SMD Rework Equipment

[[email protected]]

I am looking to acquire SMD rework equipment. I have BGA and QFN with soldered exposed pads I need to be able to safely replace. The most immediate need is to replace this QFN like package:
http://www.analog.com/static/imported-files/packages/414143737956480539664569CP_32_2.pdf

I am currently considering these SMD rework systems:

Zephyrtronics ZT-7-MIL:
http://www.zeph.com/systems.htm

Metcalf APR-5000-DZ-ML
http://www.okinternational.com/Conv...ML_Advanced_Package_Rework_System_208-240_VAC

I would like to hear of any experience with these or any other.

Zephyrtronics has video that attempts to show the use of thermocouples is cumbersome, unreliable, and time consuming:
http://www.zeph.com/videodemonstrationspreheatingmethodshowto.htm
I would like to hear comments on how accurate that representation is.

 

[Martin Riddle]

I understand zip about this type of soldering but this looks like
4k for a glorified hairdryer to me.

I've used this system, It wasnt very good. The hot air pencils tend to
blow the smd devices off the board.
The Metcal or other rework system would easily trump it. that includes
a hair dryer.

Cheers

 

[Rich Webb]

I am looking to acquire SMD rework equipment. I have BGA and QFN with soldered exposed pads I need to be able to safely replace. The most immediate need is to replace this QFN like package:
http://www.analog.com/static/imported-files/packages/414143737956480539664569CP_32_2.pdf

I am currently considering these SMD rework systems:

Zephyrtronics ZT-7-MIL:
http://www.zeph.com/systems.htm

Metcalf APR-5000-DZ-ML
http://www.okinternational.com/Conv...ML_Advanced_Package_Rework_System_208-240_VAC

I would like to hear of any experience with these or any other.

Zephyrtronics has video that attempts to show the use of thermocouples is cumbersome, unreliable, and time consuming:
http://www.zeph.com/videodemonstrationspreheatingmethodshowto.htm
I would like to hear comments on how accurate that representation is.

I don't do BGA but I would recommend adding Howard Electronics
<http://www.howardelectronics.com/> to the comparison shopping list.
I've purchased several items with them w/o any problems. They do have
some videos linked from their main page, including one addressing BGA
rework that's seriously cool. Wish I had a reason to get one... ;-)

 

[Bill Sloman]

I understand zip about this type of soldering but this looks like
4k for a glorified hairdryer to me.

It looks like the Groatmoor system that we used in the UK back around
1990. It was a glorified hair-dryer, albeit blowing on the board from
both sides, and it worked fine. Bulky, but we were working on big
boards - triple extended Eurocards - and needed the space around the
heated region to accommodate the rest of the board.

 

[[email protected]]

We just got a Weller WHA900 hot air system, it was about US $400.
I have only used it a few times, and all on leaded parts, but it seems
to work well.  it has temperature-controlled air and air volume, and
doesn't blow a jet blast of air, it is pretty gentle.  You can get
a fairly wide variety of nozzles for different shape/size packages.
They recommend an additional bottome-side pre-heater, which we didn't
get as out boards have as many parts on the bottom as the top.

Jon

Do-it-yourselfers use ordinary electric cooking pans for the pre-
heater, set low. $20-$30 at Target, and they work fine.[*]
Pre-heating the board even a little makes a big difference.

[*] It's best to add a heat-spreader if you're going to use it for
reflow though--the heat's not that even.

 

[[email protected]]

Martin Riddle wrote:

On Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:23:58 -0800, Paul Colby






We just got a Weller WHA900 hot air system, it was about US $400.

I have only used it a few times, and all on leaded parts, but it seems

to work well.  it has temperature-controlled air and air volume, and

doesn't blow a jet blast of air, it is pretty gentle.  You can get

a fairly wide variety of nozzles for different shape/size packages.

They recommend an additional bottome-side pre-heater, which we didn't

get as out boards have as many parts on the bottom as the top.

Jon

Do-it-yourselfers use ordinary electric cooking pans for the pre-

heater, set low. $20-$30 at Target, and they work fine.[*]

Pre-heating the board even a little makes a big difference.



[*] It's best to add a heat-spreader if you're going to use it for

reflow though--the heat's not that even.



--

Cheers,

James Arthur

Is this heat spreader common kitchenware designed for use with a cooking pan?