How do PCB manufacturers prevent solder from entering vias during wave soldering?

I have some PCBs that were wave soldered but the vias still remain open, they are not filled nor plugged form what I can see. I do not see any solder on the annular rings of the vias either. How do they go about doing so?

November 3, 2023

Choose the right flux. There are many reasons for welding balls, but flux is the main reason.

Generally speaking, fluxes with low solid content tend to form solder balls when the underside SMD elements require double PCBA wave soldering. Because these additives are not designed to be used for long periods of time. If the flux sprayed on the PCB has been used up after the first wave crest, there is no flux after two peaks. Thus, it cannot play the function of flux and help reduce tin balls.

One of the main ways to reduce the number of welding balls is to choose a flux that can withstand longer periods of heat.

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Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.

How do PCB manufacturers prevent solder from entering vias during wave soldering?

Oliver Smith

Oliver Smith

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