What success have point to point robotic solder systems had meeting class 3?

What success have point to point robotic solder systems had meeting class 3? I have a FET lead that is located .8 mm away from a SOT on the solder side. IPC610 class 3 is required. We have over 750 per hour totaling 2250 solder joints per hour. The clearance rules out selective solder at this time. We're considering a point to point solder machine. The rectangular leads in the round hole will have clearance variations due to the part tolerances and sourcing. We're concerned about uneven hole fill. I do not have access to all the components from the top side of the PCB. There will be fixtures maintaining perpendicularity. What success have point to point robotic solder systems had meeting this type of application?

L.D.

Expert Panel Responses

Iron tip soldering robots are great for thermally challenged solder joints since you will have the ability to program each solder point with a different profile. While the heat (temperature) will have to remain a constant, you can program the amount of time the tip pr heats each joint and on some systems you may also pre tin the tip through a sub routine before applying solder. Post reflow times are also programmed to assure proper flow around the joint. Class 3 is obtained by programming the desired amount of solder to be applied. Most systems have very good solder feeders that offer a high degree of repeatability. A variety of tips are available with some as small as 3 mm however most common is 4 & 5 mm. I also suggest that samples be sent to an OEM for soldering prior to making a decision. This would generally provide you with estimated cycle times, can the actual joint location be soldered? (or is the process restricted), and some generally soldering parameters, (heat, solder type, tip used, etc.). The main problem I see is through put. Since soldering robots are a point to point system, achieving high volume (per hour) can be a challenge. There are a few ways (product specific) to increase through put. Here are some considerations: 1) If you are running a multi up panel of smaller products, and if they can be arranged in a symmetrical matrix that would allow for dual irons to be used at the same time (basically solder two products at the same time) this will help with cycle time. 2) Multiple systems with side shuttles (two solder systems back to back). In a single line you can split the selective soldering process into 2 sub line with the shuttles. This allows for products to be separated for independent soldering and then combined again before next process delivery. Also, with selector switch capability you could turn on and off the flow to allow for servicing of one system while continuing production on the other. 3) Buy multiple machines.

Gary Goldberg
President and CEO
PROMATION, Inc.

Mr Goldberg has practical experience in production line layout, process flow and cycle rate analysis. He knows how to avoid bottle necks and most related PCB or pallet handling questions.

Looking at your question it seems to me that cycle time is more of an issue with selective solder than the .8 mm distance from the SOT. Have you looked at Stamp selective soldering? With this type of machine your cycle time is very fast and the hole fill is always even. As I see it, the only way to get your cycle time with selective wave soldering or point to point robotic systems is to buy multiple machines. On one you may have problems with the .8 mm distance to SMD and on the other you may have problems with uneven hole fill. Stamp soldering could be your solution. You will easily meet your cycle time requirements, the hole fill will be even all the time, and being .8 mm from SMD is not a problem.

Todd O'Neil
National Sales and Marketing Manager, North America
Business Development Manager, DAGE | X-Ray component counting

Mr. O'Neil has been in the electronics manufacturing industry for over 20 years.

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