All soldering processes have one thing in common: they are able to securely attach components to special substrates. However, for greater process accuracy, higher quality solder joints, uniformly repeatable heating and lower reflow costs, vapour phase soldering (also known as condensation soldering or vapour phase reflow) offers the most flexible, simple and reliable reflow soldering process.
These vapour phase soldering technology is ideally suited for all types of SMT components and carrier materials. It enables the processing of the complete component spectrum without complex installation and without temperature profiling and is therefore ideal for modern electronics production.
Basic configuration
Zur Wärmeübertragung in der Dampfphase wird eine chemisch inerte und elektrisch nicht leitende Flüssigkeit eingesetzt, typischerweise Galden, ein Medium, das sich durch hohe thermische Stabilität auszeichnet. Diese unschädliche und sehr stabile Flüssigkeit, die sich nicht mit anderen Stoffen verbindet, hat je nach Anwendungsfall einen Siedepunkt von 165°C bis 260°C. Andere Temperaturen sind je nach eingesetzter Galden-basierter Dampfphasenofen-Konfiguration ebenfalls verfügbar.
The process
When the liquid boils, a blanket of saturated vapour forms above it, creating an optimum inert gas atmosphere that prevents oxidation in the liquid. Vapour phase soldering process is excluded. This takes place according to the condensation principle. When the assembly is immersed in the vapour zone, the vapour condenses on the soldering material and transfers its thermal energy.
Regardless of how long the soldering material remains in the vapour phase, its temperature can never be higher than that of the vapour. Physical laws determine these framework conditions and make the process particularly gentle on sensitive assemblies.
The result
The vapour phase soldering process is reproducible and offers ideal conditions for reliable and repeatable process monitoring. Modern, high-quality vapour phase soldering systems from IBL enable consistent results and the highest soldering quality, from flexprint to multilayer, without overheating.
