Tackling High Mass Soldering Applications

In today’s electronic rework and repair field, the operator is faced with a myriad of challenges from the use of lead-free alloys to emerging package styles and sizes to PCB layouts that are highly densely populated. The use of ceramic materials in component construction, metal heat-sinks directly attached to the component bodies as well as multi-layered PCB substrates, ground planes, and large terminals are commonplace throughout the industry. What was once a simple and straightforward component removal and replacement can now present an operator with a seemingly insurmountable task and one that can quickly result in irreversible damage to the component and PCB.

When faced with high mass rework applications, the operator must have the correct tools and technical know-how to perform the job safely and effectively. This includes a high-wattage soldering iron with applicable tips, an efficient pre-heat system, a board holder to support and maintain PCB planarity and technical training to understand lead-free alloys and the effect of elevated working temperatures to the component and board substrate.

PACE, Inc. has long been the industry leader in providing rework and repair solutions and technical training to the electronics market throughout the world. As packaging styles and PCB construction has evolved so too has the PACE line of rework and repair handpieces and tips as well as support products and training.

To address the high-mass soldering challenge, PACE, Inc. offers a line of products that are specifically designed to pre-heat PCB’s and components, provide fast and efficient heat transfer and to protect the overall integrity of multilayered substrates.

The WJS 100 Soldering System is the newest soldering system from PACE. It provides all the advanced process control technology known in previous PACE soldering systems but delivers nearly twice the maximum power output, a full 120 watts, to make easy work of the most challenging high thermal mass or high volume soldering applications. Coupled with a special range of gold-plated tip heater cartridges that are uniquely engineered to deliver maximum heat through-put to the work, the WJS 100 will not only increase productivity but allow the operator to work at safe, lower temperatures regardless of solder alloy.

The ST 400 Pre-Heater is an analog (dial), closed loop temperature controlled pre-heater that delivers 400 watts of radiant (medium/long range IR) heat to the PCB assembly. The use of IR auxiliary heating, or pre-heat, penetrates high mass and multilayered substrates and is ideal for controlled heating of PCB’s which minimizes the risk of damaging warp and twist of the assembly. This will in turn allow for the use of lower soldering iron temperatures as well as reduced cycle times.

The ST 525 PCB Holder is a spring loaded board holder that will accommodate PCB’s up to 12” x 12”. Equipped with two different leg lengths, the ST 525 can be used as a stand-alone accessory on the bench top or in conjunction with the ST 400 pre-heater. The use of the ST 525 board holder will stabilize the PCB allowing the operator to use both hands for rework and repair operations as well as reduce warp and twist the PCB.

Used in concert with one another, this package of power supplies, pre-heaters and board holders will reduce operating temperatures and dwell times, virtually eliminate damaging warp and twist to the PCB, increase overall throughput and reduce operator fatigue.

Provided courtesy of Pace, Inc.