NEWS & EVENTS

The Reign of Durostone and Ricocel in Manufacturing

Discover how Durostone and Ricocel materials are transforming high-temperature reflow soldering fixtures in electronics manufacturing. Learn about their performance and future innovations.

In modern electronics manufacturing, the reflow soldering process is essential for surface-mount technology (SMT). With lead-free regulations and high-density packaging on the rise, selecting the right reflow soldering fixture material is critical for improving production yield, reducing costs, and extending product life. This article explores the high-temperature challenges of reflow soldering, the core performance indicators for fixture materials, and how Durostone and Ricocel materials are revolutionizing the industry.

Why High-Temperature Resistance Matters in Reflow Soldering

The Reflow Soldering Process at a Glance

1. Temperature Profile:

  • Preheating, soaking, reflow, and cooling stages.
  • Peak temperatures reach 250–270°C (for lead-free processes).

2. Challenges Faced by Fixtures:

  • Prolonged Exposure: Fixtures experience 6–8 minutes of high temperature, risking deformation or toxic gas release from traditional plastics.
  • Thermal Stress: Differences in thermal expansion (CTE) between fixtures and PCBs can cause misalignment.
  • Chemical Corrosion: Flux volatiles react with fixture materials, accelerating aging.

Core Indicators of High-Temperature Fixture Performance

For a fixture to succeed in harsh reflow environments, it must excel in:

  • Long-Term Temperature Endurance:
    Ensures structural stability at peak temperatures.

  • Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE):
    Must match the PCB substrate (typically FR4, CTE ≈ 1.8×10⁻⁶/°C) to avoid misalignment.

  • Thermal Conductivity:
    Balanced conductivity prevents “thermal bridges” or uneven heat dissipation.

  • Chemical Corrosion Resistance:
    Withstands flux and cleaning solvents.

The Evolution of Fixture Materials

Limitations of Traditional Materials

1. Fiberglass Boards (FR4):

  • Pros: Low cost and easy processing.
  • Cons: Limited to 220°C (for leaded processes) and high CTE (up to 3.5×10⁻⁶/°C), leading to warping.
  • Lifespan: Under 500 cycles in lead-free processes.

2. Titanium Alloy:

  • Pros: Excellent high-temperature performance (over 400°C) and high strength.
  • Cons: Expensive and high thermal conductivity can overheat PCBs.

The Rise of Durostone

Durostone is a breakthrough composite made of epoxy resin and fiberglass. Its key features include:

  • Enhanced Temperature Resistance:

    • Long-term endurance of 280°C; short-term peaks up to 300°C.
    • Ideal for mixed leaded/lead-free production lines.

  • Optimized CTE:

    • CTE of 1.9×10⁻⁶/°C, reducing thermal mismatch with FR4.

  • Lightweight Design:

    • Density of 1.9 g/cm³, reducing the load on reflow oven conveyors.

  • Industry Proof:

    • Replacing fiberglass fixtures increased cycle life from 800 to 5,000 and cut annual costs by 42%.

Ricocel: The Ultimate Fixture Material

Ricocel is engineered specifically for lead-free processes, offering:

  • Superior Temperature Endurance:

    • Long-term up to 300°C; short-term peaks of 350°C.

  • Exceptional CTE Matching:

    • CTE of 1.5×10⁻⁶/°C, achieving support accuracy of ±0.02 mm.

  • Environmental Compliance:

    • Free from halogens and heavy metals; meets RoHS 3.0 and REACH certifications.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Durostone vs. Ricocel

ParameterDurostoneRicocel
Long-Term Heat Resistance280°C300°C
CTE (×10⁻⁶/°C)1.91.5
Density (g/cm³)1.92.1
ApplicationsLead/lead-free hybrid lines, consumer electronicsHigh-end lead-free (automotive, medical)

Choosing the Right Material for Your Production Needs

When to Choose Durostone

  • Ideal for Small to Medium EMS Companies:
    • Fast product iterations and frequent production line changes.
  • Cost-Sensitive Projects:
    • Suitable for industries dominated by leaded processes (e.g., home appliances, LED lighting).

When to Opt for Ricocel

  • High-End Applications:
    • Automotive electronics and high-frequency, high-speed PCBs.
  • Miniaturized Packaging:
    • Meets the precision needs of CSP and SiP packaging with micro-pitch components.

Conclusion

The evolution from traditional fiberglass to Durostone and Ricocel marks a revolutionary shift in reflow soldering fixture materials. Durostone offers an excellent balance of performance and cost-effectiveness, while Ricocel pushes the limits of high-temperature endurance and precision for critical applications. As electronics manufacturing moves toward higher performance and sustainability, choosing the right fixture material is a commitment to quality and innovation. Embrace the high-temperature revolution and secure a competitive edge in the industry.

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