End of repairable PCBs?

[Chuck(G)]

Just finished reading about OCCAM, a solder-less process for assembling PCBs. If this method becomes standard practice, I can't see how a failing component on a PCB will be replaced. Basically, junk the board and get a new one (if you can).

Solder: Is It Really Required for Electronics Assembly?

Solder’s days are numbered. There’s a better alternative that, essentially, reverses the manufacturing process.

www.electronicdesign.com

 

[tradde]

From reading that I can see your point.

 

[Bentendo64]

This seems similar to "glob-top" ICs on really cheap mass-produced PCBs. I can see it catching on for cell phones and the like.

My question is, why even order parts that come in a package at this stage? Build the board as normal, test it, then install all your ICs as glob-tops. I suppose the proposed process does away with welding wire to the silicon, though. It narrows down the process to only a few steps: laying substrate, drilling, and etching wires. Adding the wire welding step adds another machine to the process.

I can't tell, but the article seems to imply the "base" (aluminum in the article) remains part of the assembly after it is finished, like a big cap on the PCB. If that is just tooling to keep the parts in place as you build the PCB, I suppose you could cut a defective part off and solder a new one in place if needed.

However, after many years, what’s finding some appeal among some of the more enlightened technologists in the industry...

Glad we're all stupid for not upgrading our tooling and desiring repairability though. lol

 

[Timo W.]

If this method becomes standard practice, I can't see how a failing component on a PCB will be replaced. Basically, junk the board and get a new one (if you can).

I don't see the issue compared to how it is already. You can already no longer repair any modern pcb. Yes, that sucks. But advanced technology has its downsides.

 

[Chuck(G)]

You can already no longer repair any modern pcb.

Tell that to Louis Rossman.