Equipment Advances

EVS 3000 and 6000 systems for processing solder dross are enclosed and automated. Hot dross is loaded into the large hopper and sealed into the machine. The process, once started by the operator, recovers the solder into a solder tray in the form of ingots that are placed back into the solder pot. It deposits the spent dross automatically through a chute to a covered dross bin. Air is extracted via a standalone four-part filtration system, which ensures that emitted air is usually cleaner than the surrounding workplace. A hopper extraction system prevents the escape of any fumes and dust that may be generated when loading. An automatic air-knife cools the molten solder ingots until safe to handle. A safety lock prevents premature removal of the ingot tray.

Handling and moving of dross is reduced to a minimum because it is contained within the system until it is automatically ejected into the dross bucket. Built-in safety features protect against misuse and abuse. A variety of switches and sensors are deployed and electrical and electronic circuitry is fuse-protected. Maintenance is assisted by prompts from the LCD readout and facilitated by easy access to all working parts of the machine. Routine cleaning can be carried out from a standing position.

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The system is designed for one-person operation on the shop floor. There are no complex installation procedures; just plug it into a single-phase supply and a six bar airline and it is ready to go. Once the system has reached operating temperature, hot dross can be loaded and the hopper door shut. After the start button has been pushed, no further operator intervention is required until the solder ingots are removed. The cycle takes six minutes plus cooling time.

EVS 3000 has a 20 lb. capacity and the EVS 6000 handles up to 44 lbs., permitting in most cases a single operation de-drossing of even large wave soldering machines. Its large integrated hopper makes rapid transfer of dross both simpler and safer and speeds de-drossing time up by a reported 50%.

The system is managed by an advanced microprocessor controller integrated into the cover structure. Its clearly labeled fascia includes function buttons, an LCD display and LED indicator lights. The LCD and LEDs indicate operational data such as temperature of chamber (before start), ready light on, cycle time elapsed (after start), position of piston and door, and total cycles completed.

Built-in safety devices stop the machine if the cover is lifted or the solder tray is not in position during operation. An emergency stop button is fitted.

Recovered solder is dispensed to a solder ingot tray and can either be stored or reintroduced to the process. Spent dross is dispatched through an enclosed chute to a dross bucket, which can easily be removed when full.

Fumes are automatically extracted via a high-efficiency, standalone filter that consists of a multi-part filtration system: pre-filter, filtreat (reuseable bag filter) and activated carbon filter. Alternatively, the machine can be plumbed into an existing factory air filtration system.

The advanced controls enable the user to perform system diagnostics via its LCD readout and system of LEDs, without external equipment. Routine maintenance is indicated by messages showing "Interim Service" and "Full Service." Operating faults are indicated by a short description on the LCD readout. An auto/manual key switch enables the machine to be put into "manual" mode for maintenance purposes. Additionally, an operating and maintenance manual is supplied with the machine, and training and support is provided by the manufacturer or local distributor.

The system comes with a warranty of one year or 2,000 cycles.

The system is available from EVS International, solderrecovery.com.

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