REG: BGA REWORK STATION ( BEST EQUIPMENT)

I can tell you who to approach with caution. Watch out for ERSA. The equipment works well but the support (spare parts/cost) after the sale stinks.

The guy that did the install did not want to stay more than 5 min.

Just my 2 cents. Support means a lot.

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My four favorite machines in order:

1) Metcal 3591 2) PDR IR-3200 3) PMT B-series 4) Air-Vac DRS 22c

We have and use all of these.

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Search the fine SMTnet Archives, while you're waiting for others to reply. For instance: http://www.smtnet.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=35804

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I would have to disagree with CECIL. ERSA has a great BGA Rework system and a good service team. There are over 5000 ERSA BGA Rework systems out there world wide and there are more happy customers than unhappy. Give ERSA a chance to prove their value.

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RA, First, define "medium scale budget". Aside from that, I have used many systems, listed in my order of preference: 1. SRT1100 - superior board support - very reliable 2. ERSA IR550A - unique flexability due to infrared heaters 3. Metcal APR5000 - like the machine, but not board support They all do the same job, with very different controls and effectiveness. In my opinion, there is no "one size fits all" solution. You really need to match the machine with the task. It depends on your specific requirements: 1. What size and shape are the boards you will be reworking? 2. How many layers are the boards you will be reworking? 3. Are the gound planes laid out uniformly and symetrical? 4. How many boards will you need to rework a week / month? And dont forget to ask yourself, "Do I need new equipment or would a used / refirbished machine do?" The things that make the biggest difference are: 1. Board support - ability to support boards without warping 2. Profile Control - Personal preference here is HUGE! 3. How does the machine "feel" to you, are you comfortable operating it? Again, personal preference is HUGE! 4. Convection heat, Infrared heat or combination of the two I prefer the SRT, especially for large to medium boards. I prefer the ERSA for small oddly shaped boards and because it is infrared, you can do some interesting things to reflow only the target device and not the surrounding devices - but it is not good for metal capped devices. The Metcal is a no nonsense machine that is great for small or oddly shaped boards, but I didn't like it for largeer boards. Basically, I think that you should set up some demos (where possible) and see for yourself first hand what will work best for your application - don't jump in without doing some research and you will be much happier in the long run. JJ

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