Jan 26, 2009 Q. Juki introduced its 350E Selective Soldering Systems to the electronics industry within the past two years. What do the systems bring to the market?
A. The 350E DN (Dual Nozzle) is the only system available in its price range and size that can offer dual nozzle capability. The advantage of dual nozzles is the ability to solder within 1 mm away from SMD components and large connectors at the same time without changeover. The programming remains exactly the same as machines past and is generally referred to as �the easiest machine to program on the factory floor.�
Q. JUKI offers high-speed stamp soldering systems (MLS2040, EMLS2030, and LLD) for customers in need of very high-volume soldering. What is the advantage of this process over other high-speed soldering systems?
A. Typically, these types of machines will be at manufacturing sites such as Bosch, Continental, TRW, and many other high-volume companies. They are very fast (typically around 25 seconds), and very repeatable and reliable. The advantage of this process is a direct result of the patented volumetrically controlled solder stamps. This process generally will result in DPMO's at around 50-100 compared to other processes, which can range around 1,000 and sometimes as high as 10,000. It has been noted at several customers that there can be periods of up to two weeks without a single defect. This stamp soldering process completely eliminates any problem of board warpage caused by double-sided reflow. Another advantage of stamp soldering compared to multi-flow (nozzle) soldering is the small amount of dross. Multi-flow soldering systems run continuously, which result in a large amount for dross. With the volumetric stamps, there are no pumps, which result in very little dross (usually 10-20 lbs/week).
Q. How does Juki's selective soldering system � Model 350 �provide superior value?
A. The main purpose of a selective soldering system is to have consistent, reliable, solder joints using an automated process. The 350 provides superior value in many ways. As previously mentioned, it is the only system to offer a dual nozzle in the price range and machine size. Additionally, the 350 provides superior Nitrogen heating at the nozzle. It can be controlled up to 220�C. This becomes extremely important when soldering with lead-free and/or very thermally challenged boards. When necessary, there is also a very powerful topside heater available that provides constant heat on the topside of the board during the entire soldering process. The programming software is, by far, the most user friendly and intuitive software available on any selective soldering system available. Finally, the 350 comes with many standard features that are options on many other systems: lead-free ready, offline software, automatic solder feeder, laser for ensuring solder flow, fluxing system (including fluxer and pressurized pot) and more. Many of these are sold as options on other systems. Juki has decided to have a �one line� item that customers can order, and have a machine delivered that is 100 percen ready for production.
