The latest in SMT soldering machines

Saturday, November 09, 2013: SMT soldering machines are a crucial part of the manufacturing process as they help to ensure consistent soldering quality in a product. These machines cover an array of equipment, including SMT reflow soldering (reflow ovens), SMT/BGA soldering stations (used for single component placement/removal) also known as SMT/BGA rework stations, and SMT discrete soldering equipment, that is, soldering stations, hot tweezers, infra red guns, etc.

By using SMT soldering machines, manufacturers can improve the thermal conductivity and lower the assembly costs because less labour and solder paste are required. Today, these machines are very technologically advanced and use the latest soldering technology, which can reliably solder surface mount components. Here are some new machines that were launched in the last one year.

Model: QP-S Media, Brand: SMT, Manufacturer: SMT Maschinen and Vertriebs GmbH & Co, Germany

Upgraded in September 2013, QP-S Media is a standard high-end soldering machine with budget-friendly pricing. The re-designed machine has two cooling stages and inline transport. The system maintains the power and has N2 saving features. It is a perfect choice for first time buyers, and it has the time-tested Quattro-Peak technology.

Key features

• 2.10m active convection tunnel

• 5-6kW power consumption and lowest N2 usage

• Process length: 3876 mm; heating tunnel length: 2598 mm

• Cooling zone: 1278 mm

• Three pre-heated zones and two peak zones

• Total air circulation of 11200m³/hr

• Max 350˚C in peak zone

• PCB width: 500 mm with mesh conveyor

• Optional chain conveyor of 460 mm

Contact details: Daniel Schneider, director, SMT Asia-Pacific, Ph: +65-9126-0407, [email protected], www.smtap.com

India distributor: EMST Marketing India Pvt Ltd

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Model: PDR IR-E3 BGA, Brand: PDR, Manufacturer: PDR, UK

Upgraded in July 2013, this BGA rework station uses PDR’s Focused IR technology, developed specifically to deliver the highest performance and soldering quality demanded by customers.

Key features

• Focused IR component heating; IR PCB pre-heating, IR temperature sensing

• Auto profile software

• BGA alignment

• Precision mechanics

• 150W Focused IR component heating

• 2000W PCB pre-heating, non-contact/real-time IR temperature measuring

• Closed-loop automatic temperature profile control

• CCTV/prism-based BGA alignment

• Precision X-Y table and pick-up system

Contact details: Roger Gibbs, CEO, Ph: +44-1293-614000, [email protected], www.pdr-rework.com

India distributor: DVS India

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Model: IR 3000, Brand: PACE Worldwide, Manufacturer: PACE Worldwide, USA

Upgraded in July 2013, IR 3000 is one of the most advanced PACE component rework systems in the market. It is fully area array capable and can also remove or install most other SMT and through-hole components. Featuring a patented aperture system to control and precisely apply the heat to protect adjacent components, the system is unique as it uses PACE’s exclusive and customised software. Its PID controllers can control user determined ramp rates by selecting the time and the end temperature for each phase.

Key features

• A precision vision overlay system and component handling system for accurate alignment/placement of most land grid array devices

• Advanced four-stage thermal profiling capability with four thermocouple inputs in development mode and easy access to profiles in production mode

• Closed-loop infrared primary heater with non-contact IR temperature sensor, with real-time monitoring and control of process

• Bottom-side pre-heating technology for safe, effective installation and removal on even the most thermally challenging boards

• Sodr-cam feature helps to monitor the solder reflow process in real time

• Heater (top side): Medium/long wave IR, 500W; Bottom heater with adjustable working height: Medium/long wave IR, 1000W 220 mm×155 mm; Max component size: 65 mm×65 mm; Max PCB size: 305 mm×305 mm

Contact details: Dennis Gulbin, product manager, Mob: 910-695-7223, [email protected], www.paceworldwide.com

India distributor: Accurex Solutions (P) Ltd

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Model: Omni ES series, Brand: Electrovert, Manufacturer: Speedline, USA

Launched in May 2013, Omni ES series is a combination of innovation and industry proven technology, providing an efficient and reliable solution for SMT soldering applications. Made to deliver high performance, it is also an easy to use, reliable and efficient reflow system. The Omni ES has been proven to exceed lead-free profile requirements and delivers efficient high performance thermal processing.

Key features

• Isothermal chamber technology delivers highly efficient heat transfer throughout the process

• Independent closed loop blower speed control provides consistent thermal performance, minimising the cross board temperatures and allows for tight control of Time Above liquidus (TAL)

• With the option of 7 zones and 10 zones, air flow dynamics within cooling zones are efficiently controlled for a balanced environment and reduced exhaust temperatures

• An industry-first dripless cooling design significantly reduces the potential for flux dripping in the cooling area, minimising maintenance in the zones, and enabling easy cleaning

• Excellent separation between heating and cooling areas produces tight control of TAL

• Number of zones: 7+2 / and 10+3

• Heating tunnel length: 2685 mm / 3855 mm; cooling length: 887 mm / 1293 mm

• Process width: 508 mm; Operating temperature: 350°C; Power requirement: 37 KVA / 46 KVA

Contact details: Ching How, product manager (Electrovert), Mob: +6012-903-3848, [email protected], www.speedlinetech.com

India distributor: NMTronics India Pvt Ltd

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Model: IS–B–335S, Brand: InterSelect, Manufacturer: InterSelect GmbH, Germany

Launched in April 2013, this selective soldering machine is designed to meet the needs of lean manufacturing, while offering flexibility and throughput at minimal cost. The IS-PhotoScan offline programming system is a ‘point and click’ PCB image package, which is Windows-based. This allows the operator to complete a program in a matter of minutes instead of hours. These entry-level machines have been newly designed, and are equipped with inert hot nitrogen atmosphere for the soldering process and to prevent oxidation. These machines can be equipped with a uniquely designed preheating system for top and bottom heaters, controlled by a pyrometer.

Key features

• Hand loaded, standalone, selective soldering machine

• 335mm×335mm solder area with an overall footprint of 1000 mm x 1000 mm

• Wettable and jet nozzle possibility because of 7° axis system

• Automatic laser wave height control and correction; and automatic laser control for the solder level

• Unique IS-PhotoScan offline programming software

• 335mm×335mm adjustable bottom side preheat 1,5-4,5 KW

• 335 mm×335 mm adjustable top side preheat 1,5-4,5 KW

• Laser pyrometer control with profiling

• Maximum board size: 335 mm×335 mm; Machine dimensions: 1000×1000×1400

• Pressure (nitrogen): 4-6 bar 60 – 90 psi

Contact details: Wim Van Riet, director, InterSelect Asia, Mob: 6568487818, [email protected], www.myinterselect.com

India distributor: Maxim SMT Technologies Pvt Ltd

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Model: CUBE 460, Brand: Inertec, Manufacturer: Inertec GmbH, Germany

Launched in April 2013, Inertec CUBE 460 is a fully automated system that can be customised for the desired soldering angle with a process camera used for viewing the process. Based on the picture, further optimisation can be done. Program controlled height and temperature adjustment, along with micro drop fluxer and nitrogen feeding, delivers the desired results.

Key features

• Fully automated system with motorised solder wire feeder along with nitrogen supply

• Operator-friendly offline programming software and repeatability contributes to the best results

• Mini wave modules offer the freedom to use different kinds of alloys along with special fixtures

• The module installed camera enables operators to observe the soldering process in real time for better process control

• Maximum PCB size: 460 mm x 460 mm; Soldering angle: 0° or 7°

• Bottom side clearance: 30 mm; Top side clearance: 150 mm

• Soldering temperature: Up to 330°C

Contact details: Jochen Elbert, product manager, Mob: +49-9342 9219 32, [email protected], www.inertec.de

India distributor: NMTronics India Pvt Ltd

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Model: VectraES2, Brand: Electrovert, Manufacturer: Speedline Technologies, USA

Launched in March 2013, Electrovert’s VectraES2 wave soldering system features exceptional system-wide accessibility, an advanced control system and innovative sub-system technologies. The VectraES2 provides the ideal balance between performance, functionality and cost effectiveness. It is designed to handle lead-free applications, incorporating a number of features to support difficult and challenging process environments.

Key features

• Exceptional thermal performance with low mass forced convection on the bottom side

• Drop-down style pre-heaters, delivering optimal board temperatures while minimising product ΔT’s

• Advanced, industry-proven UltraFill solder nozzle technology that increases dwell time, improves hole fill and maximises product quality

• Highly reliable patented wave height sensors

• High temperatures of up to 300°C (572°F) can be obtained

• Servo-controlled, reciprocating spray fluxing and efficient heat transfer for accurate flux control

• Windows-based operating system with the process notes function and the data logging traceability feature

• Recipe-driven solder pot height adjustment; for better application, the wet finger cleaning system feature comes as a standard, giving the system an advantage

• Process width: Up to 460 mm

• Hot air convection type pre-heater with a length of up to 1800 mm

• Dual-wave process; spray fluxer system

Contact details: Ching How, product manager (Electrovert), Asia, Mob: +6012-903-3848, [email protected], www.speedlinetech.com

India distributor: NMTronics India Pvt Ltd

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Model: SRF70i series, Brand: Samsung, Manufacturer: Samsung, Korea

Upgraded in 2013, SRF70i series is a next generation reflow oven that maximises customers’ productivity. It also significantly reduces power consumption compared to other existing models. Peak power consumption can be minimised by controlling the heater temperature in three stages. Accordingly, power demand and, subsequently, basic electricity costs can be reduced.

Key features

• Provides the best soldering solution

• Real-time temperature profile monitoring (RTPM)

• Graphic temperature monitoring

• High speed dual lane

• Operation and maintenance cycle alarm function

• O2 control system (N2 type only)

• Flux management system (N2 type)

• Optimum power consumption

• Built in N2 generator

• Precision temperature control using the inverter and PC control method

• One-touch cover opening and closing system

• Efficient BGA and CSP operation using a top-and-bottom heating method (separate variable heating from top and bottom)

• Minimises power and N2 consumption

• Maintains a uniform nitrogen concentration environment through all sections and optimises nitrogen consumption (N2 type)

• Provides a dual-lane conveyor system for high speed mixed-model production

• The compact built-in N2 generator is adopted to allow the N2 reflow to be used anywhere without separate facilities.

Contact details: Arun Kumar, manager, South-east Asia and Middle East, Mob: +91-9311960005, [email protected], www.samsung-smt.com

India branch: Samsung C&T Corporation India Pvt Ltd

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Model: HD-0802, Brand: HB, Manufacturer: Shenzhen HB Automation Equipment Co Ltd, China

Upgraded in March 2013, HD-0802 is a lead-free reflow soldering machine that has advanced temperature control technology, an excellent flux recovery system, environmental protection and energy saving features. Its intelligent diagnosis system has the functions of ‘Trouble reminder’, ‘Alarm list out’ and ‘Report saving’. All production data is backed up automatically for ISO 9000 management.

Key features

• Precise and high-quality heating up performance

• Ultra low power consumption (22 per cent lower compared to the previous model)

• Large-capacity, highly efficient flux collection

• Heat-insulation designed keeping the working environment in mind

• Heating zones: 8; Cooling zones: 2 (built in)

• Heating length: 3125 mm; Temperature deviation on PCB: ±1.5°C

• Range of PCB width: 50 mm to 400 mm (option: 50 mm to 610 mm)

Contact details: Phil Lee, director, [email protected], www.sz-hb.net

India distributor: Innotronics Technologies Pvt Ltd

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Model: HM-350/450, Brand: HB, Manufacturer: Shenzhen HB Automation Equipment Co Ltd, China

Upgraded in December 2012, the HM series of lead-free wave soldering systems are a new scientific and technological achievement of the company. With a warranty of five years for the heaters, blowers and solder pot, and two years on all other parts, the HM series comes with a motorised auto width rail system.

Key features

• Reliable and uniform flux spraying saves 30 per cent flux compared to traditional spray nozzles

• Advanced programming can be achieved to meet weekly operation schedules

• Solder pot is suitable for 100 per cent lead-free manufacturing

• Three forced air convection pre-heat zones controlled by PLC in PID model

• Comes standard with a motorised auto width rail system

• Preheating zones: Three (hot air or IR)

• PCB width: minimum 80 mm x 60 mm, maximum 500 mm x 450 mm

Contact details: Phil Lee, director, [email protected], www.sz-hb.net

India distributor: Innotronics Technologies Pvt Ltd

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