Wave Soldering under Nitrogen  [ Return towards  Applications  ]

On The Forefront, Circuits Assembly Magazine, August 2000

The use of nitrogen for inert soldering in the assembly of PCBs continues to increase worldwide in both wave and reflow soldering operations. More and more, assemblers are recognizing the value of inert soldering in improving joint quality and yield while reducing sensitivity to process variables and fluctuations ('process window widening').

Although often perceived as a cost, nitrogen soldering generally proves to be cost-effective because of increased yield and quality improvements. In fact, nitrogen generally brings savings to the process by diminishing materials usage and labor costs especially in the wave soldering process where dross and its negative effects are dramatically reduced. Calculating the cost (savings) of using nitrogen goes obviously beyond the cost of gas.

In wave soldering, nitrogen eliminates oxidation and increases the surface tension on the solder material. Introducing a non-oxidizing atmosphere leads naturally to benefits that make this an extremely cost-effective process.

Dross under Air	Dross under N2

• Benefits Of Nitrogen / Inert Wave Soldering

Dross Reduction
Reduced Solder Pot Maintenance - Higher Uptime
Reduced Flux Consumption (Spray Fluxer, Up To 60%)
Flexibility – Wider 'Process Window'
Use Of Low Solids
Reduce Or Eliminated Cleaning
Reduced Dross-Related Defects
Reduced Defects / Increased Yield
Increased Joint Reliability
ISO 14,000 Compliance

 

Is your equipment nitrogen-capable? Retrofit your existing wave soldering machines to N2 is possible.
Please see The IN2ERTWAVE™ System.