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Managing Thermocouple wires during reflow profiling

Managing Thermocouple wires during reflow profiling

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We utilize the built in profiling equipment in our reflow ov... - Jan 08, 2016 by ProcEng1

I believe it's time to upgrade. We use Data Paq. Had it for... - Jan 13, 2016 by tombstonesmt

I'm asking about how to manage the long wires. I don't unde... - Jan 13, 2016 by ProcEng1

His suggestion is that you come into the 21st century and bu... - Jan 14, 2016 by Sr. Tech

I've used a data logger that I borrowed to do some testing. ... - Jan 14, 2016 by ProcEng1

We rarely do profiling so we don't need all the new fancy st... - Jan 15, 2016 by llllGodly

We are using KIC (kicthermal.com) in reflow profiling. It us... - Jan 17, 2016 by carlo

ProcEng1

#75177

Managing Thermocouple wires during reflow profiling | 8 January, 2016

We utilize the built in profiling equipment in our reflow ovens. It's somewhat tedious to have the operator stand there and feed the TC wires in as the board progresses through the oven. Otherwise the wires sometimes hang up and the board stops moving through, like it's tethered.

Also, when profiling to use the edge hold chains, it puts the wires close to the edge of the mesh belt and the wires sometimes get caught.

Does anyone utilize some kind of feeding mechanism for the wires? I'm picturing a fishing reel type device that would slowly feed the wire or allow it to be unspooled.

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tombstonesmt

#75215

Managing Thermocouple wires during reflow profiling | 13 January, 2016

I believe it's time to upgrade. We use Data Paq. Had it for YEARS! Easy to setup; has all the features you need without all the bells and whistles of Kic.

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ProcEng1

#75216

Managing Thermocouple wires during reflow profiling | 13 January, 2016

I'm asking about how to manage the long wires. I don't understand how your suggestion applies.

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Sr. Tech

#75227

Managing Thermocouple wires during reflow profiling | 14 January, 2016

His suggestion is that you come into the 21st century and buy a data logger rather than feeding wires through the entire reflow oven. That is old school and it is very cumbersome as you undoubtedly know.

If you are in a position where a logger is not an option then wrap the wires with Kapton tape every 6" or so to keep them gathered up.

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ProcEng1

#75228

Managing Thermocouple wires during reflow profiling | 14 January, 2016

I've used a data logger that I borrowed to do some testing. It was ok, but I found it cumbersome to blindly wait and then have to download the run each time, vs being able to watch it live.

Also, we had a few instances when the unit timed out or didn't record anything, but you don't know that until it's done and downloaded.

I prefer to see what's happening. I can't just push a button and wait for it to be done. I need to SEE it happen. I'm a little crazy like that.

I'll try the Kapton. Though the issue seems to be that the board doesn't "pull" the wires reliably, so we have to hand feed them to be sure the board isn't being held back. I was actually thinking I'd attach a clip to the wires and attach them right to the mesh belt so it pulls through.

Thanks again.

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llllGodly

#75239

Managing Thermocouple wires during reflow profiling | 15 January, 2016

We rarely do profiling so we don't need all the new fancy stuff. But when we do I get a piece of aluminum rod and an empty reel of parts (preferably a 12" reel) fasten the thermocouples and wrap the loose end around the reel. The larger reel gives enough tension to keep the wires from getting too tangled, it'll slowly pull off the spool just like you mentioned. But I do sit there and use my hand/finger to adjust tension as needed, but I'm sure you could find a way to not have to physically hold the whole setup manually.

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carlo

#75241

Managing Thermocouple wires during reflow profiling | 17 January, 2016

We are using KIC (kicthermal.com) in reflow profiling. It uses thermocouple wires about 0.5 meter only each point. Previously, Winkic the machine built in software which requires about 5 meters wire. No need for the operator to stand there and feed the TC wires.

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