-08 attend the training in 4½ days
- Holders of an ESA manual soldering certificate for ECSS-Q-ST-70-08 attend the training in 3½ days
- Visual acuity certificate according to the ESA STR 258 document
Training Plan
Day 1
- Complete the student registration form
- Provide visual acuity test certificate
- Introduction and orientation, including safety, equipment, procedures, and break times
- Training presentation: what we will learn, how, why, and when
- Overview of specification structure: relevant ECSS standards; release status and how to access them
- ECSS-Q-70-08: review of the entire standard
Day 2
- Points 1–4 above for newly arrived participants
Presentation of the ECSS-Q-70-38 standard; multiple-choice operator test:
All students are required to achieve a minimum of 80% on 50 questions, with an open-book and multiple-choice test (comprising a set of 25 questions selected from the 70-08 standard and a set of 25 questions selected from the 738 standard).
Day 3
- Syringe, stencil, or template
- Dispensing solder paste
- Checking the infrared (IR) profile
- Solder paste reflow characteristics
- Printing
- Component placement and reflow
- Impact of different conveyor speeds and zone temperatures
- Hot air reflow soldering
- Component markings
- Selection of Metcal, Pace, and Weller tips
- Manual soldering of surface-mounted packages
Day 4
- Perform hand soldering exercises
- Review inspection slides
- Self-inspection of PCB
Day 5
- Perform self-inspection of the board
- Check the self-inspection of the board with the Instructor
- Make corrections as required
- Cleaning and checking tools
- Certification
Certificate
According to this document, upon successful completion of the training, a Category 3 Certificate approved by ESA will be awarded. Candidates already holding a valid Category 2 Inspector certificate will be eligible to receive a Category 2 certificate for this subject. Authorization is valid for two years (see note on a 9-month extension under RECERTIFICATION below).
Duration
3½ days (plus ½ day if retake exams are required) or 4½ days (plus ½ day if retake exams are required) as specified above.
Recertification
To renew the certificate for another two years, attendance at a two-day recertification training is required. The two-year period can be extended by up to 9 months if previous recertification sessions cannot be attended.