Oven Dilemma: New Batch Type Vs. 2nd Hand Conveyor

Try GOOGLING => electrovert bravo 4050 to find things like:

Cookson Electronics News, ISSUE #6 � SUMMER 2002, High Temperature Bravo� 4050 Reflow Oven Available: ELECTROVERT� has introduced a new high temperature reflow soldering system designed for producing lead-free circuits, hybrids, ceramics and similar processing requirements. The High Temperature BravoTM 4050 Reflow Soldering System provides a maximum temperature of 350�C, well above the 300�C to 310�C level normally required for such assemblies. �This new system has a small footprint and is intended for use as an entry-level production system, or for laboratory and R&D applications,� said Marc Apell, product marketing manager. �It provides high performance in a small package at an affordable price. The higher temperature capability is supported by a number of system enhancements to ensure long system life and efficient operation at higher processing temperatures.� According to Apell, this compact four-zone reflow system has a number of useful software features that minimize the need for operator training, such as on-screen help, system debugging utilities and maintenance instructions. The compact, high performance system is perfect for lab and light production loads, requiring less than 4' X 8' of floor space. It can be provided with a conveyor width of either 17-inches (pin-chain) or 18-inches (mesh-belt). N2 operation is also available as an option for customers who need inerting capability. More information on the new ELECTROVERT Bravo 4050 High Temperature Reflow Oven is available by calling 573-346-3341, or visiting http://www.cooksonelectronics.com

Manufacturer's Corner http://www.empf.org/html/October_2001.pdf

http://speedlinetech.com/docs/Archived-Phase-Bravo-4050.pdf

What kind of money are we talking about spending?

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I used a batch oven for a couple of years. They will do the job, just not as good as a conveyor oven. I then switched to a small conveyor oven with 3 heated zones (early Mistral 260). I liked how well it performed so much that I purchased a new one (Mistral 260) which is capable of doing Pb-free (I'll be posting the old conveyor oven for sale soon). Having worked with both batch and small conveyor ovens, I highly recommend a conveyor one (the more zones the better).

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we have a small heller 988 oven that has served us very well over the years. I see them cheap on the used market. Worth looking into in my opinion.

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Why not go for V.P.?

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I have worked with both a batch and 5 zone conveyer oven. Both ovens worked very well. The batch was used for prototypes and low volume processing. Conveyer oven was more efficient when reflowing medium to large quantities. Basically there are advantages and disadvantages in both it just depends on your needs. For us the decision of which one to use was largely dependent on quantity we had to process since quality was never an issue.

I guess like with any piece of equipment you need to consider reputable brands. There are good ovens and then there are bad ovens on both sides. I would think twice about buying equipment made in China.

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