OK International has developed a series of enhancements for its Metcal MX-500 and SP200 soldering systems to optimize them for Pb-free manufacture.
The first is a range of SmartHeat PowerTips for the MX-500 system. Designed for Pb-free applications, the tips provide the high thermal performance, allowing the user to solder demanding joints without heat damage. European product manager Craig Brown explains: “If you simply turn up the temperature, you risk burning off the flux and ending up with an insufficient joint. Instead, we have developed a series of tips that are extremely efficient in transferring more energy to the joint.”
Different solder tip geometries allow different amounts of energy to flow to the solder joint. Calculated mathematically using its length, width and shape, each solder tip’s “Conductivity Factor” indicates how efficient it is in conducting this energy – the higher the number, the more efficient the tip.
Based on its most popular tip geometries, the company has introduced seven SmartHeat PowerTips for use with MX-500. It plans to add new geometries as Pb-free manufacture takes hold.
For the SP200 soldering system, the cartridges have been upgraded with a high-power coil assembly for additional power for Pb-free solder joints, with no need for increased source temperatures.
Both systems use SmartHeat technology to ensure that the solder joint being reflowed receives exactly the energy required. This eliminates the risk of heat damage and allows the solder tip to work at lower temperatures for a longer useful life.
In addition, Auto Sleep Stand interrupts the energy flow to the solder tip when the hand-piece enters the cradle, reducing tip temperature to a minimum idling level as it rests in the stand. Reduces oxidization that can be a problem with high-temp Pb-free solders and fluxes; this can be further reduced with the stand’s brass wire wool cleaning compartment. Tip temperature returns to optimum working levels within a second of the hand-piece being removed from the stand, so no working time is lost.
Two accessories clearly identify Pb-free equipment: first, a green cradle that can be inserted into the Auto Sleep Stand; and second, green Pb-free identification rings that can be slipped onto soldering tips and cartridges.
OK International, okinternational.com
The first is a range of SmartHeat PowerTips for the MX-500 system. Designed for Pb-free applications, the tips provide the high thermal performance, allowing the user to solder demanding joints without heat damage. European product manager Craig Brown explains: “If you simply turn up the temperature, you risk burning off the flux and ending up with an insufficient joint. Instead, we have developed a series of tips that are extremely efficient in transferring more energy to the joint.”
Different solder tip geometries allow different amounts of energy to flow to the solder joint. Calculated mathematically using its length, width and shape, each solder tip’s “Conductivity Factor” indicates how efficient it is in conducting this energy – the higher the number, the more efficient the tip.
Based on its most popular tip geometries, the company has introduced seven SmartHeat PowerTips for use with MX-500. It plans to add new geometries as Pb-free manufacture takes hold.
For the SP200 soldering system, the cartridges have been upgraded with a high-power coil assembly for additional power for Pb-free solder joints, with no need for increased source temperatures.
Both systems use SmartHeat technology to ensure that the solder joint being reflowed receives exactly the energy required. This eliminates the risk of heat damage and allows the solder tip to work at lower temperatures for a longer useful life.
In addition, Auto Sleep Stand interrupts the energy flow to the solder tip when the hand-piece enters the cradle, reducing tip temperature to a minimum idling level as it rests in the stand. Reduces oxidization that can be a problem with high-temp Pb-free solders and fluxes; this can be further reduced with the stand’s brass wire wool cleaning compartment. Tip temperature returns to optimum working levels within a second of the hand-piece being removed from the stand, so no working time is lost.
Two accessories clearly identify Pb-free equipment: first, a green cradle that can be inserted into the Auto Sleep Stand; and second, green Pb-free identification rings that can be slipped onto soldering tips and cartridges.
OK International, okinternational.com
Compact, modular mySelective 6745 is an in-line capable selective soldering machine that is quick to set up and suited to a high mix environment. Ideal for medium volume assembly, makes setup fast and simple using ‘Easyteach.’ A simple graphic image of the assembly – a JPEG or flat scan – helps set up the soldering sequence for any assembly in a matter of minutes.
Incorporates a flexible robot arm that is controllable and allows soldering under an angle over its SelectWave, for better soldering in difficult-to-reach areas. Is highly controllable, providing flexibility and the capability to swap process steps.
Features a specialized lifting unit and SecureGrip PCB Gripper system. Gripper can be extended with specific functions, including warpage prevention; holding functions for non-planar PCBs; or holding critical components in position. Provides free movement to revolve around its U-axis, easy swap-out through quick- disconnects and is fully adjustable in length and width.
Eliminates the need for custom pallets; reduces waste and dross problems. <F"65 Helvetica Medium">
Vitronics Soltec, vitronics-soltec.com
Also features precision flexible robotics, and optimized product handling. Compact footprint optimizes factory floor space. Additional preheat modules and fluxing units can be added on as volumes increase or process requirements change. Incorporates an IR preheating module, dropjet fluxer and SelectWave nozzle.
Incorporates a flexible robot arm that is controllable and allows soldering under an angle over its SelectWave, for better soldering in difficult-to-reach areas. Is highly controllable, providing flexibility and the capability to swap process steps.
Features a specialized lifting unit and SecureGrip PCB Gripper system. Gripper can be extended with specific functions, including warpage prevention; holding functions for non-planar PCBs; or holding critical components in position. Provides free movement to revolve around its U-axis, easy swap-out through quick- disconnects and is fully adjustable in length and width.
Eliminates the need for custom pallets; reduces waste and dross problems. <F"65 Helvetica Medium">
Vitronics Soltec, vitronics-soltec.com
A wide range of compact four-, five- and six-axis robots handle payloads up to 20 kg, with reaches from 350 to 1,300 mm. Repeatability is within ±0.015 mm. Standard, cleanroom and dust- and mistproof (IP65) models are available. Easy-to-use programming software, controllers and teaching pendants are also offered.
DENSO Robotics
AT Expo, booth 311
DENSO Robotics
AT Expo, booth 311
Specialty Coating Systems (SCS) has confirmed that their equipment lines meet the requirements of the EU’s Restriction on the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances directive 2002/95/EC, which goes into effect tomorrow.
SCS designs and manufactures the following:
Conformal coating spray and dispense systems
Spin and dip coating systems
UV and thermal cure ovens
Ionic contamination test systems
Parylene deposition systems
The RoHS directive stipulates that all new electronics products and equipment sold in Europe after July 1 must be free of certain hazardous materials, including lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium. Other countries, including China and Japan, and individual states within the U.S. are also developing similar directives.
Specialty Coating Systems, .scscoatings.com
SCS designs and manufactures the following:
Conformal coating spray and dispense systems
Spin and dip coating systems
UV and thermal cure ovens
Ionic contamination test systems
Parylene deposition systems
The RoHS directive stipulates that all new electronics products and equipment sold in Europe after July 1 must be free of certain hazardous materials, including lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium. Other countries, including China and Japan, and individual states within the U.S. are also developing similar directives.
Specialty Coating Systems, .scscoatings.com
STATSHIELD Metal-In green ESD shielding bags provide easy identification of Pb-free assemblies and components in the manufacturing process. Are appropriate ESD packaging for lead-free products.
Have integral antistatic, low-tribocharging properties and are printed with ESD protective symbol, RoHS compliant Pb-free symbol, manufacturer name and date/lot code for traceability. Meet ANSI/ESD S20.20 and MIL-PRF-81705D Type III.
Bag film thickness is 3.1mil. The buried metal layer is not susceptible to scratching. 40% light transmission allows identification of bag contents. 3/8” wide seals offer interior sealing layer. Polycarbonate compatible. Contains no amines or N-octanic acid. 12 stock bag sizes are available from 4x6” to 18x24”. Custom sizes and custom printing are available.
Protektive Pak, protektivepak.com
Have integral antistatic, low-tribocharging properties and are printed with ESD protective symbol, RoHS compliant Pb-free symbol, manufacturer name and date/lot code for traceability. Meet ANSI/ESD S20.20 and MIL-PRF-81705D Type III.
Bag film thickness is 3.1mil. The buried metal layer is not susceptible to scratching. 40% light transmission allows identification of bag contents. 3/8” wide seals offer interior sealing layer. Polycarbonate compatible. Contains no amines or N-octanic acid. 12 stock bag sizes are available from 4x6” to 18x24”. Custom sizes and custom printing are available.
Protektive Pak, protektivepak.com
NEA announces solid titanium retrofit kits for a variety of wave solder systems. The titanium upgrades help in Pb-free environments, as titanium withstands the corrosive effects of high tin content in Pb-free solder. Available for a variety of wave solder system components, including nozzles, chimneys, impellers, shafts and solder pots.
According to the company, solid titanium components have proven to be superior to coated components. Because coatings can be removed or scratched, components run the risk of being exposed to corrosive Pb-free solder, thereby reducing their productive life. Solid titanium components are reportedly less expensive than upgrades offered by OEMs.
Can be retrofit in the field, turn around of 10 days on standard size nozzles.
According to the company, solid titanium components have proven to be superior to coated components. Because coatings can be removed or scratched, components run the risk of being exposed to corrosive Pb-free solder, thereby reducing their productive life. Solid titanium components are reportedly less expensive than upgrades offered by OEMs.
Can be retrofit in the field, turn around of 10 days on standard size nozzles.
NEA, www.neainc.com
