السبت، 4 يناير 2014

A Reflow Soldering Oven: How Does It Work?

مرسلة بواسطة Unknown في 4:03 ص
By Harriett Crosby


Assembling electronic components on to printed circuit board (PCB) traditionally depends on soldering them on to that motherboard. In a well functioning reflow soldering oven, the best possible results are usually achieved. The technique is one of the most modern the widely used for this kind of attachments although just like other forms of technologies, it is too undergoing revolution.

One or more ceramic infrared heaters can be used for heating the oven. The heat is then directed through the radiation process to the assembly compartments although infrared ovens use fans to direct heat to the assembly. The target is usually to expose PCB to the optimum heat conditions enough to melt the solder into the correct positions without damaging the PCB or devices on it.

The process starts with loose attachments of the components to the desired positions on the PCB using sticky solder powder and flux mixture. This is then directed to first of the four phases through which the process undergoes. The first of this is the preheat zone which involves determination of temperature/time relationship (ramp rate). This significance of this comes in other stages as the maximum temperature and time exposure should be maintained to avoid destroying the PCB and the components on it.

The second phase is the thermal soak zone where the solder paste volatiles are removed. It also involves flux activation(removal of oxide from leads and pads) and the temperatures can range anywhere between 60 to 120 depending on the tolerance levels of mounting board and the components on it.

Maximum temperatures are reached at the reflow zone (the third stage). At this stage, the surface tension of the flux gets reduced at the metal juncture resulting to metallurgical bonding-all the solder powder combines. In considering the maximum tolerable temperature, the components with the lowest thermal damage is very significant as the maximum operating temperature is set slightly below this level. It is at this phase that full control of the temperatures and exposure time must be done for obvious reasons of avoiding device destruction.

The last phase for the PCB is the cooling zone where the board and its components cool and the soldier solidifies. The temperature control is also significant here to avoid thermal shock excess intermetallic formation. The primary goal here is to achieve a mechanically sound and fine grain structure.

With the modern sophisticated ovens, the most up to date technologies are employed to give the best possible yields. These are operated by modern setup processes that identify the best possible combination of zonal temperatures and conveyor speed. Among other things, the production time has been significantly minimized greatly increasing efficiency.

The high rate of the change in business environment reflected by changing consumer needs, shifting technology, market changes and increasing competition all calls for drastic measures such as investing in highly efficient and optimally performing devices such as a reflow soldering oven which should drive production levels and increase profitability for the survival of the business.




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