Product category:
PCB Assembly Equipment and Tools
News Release from: Parker Domnick Hunter | Subject: Maxigas
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 05 June 2006
Nitrogen generators boost lead-free
reliability
Soldering in nitrogen greatly improves joint quality when using lead-free solder by removing the possibility of oxidisation which can weaken joints and result in unreliable connections.
From 1st July 2006 the RoHS Directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment will come into force The new directive affects only products manufactured or sold in Europe, but it has global consequences because it affects manufacturers wishing to sell products in Europe
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 31 Oct 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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The liquidus temperature of this new alloy is higher than lead based materials (in the region of 220C), which can cause oxidation that weakens solder joints and results in unreliable components.
A solution is to solder in nitrogen which gives an inert atmosphere that displaces oxygen.
Soldering in nitrogen greatly improves joint quality; it also increases wetting force and speed for stronger joints that have minimal voids.
Maxigas from Domnick Hunter is a range of nitrogen generators that produce nitrogen gas from a normal compressed air supply.
Maxigas operates on the pressure swing adsorption (PSA) principle to separate larger nitrogen molecules from the air stream.
With this system nitrogen is available on-demand 24/7 without the risk of nitrogen supply failures holding up production.
Maxigas is a cost effective alternative to other gas sources with fewer ongoing costs such as refills, order processing or delivery charges.
It is also safer than storing or handling high pressure containers.
The system is completely modular, so extra banks of generators can be added as necessary.
Domnick Hunter specialises in the manufacture of compressed air treatment equipment including performance filtration that gives absolute particle retention and desiccant dryers than can reach pressure dewpoints of up to -70C.
Bill Zorlutuna, Market Sector Manager, says: "Most major electronics companies are already using nitrogen, due to the advantages offered by Maxigas we envisage substantial growth in this sector".
He adds: "Domnick Hunter's air treatment technology gives electronics manufacturers top quality clean dry nitrogen and is the most cost effective solution available".
Domnick Hunter has vast experience of supplying Maxigas to leading electronics companies around the world.
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