Ever wondered what is Tombstoning and why does it happen?

What is Tombstoning?

Tombstoning also known as the Manhattan or crocodile effect is where one end of the component lifts from a pad of the PCB during reflow soldering process and affects mainly surface mount components such as resistors, capacitor and inductors.

Why does it happen?

There are a few reasons for Tombstoning such as the soldering process, contamination of the PCB or the actual PCB Layout.

When soldering a component to a PCB it is important that solder reaches the ideal fluid state, this is known as the Wetting of the solder.

It then forms an inter-metallic bond between the terminal of the component and the pad on the PCB before it cools and becomes solid.

Tombstoning occurs when one end of a component (like a resistor) completes the Wetting process before the other. This end then pulls and tilts the component to create the Tombstone effect.

The PCB Layout can influence the Wetting process. An imbalance of the thermal mass between component pads will result in one end completing the wetting process before the other.

At Eurocircuits we continue to develop our Tools, Information, and Guidelines to help PCB Designer Engineers to create ‘Right First Time for Manufacture’ PCB Layouts.

Why not take a few minutes to review our latest Guideline on Tombstoning.

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Should you have any questions about any of our services, please feel free to get in touch via email, telephone or instantly with our online chat during office hours. We will be more than happy to help.

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It has been over a year since we launched our Prototype & Small series Assembly service.

One question that we are often asked is, what information must you our customer supply for the Assemble service.

To answer this question, we need the BOM (Bill of Materials) and CPL (Component Placement List) data.

These files are usually generated by the CAD system and output in an ASCII format, the format varies from one CAD system to another however, it is the information contained within these files that is important.

The BOM must contain the information below:

• MPN (Manufacturers Part Number) or Supplier Part Number.
• Full Description of the Part (including value where applicable)
• Component Reference Designations that use this Part.

Addition information that is also very useful:

• Manufacturer
• Supplier

Below is an example of a BOM file.

It is important that each line that contains a Component Reference Designator also contains the required part information.

Using the CPL we automatically superimpose the components listed in the BOM to the PCB, allowing the verify the component placement on the PCB.

The CPL file must contain the following information:

• Component Reference Designator (e.g. C1, L2, R3 etc).
• X and Y Position of the component Center.
• Orientation
• Side (Top or Bottom).

Great news for KiCAD and Eagle users as this information is already contained within the .BRD or .KiCAD file.

Below is an example of a CPL file.

For more information concern BOM and CPL files please visit the Eurocircuits PCBA Visualizer – user guide and the Eurocircuits Guide on How to Upload or Import BOM & CPL files into the PCBA Visualizer.

Should you have any questions about any of our services, please feel free to get in touch via email, telephone or instantly with our online chat during office hours. We will be more than happy to help.

Why not follow us on our social media, keeping up to date with all of our latest news?

For many years Eurocircuits have provided you with important News & Information about our services, products, free to use smart tools and the Electronic Manufacturing World. Take a peak at what we offer:

Eurocircuits company update. This section contains updates and information about the Eurocircuits Group. As a valued partner you will receive updates and news covering our company activities, team news and business developments etc.

Events & Workshops. Eurocircuits is an active participant of events and exhibitions, it also organises events, seminars and workshops, especially concerning technical topics

Tips & Tricks.The electronic value chain starts with a design and then converting it to a digital form. This section covers all design related issues, their influence on manufacturing.

Electronic Manufacturing Technology. Eurocircuits goal is to inform all Electronic Designers about Electronic Manufacturing Techniques and processes. Whilst, this may start with PCB manufacturing it also covers the Assembly, Testing and Housing etc…

Online Smart Tools – Services & Products. All Eurocircuits customers have access to an online customer account and through this, access to our Smart Tools and services. This section covers User Guides, updates and new features and tools etc. It will help you to optimise your knowledge, use of these tools and the electronic manufacturing services and products we offer.

Customer Applications & Student Projects. Eurocircuits actively encourages its customers to share their experiences with other customers. In addition to this, we support many student projects and inspire them to write about their adventures and the technology they have designed.

eCvelo. Next to being an Electronics Manufacturing Company, Eurocircuits also has a heart for clean mobility. As result we have developed and are building trike and quad cycles with a covered frame. Keep updated by opting in to this section.