Selective Soldering Equipment Selection

Two different selective soldering platforms are compared as are their different features and designs. The article includes test results from an in depth inspection of completed circuit boards. Individual machine components are reviewed for their design, capabilities and their role if producing quality solder joints.

Some of the items that are discussed are:

• Circuit board fixturing
• Fluxer design
• Solder pump design
• Nozzle design, maintenance and influence on solder joints
• Use of preheaters and their effect on quality
• The use of nitrogen and the proper maintenance of the system
• Circuit board design considerations
• Defect inspection and their causes