IEC 60068-3-13:2016

Overview

IEC 60068-3-13:2016 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that provides in-depth supporting documentation and guidance for Test T – Soldering. This standard serves as a technical revision and updates the previous IEC 60068-2-44:1995 edition with important new information, including considerations for lead-free solders and a comprehensive restructuring of content. It is tailored for writers and users of specifications related to electric and electronic components, ensuring reliable soldering processes and quality assurance in environmental testing.

The standard serves as a companion to the soldering-related test standards IEC 60068-2-20, IEC 60068-2-58, IEC 60068-2-69, IEC 60068-2-83, and references IEC 61760-1, which details surface mounting component specifications. IEC 60068-3-13:2016 is essential for understanding the physics, processes, defects, and evaluation methods associated with solder joints, pivotal for maintaining high-quality electronic assemblies.

Key Topics

• Factors Influencing Solder Joint Reliability
  Detailed examination of the ability of components to be soldered, including surface wetting physics, solder material properties, and environmental factors that affect solder quality and reliability.

• Soldering Processes
  Overview of general soldering considerations like component design, soldering methods (bath, reflow, iron), material characteristics, and process parameters that influence soldering outcomes.

• Lead-Free Solder Considerations
  Updated guidelines stressing lead-free solder materials, addressing their particular characteristics and implications for environmental compliance and performance.

• Soldering Defects and Quality Control
  Identification of common defects in solder joints, evaluation criteria, visual inspection standards, and quantitative assessment methods to ensure robust solder connections.

• Moisture Sensitivity and Ageing Effects
  Analysis of moisture sensitivity levels in components, storage impacts, oxidation, intermetallic compound formation, and their effects on solderability and joint reliability.

• Test Methods and Equipment
  A detailed survey of soldering test procedures such as wetting balance tests, bath and reflow tests, and soldering iron tests, including execution guidelines and acceptance criteria.

Applications

IEC 60068-3-13:2016 is highly relevant for:

• Electronics Manufacturers and Assembly Lines
  Who require comprehensive testing guidelines to assure consistent, reliable solder joints across various component types and assembly methods.

• Quality Assurance and Compliance Teams
  Needing structured methods and acceptance criteria to audit soldering processes, manage defect prevention, and comply with international environmental and safety regulations-especially regarding lead-free solder use.

• Component Designers and Specifiers
  Developing solderability specifications that align with industry best practices and environmental testing standards to enhance product reliability.

• Research and Development in Electronics Manufacturing
  Facilitating innovation in soldering techniques and materials through a deep understanding of wettability, solder joint physics, and effects of ageing and moisture.

Related Standards

IEC 60068-3-13:2016 complements and references several standards to provide a comprehensive framework for environmental testing related to soldering:

• IEC 60068-2-20 - Test T: Solderability tests for electronic components with leads.
• IEC 60068-2-58 - Test U: Solderability of surface mounting devices.
• IEC 60068-2-69 - Test V: Resistance of soldered joints to mechanical loading.
• IEC 60068-2-83 - Test W: Additional solderability and wetting balance assessments.
• IEC 61760-1 - Surface mounting components specifications and requirements.

These interconnected standards create a robust ecosystem for environmental and mechanical testing focused on solder joint integrity and component mounting reliability.

Keywords: IEC 60068-3-13, soldering test guidance, environmental testing, electric components, electronic components, solder joint reliability, lead-free solder, solderability, soldering defects, wetting balance test, moisture sensitivity, surface mounting devices, IEC standards, electronic assembly testing.