
As a key process in PCB manufacturing, the state of the reflow soldering equipment directly affects product quality and production efficiency. The technical team at PCBGOGO has summarized a set of practical methods to effectively extend the service life of the reflow oven chamber during their long - term service to customers, and today they would like to share these with their peers.
I. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance is the Key
The flux residues and oxides that accumulate inside the oven chamber over a long period can corrode metal components. PCBGOGO recommends conducting a comprehensive cleaning every 500 hours of production. Use a special residue - free cleaner and soft cleaning tools, and pay special attention to cleaning the guide rails, nozzles, and hot - air circulation system. The customer service center at PCBGOGO has found that customers who strictly follow the cleaning plan can extend the service life of their equipment by an average of over 30%.
II. Fine Management of the Temperature Control System
The heating elements in the reflow oven chamber are vulnerable parts. Reasonably setting the temperature curve can significantly reduce their wear and tear. Avoid frequent rapid heating and cooling, and keep the temperature difference between the pre - heating zone and the reflow zone within a reasonable range. PCBGOGO engineers especially remind that corresponding temperature curves should be set for different PCB board materials and solder paste types. Blindly using the same parameters will accelerate the aging of the oven chamber.
III. Optimal Use of the Nitrogen System
For reflow soldering equipment equipped with nitrogen protection, the purity and flow rate settings of nitrogen directly affect the internal environment of the oven chamber. It is recommended to control the oxygen content within the range of 500 - 1000 ppm. A too - high oxygen content will lead to intensified oxidation, while a too - low one will cause a waste of resources. Regularly check the integrity of the nitrogen sealing system to prevent the infiltration of external air.
IV. Maintenance Points of the Conveyor System
The flatness of the conveyor guide rails and the tension of the chains directly affect the passage of PCB boards and are also one of the main sources of wear in the oven chamber. Check the wear of the guide rails monthly and adjust or replace the worn parts in a timely manner. Keep the chains properly lubricated, but make sure that the lubricant does not contaminate the inside of the oven chamber.
V. Precautions for Daily Use
Avoid long - term no - load operation. It is recommended to turn off the main power if the equipment is shut down for more than 4 hours. Regularly check the efficiency of the cooling system to prevent local overheating. Establish an equipment operation log to record abnormal situations for timely handling. The technical service team at PCBGOGO emphasizes that preventive maintenance can extend the service life of the equipment more effectively than post - fault repair.
Through the systematic implementation of the above methods, the service life of the reflow oven chamber can be significantly extended, while maintaining stable process quality. PCBGOGO will continue to share more practical technical experiences to help electronic manufacturing enterprises improve their equipment management levels.