Datum Carrier Plate
Datum Carrier Plate (DCP) is a premier solder pallet material. This composite-thermoset plastic combines excellent machinability with a long service life to deliver direct cost benefits to both the pallet fabricator and the PCB assembler.
DCP’s high-performance glass filler enables faster cutting speeds and longer tool life. Its chemically resistant matrix ensures its solid performance through repeated reflow, wave solder or selective wave soldering processes. Available in both Electro Static Discharge (ESD) safe and non-ESD versions, DCP has a demonstrated life of up to 10,000 solder cycles.
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Machining Suggestions
Based on feedback from some loyal customers:
- Minimum wall and floor thickness: 1 mm (not recommended for large areas)
- Speed and feed rates: Spindle speed 7500 rpm, 8000 rpm max;
Feed rate: 1200 mm/min (45 in/min) for a 6 mm (0.25 in) tool - Cutter type: DCP needs hard metal tools such as Chrome-Vanadium. Typically use a 2 flute diamond coated tool.
- Coolant: Coolant is used to keep the dust contained but is not necessary for cutting. In the absence of coolant, a vacuum is required to remove the dust.
Customer Case Study on DCP Service Life
A 2016 user study showed that even with the harshest of solder cycles – wave soldering – with three minutes of direct contact with 250°C solder and cooling to room temperature – concluded that:
- With 24 hour production, life cycle was projected to be 1.5 years
- With 12 hour production, life cycle was projected to be 2-2.5 years
- 2 years into production, no performance deficiencies were noted
Additional recommendations included slower cooling between thermal cycles to preserve service life and projected 10,000 cycles for selective wave solder pallets due to their minimal contact with molten solder. Read the full report here.
DCP Properties
SMT (Surface Mount Technology) is the process of mounting electronic components on the surface of a PCB (Printed Circuit Board). Using a reflow oven, reflow soldering subjects solder paste to controlled heat to attach electronic components to the surface of the board.
“A study shows that even with the harshest of solder cycles – wave soldering – with three minutes of direct contact with 250°C solder and cooling to room temperature – concluded that:
- With 24-hour production, life cycle was projected to be 1.5 years
- With 12-hour production, life cycle was projected to be 2-2.5 years
- 2 years into production, no performance deficiencies were noted”
| DCP - SOLDER PALLET MATERIAL | BLACK | GREY |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-static | ✓ | ✓ |
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.85 | 1.85 |
| Flexural Strength (Mpa) - perpendicular 3 point support | 360 | 360 |
| Water Absorption (%) | < 0.2% | < 0.2% |
| Coefficient of Linear Expansion (10-6/K) (30ºC - 200ºC) | < 0.2% | < 0.2% |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/mºK) | 0.25 | 0.25 |
| Minimum operating Temperature (ºC) | -60 | -60 |
| Maximum operating Temperature (ºC) 10-20 seconds | 300 | 300 |
| Continuous Operating Temperature (ºC) | 260 | 260 |
| Surface Resistance (ohms) | ≥1x104 to <1x1011 | ≥1x104 to <1x1011 |
| Specific Heat Capacity (J.kgK) | 930 | 930 |
| Barcol Hardness | 80 | 80 |
| Thickness Available (mm) Boards up to 100mm available on request | 3,4,5,6,8,10,12 | 3,4,5,6,8,10,12 |
| Thickness Tolerance | ±0.10mm | ±0.10mm |
| Flatness Tolerance • 300 x 300 Sheet • 600 x 400 sheet • 1220 x 1220 sheet • 1220 x 2440 sheet | ±0.20mm ±0.68mm ±0.86mm ±1.36mm | ±0.20mm ±0.68mm ±0.86mm ±1.36mm |
| Parallelism | ±0.10mm | ±0.10mm |
Quality Control
Our Quality Control department performs robust quality checks. Datum is ISO 9001 certified.
Why Choose Datum?
Quality
Oil, grease and scratch free foils and components, produced to tight tolerances
Experience
With decades of experience, Datum leads the way in innovation and technology development
Efficiency
Rapid prototyping and production, short lead times and fast delivery
Precision
Our tolerance controls ensure you receive precision foils and components