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