In my last blog post I introduced the New Generation of Soldering – Robotic Soldering. In this post I will be addressing the most and least appropriate situations in which to use robotic soldering, in comparison to other soldering techniques. But, first we need to understand the initial motivations for robotic soldering.
The main drivers of robotic soldering:
- Reduced rework derived from greater solder joint consistency
- Decreased dependence and control of people
- Increased output, lower costs
- Increased profitability
- Increased precision and accuracy
When are situations in which to utilize robotic soldering, versus human soldering or mass (paste) soldering, optimal?
- Adding temperature-sensitive components to your boards
- Adding large components that would normally affect the reflow profile to the board
- Soldering in areas where defects are common with the typical mass or human soldering
When would not be the best situations to use robotic soldering over mass (paste) soldering or human soldering?
- When an intelligent decision needs to be made by a human
- When human flexibility is required
- When mass soldering techniques are quicker and less expensive than soldering each joint individually
Until next time,
Kim