The EMPF Learning Center is now offering the IPC's Rework, Repair and Modification Training and Certification Program for Operators. This course provides participants with a hands-on approach to the restoration of electronic assemblies. Certification, which is valid for two years is received upon successful completion of the course.

The ability to customize training based on your company's needs is available. This offers companies the flexibility to select the modules in which their operators receive training. For example, a company that only uses through hole technology, and only wants their workers proficient in rework of through hole components would only want to select Module 1 & 3 of IPC-7711. If a company does not use conformal coating on their assemblies, but needs their operators to be proficient in repair techniques per IPC-7721, they would select Modules 1,7 and 9 of IPC-7721. Operators will be trained in only the selected areas.

The focus of IPC-7711 is on the rework of electronic assemblies. Students will learn and practice the techniques necessary to properly remove through hole and/or surface mount components utilizing the latest tools, materials, and technology available. All component acceptability criteria, based on IPC-A-610C, is reviewed for each module. Upon successful completion, students will obtain IPC Operator Certification in the areas where proficiency has been demonstrated.

Module 1 is a prerequisite for all other modules and is therefore required as part of the training program. Students will be taught general requirements and basic terminology of IPC-7711/21. This module will also teach students basic considerations used in analyzing rework and repair, tool and material considerations, proper handling techniques, and basic cleaning procedures. The satisfactory completion of Module 1 must be done prior to training in any other modules. The duration of Module 1 is one day.

Module 2 is designed to teach students the proper procedure for performing wire splicing. Students will learn to determine the feasibility of repair, the four types of splices used, as well as tinning and soldering considerations. The approximate duration of Module 2 is five hours.

Module 3 concentrates on through hole technology. During this module, students will demonstrate the skills of removing, land preparation, and reinstalling axial-leaded, radial-leaded and multi-leaded components on a PWAs using the continuous vacuum and wicking methods. The duration for Module 3 is one day.

In Module 4, students develop the skills necessary to remove chip and Metal Electrode Face (MELF) components, clean and prepare pads, and reinstall components. The use of various tips and techniques used in Industry is taught. The duration for Module 4 is approximately six hours.

Removing Single Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) and Small Outline Transistor (SOT) components, cleaning and preparing termination areas, and replacing components is covered in Module 5. The duration for Module 5 is approximately six hours.

The focus of Module 6 is the removal, pad preparation and reinstallation of fine pitched (20-30 mil), multi-leaded J-Leaded and Gull/L wing devices. Students who successfully complete this module will be capable of demonstrating their skill at the advanced level. The approximate duration of Module 6 is one day.

IPC-7721 concentrates on the repair of electronic assemblies. Students will learn the latest techniques used to repair circuits and laminates, including conformal coating/solder resist removal and re-application. Upon successful completion, students will obtain IPC Operator Certification to IPC-7721 in the areas where proficiency is demonstrated. Module 1 is a prerequisite for Modules 7, 8 and 9.

In Module 7 of IPC-7721, students will learn PWB circuit repair. This includes learning the procedures applicable to, and demonstrating the skills used to fix a lifted pad/land repair, install an eyelet into a damaged plated through hole, repair a damaged trace and installation of a surface jumper wire. The duration of Module 7 is one day.

Module 8 focuses on laminate rework and repair. Students will learn the skill of repairing damaged laminate materials using the newest materials and tools available to the electronic manufacturing industry. The duration for Module 8 is six hours.

The procedures and processes for removal and replacement of conformal coating is covered in Module 9. Students will learn about various conformal coating removal techniques including mechanical, thermal and solvent methods. The duration for this Module is five hours.

For more information, please contact the EMPF Helpline at (610) 362-1320. Be sure to ask about multiple student discounts and IPC-7711 & 7721 Training at your facility!