Selective Soldering Recommended Process Parameters

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Solder Temperature

• Measure and verify regularly that the set solder temperature is stable.
  Recommended:  Check every 2 weeks.

Preheater

• Measure and verify regularly that the set temperature profile on the top and bottom of the PCB is stable.
  Recommended:  Check every week or every time you change a product over.

Flux

• Check the flux quality.  Since only a small amount of flux is used for selective soldering, make sure the flux has not expired.
• Make sure maintenance is done on the Spray Fluxer.
• Make sure the Fluxer is spraying correctly.
  Recommended:  Should be checked every shift.

Nozzle

• Monitor wave height
  Recommended:  Clean wettable nozzle 2 to 3 times per shift.

Position of the Board

• Make sure the PCB orientation is always the same when loading the machine.

Board Warping

• A heavily warped board cannot be controlled by the selective soldering machine.,
  
• Make sure the board is as even as possible.
• If necessary, use special solder fixtures.

Lead Length of Components

• Sometimes the leads to be soldered are cut in different working/assembly steps.  Since the lead length in selective soldering is very important, make sure that the leads are all the same length.
  Recommended:  Ideally all the leads should be identical in length and less than 1.5mm.

N2 Quality

• Always check the purity fo the N2.
  Recommended:  N2 quality should be 5.1 (=99.999% N2)