Your Guide To Selecting An SMT Reflow Oven
Well, with reflow methods, there are several types. Liquefying solder is usually in a very controlled manner. For example, the easiest and simplest heating method is generally through conduction. This means contact with a heated surface, for example, a hot plate or so. For other heating methods, they are done inside an oven or chamber. However, they are reliant on different heating methods. One, there is convection, whereby the boards, as well as all their assembled components, are usually taken through heated and circulating air. The heat comes for a conventional electric source. The other option is Infrared, whereby there is direct IR heat where the boards are passed in the oven. There is also the Vapor phase. In this one, there is the generation of vapor mainly from heating a liquid that has a boiling point of 240 degrees Celsius. The heat then gets to the circuit board with the temperature being just above the solder’s melting point.
You have to ensure you do your research and check out various SMT reflow ovens before you get the right one. You also have to ensure you are working with reputable dealers to ensure the quality of the product that you purchase eventually. It is also critical and paramount to understand what Specifications you need for the reflow oven.
You must know what size of reflow oven you will require. It is entirely unreasonable to show up to purchase a reflow oven without even knowing what size you are looking for. With any sophisticated technology such as a reflow oven, it is vital that you are familiar with the specifications of the equipment that you need. Thus, you have to think about the purpose of the equipment as well as your needs. This way, you are able to determine the size that will work best for you.
With larger reflow ovens, they have features to handle larger board geometries as well as special capabilities including double-sized soldiering. With more zones as well, there is more ability that you can capture and handle more business and therefore stay ahead of competitors than those individuals with smaller ovens.
At the same time, you have to consider your budget. How much are you planning to spend on the equipment? Again, you do not show up to buy without even knowing the cost. It is vital that you do sufficient research when it comes to the prices of reflow ovens. Check out different companies, their prices ranges, and make comparisons. With complex processes and machinery, you have to think about the cost capabilities and effects on you. Your budget will also play a paramount and critical role in determining what size of reflow oven you purchase.
You also have to consider control methods for the reflow oven. For any reflow oven that you purchase, there is a need to temperature control measures. This is so regardless of the heating zones or size of the reflow oven. You can either select in-built control measures or go for Pc based controls.
