Product category:
Electronics Manufacturing Materials and Consumables
News Release from: Tecan | Subject: Pin-in-hole reflow
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 18 March 2002
Reflector shield saves sensitive
components
A new thin-metal reflector shield protects sensitive components during pin-in-hole reflow, the technique of soldering both SMD and traditional leaded components in a single operation.
Pin-in-hole reflow (PIHR), the technique of soldering both SMD and traditional leaded components in a single operation, has been confirmed as eminently feasible with the introduction of thin-metal reflector shields, which simply drop over temperature-sensitive components to protect them from thermal damage Pioneered by Weymouth based Tecan, the reflow reflector shield is custom built to fit over leaded components, such as connectors, crystal oscillators and switches, during the reflow process
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 1 Nov 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Multilevel solder stencils aid pin-in-hole reflow
As the PCB manufacturing industry increasingly adopts the beneficial concept of pin-in-hole reflow, Tecan continues to boost its share of this developing new market.
Can-on-board solder migration problems solved
Tecan Components has solved a range of problems associated with automated soldering of RFI screening cans/fences onto PCBs with the introduction of the 'Plimsoll line and lattice bridging stencils'.
Typically, these components are those which were not originally designed to cope with reflow oven temperatures.
Until now, they have presented problems for PCB producers because they have to be hand, or wave-soldered as a second operation, following the re-flow of SMD components.
The reflow reflector shield completely negates the need for two operations.
Further reading
Labyrinth RFI screening can brings RFI benefits
A labyrinth RFI screening can is an effective one-part board-level alternative for PCB designs which would otherwise require solid metal enclosures or multiple screening cans.
Mini rework stencils save time and money
Mini stencils from Tecan Stencils ensure accurate repeatable paste deposits are produced when replacing components such as QFPs, PLCCs and BGAs during PCB rework operations.
In the reflow oven the shield reflects heat energy, thereby preventing damage to the component body, while simultaneously allowing conducted heat from the bottom of the PCB to reflow the solder paste effectively, ensuring a good joint every time.
The shields can allow a fully populated mixed-component PCB to be reflowed in a single operation, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming secondary soldering of any kind.
The adoption of the shield saves time, improves quality, increases efficiency and boosts yields.
"The reflow reflector shield effectively ensures the feasibility of the pin-in-hole re-flow process", said Tecan divisional manager, Tony Weldon.
"With the advent of the shield, PCB producers have a real alternative to a two-process operation.
Manufacturers can now adopt an alternative technique with predictable success.
We have already produced shields for particularly challenging individual needs, such as precision crystal oscillators and electrolytic capacitors, even PCMIA headers with the combination of very-high pin counts, multirow format and close pitch.
All of which can now be processed in a single reflow operation with accurately defined paste volumes for optimum results, overall savings can be tremendous".
In addition to ensuring thermal protection, at present-day PIHR temperatures, typically 200 to 230C, the shields are also capable of efficient operation at even higher temperature, for example those required for lead-free reflow.
A typical reflow shield will reduce the temperature affecting the component it protects by 20 to 40C, depending on its design.
Holes in the sides and base of the shields optimise heat flow characteristics allowing fumes and contaminants to escape while thermal protection is maintained.
The shield can be hand located, or machine pick and placed.
The company offers a total PIHR service which incorporates all the aspects necessary to produce optimum results, from reflector shields to stencil design and provision.
• Tecan: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Electronicstalk email newsletter
• Electronicstalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
