3 Zone Lead Free Ovens?

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Hi, I don't know if I'm being naive, but I'm seeing a num... - Apr 05, 2005 by Rob

These sound like european machines, From what I can tell so... - Apr 05, 2005 by RDR

Hi Russ, Thanks for that. The oven was being recommended... - Apr 06, 2005 by Rob

Rob

#33549

3 Zone Lead Free Ovens? | 5 April, 2005

Hi,

I don't know if I'm being naive, but I'm seeing a number of 3 zone (+1 cooling) ovens on the market that claim to be for Lead Free soldering. Trying to follow component & solder manufacturers ideal profile can be tricky with 7 zones at times so I can't see how it could be achieved effectively in 3 zones.

Anyone got any ideas/experiences running leadfree on such equipment?

Cheers,

Rob.

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RDR

#33553

3 Zone Lead Free Ovens? | 5 April, 2005

These sound like european machines, From what I can tell so far Lead Free capable ovens just mean that they have hotter heating elements, and blower fans that can take the additional heat supposedly. It does not appear to have anything to do with the actual performance of the oven. I have a three zone oven that I used for leadfree in the beginning and it can be done but it is very difficult and I would bet that there are assemblies out there that would not have made it through this oven. We were fortunate and only had to perform this on a single sided .038" thick PCBA with no real thermal challenges. We have sinced purchased 5 zone ovens and are having great success so far with many diiferent assemblies. I have found that a great 5 zone oven works as well as a good 7 zone.

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Rob

#33575

3 Zone Lead Free Ovens? | 6 April, 2005

Hi Russ,

Thanks for that. The oven was being recommended to a customer of ours who is a subby, so will have to handle many different types of boards & components. I was thinking this wasn't too great an idea but thought I'd go for a second opinion before we said anything.

Cheers,

Rob.

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