Media
Press Releases
Asscon Dynamic Profiling for Vapor Phase Reflow
Longmont, CO, May 1, 2013: A-Tek Systems Group is pleased to announce the release of Dynamic Profiling, engineered and developed by Asscon Systemtechnik, the innovative industry expert and leader in vapor phase reflow technology. Dynamic Profiling feature is a tool to allow for the automatic adjustment and control of reflow profiles.
Now offered on the Asscon VP1000 and VP6000 platforms, the Vapor Phase Dynamic Profiling feature will significantly simplify the set up and preparation of various temperature reflow profiles, while eliminating any possible interferences due to different loads or usage conditions. The user will merely determine the desired temperature profile and key in the values to the PLC user interface.
Regardless of step profile or linear profile, the user can create a soldering program by determining the:
- Start soak temperature in o C
- Duration ramp
- Time above liquidous
The Dynamic Profiler will automatically determine the control parameters for the profile(s), by utilizing three temperature reference measuring points embedded into the Vapor Phase System. The reference points, 1/2/3 are used for permanent control and monitoring of the profile. The controller will use the temperature behavior of the selected reference measuring points to start the appropriate control actions during profiling.
Sample Profiles
Linear - TC1 was used for process control. The measurements show excellent correlation of the control sensors to be soldered with the product.
Asscon Q300 Table Top Vapor Phase Soldering Machine
Longmont, CO, October 30, 2012: A-Tek Systems Group is very pleased to introduce the newly re-designed Q300 table top vapor phase reflow machine for release to the North American market.
The Q300 vapor phase soldering machine is compact and self contained, with the process zone, lift and work piece carrier integrated into a single support structure. Consistent with all Asscon designed vapor phase machines, the surface heater units are attached to the outside of the chamber and are insulated against external heat radiation. The small overall machine dimensions and its independence of fixed supply systems, make the Q300 portable and flexible - for use at different factory work stations without limitations. All that is required is access to 208-220V single phase power source.
The Q300 is suitable to:
- Laboratory use for qualification and test of the soldering process
- Low volume soldering of single assemblies that fit within a 300 x 300mm process window
- Quality control of solder pastes
- Utilizing the Asscon desolder tool, the Q300 can be used for safe repair and rework of assemblies
In vapor phase soldering, overheating of assemblies, damaging components or delaminating printed circuit boards is not possible. The heat transfer to the PCB is accomplished irrespective of the shape and thermal mass involved. The physically defined and unchangeable heat transfer of the condensing vapor ensures consistent repeatability and reproducibility solder reflow in an inert atmosphere, making the Q300 ideal for small run production or prototype processing.
The same beneficial characteristics for reflow are applicable to rework. Defective surface-mount components are traditionally repaired by using a non-contact IR or hot gas rework system, both of which have a number of disadvantages that are eliminated when using the Q300 with the rework tool for this time consuming process.
Traditional Rework Methods |
Vapor Phase Rework |
Central areas will be heated more than peripheral areas |
Consistent heat transfer to the PCB is accomplished irrespective of shape and mass |
Temperature control is less precise |
Temperature control is precise and dictated by the fluid temperature within the chamber |
No reflow atmosphere possible |
Inert oxygen free environment |
Custom nozzles and rework tools |
Large variety of components can be removed without extra tools. |
Addressing the solder and desolder requirements, A-Tek is bundling the Asscon Q300 with the Asscon Rework tool and 1 Kg of Galden High Temperature reflow fluid. A-Tek Systems Group are currently taking orders for immediate shipments. For more information, contact A-Tek Systems Group - sales@atekllc.com or (970) 532-5100.
A-Tek Systems Group Introduces the New Kolb C-Class Cleaners for Both Stencil and Screen Cleaning
Berthoud, CO, May 7, 2012: A-Tek Systems Group is pleased to introduce the new Kolb Cleaning Technology C-Class Cleaner Series PS300 to include 4 platforms to chose from: -VL, -VS, -HD, and -CA featuring PowerSpray® technology. The Kolb PS300 C-Class Cleaners are fully automatic, compact and cost competitive without sacrificing cleaning efficiencies and reliability. Knowing that factory floor space is premium today, the PS300 C-Class cleaners are 90 x 120 x 160 cm (without status light bar). With an uncontested price-to-performance ratio, the new PS300 is ideal for small to medium cleaning quantities.
The PS300 Series featuring PowerSpray® was developed by Kolb using high pressure, high volume pumps to spray the cleaning fluid via special jets on to the goods to be cleaned. With the PowerSpray® principle, Kolb warrants a fast and thorough cleaning process. The active and permanent wetting of the goods to be cleaned ensures that the cleaning fluid reaches its optimum effectiveness and any contamination is cleaned efficiently and thoroughly.
All Kolb PS300 C-Class cleaners operate in a closed loop system without water or water disposal connection with an intelligent two tank system utilizing TernarySequence®, a water based detergent as well as an integrated cascade sediment filtration. TS-Technology is environmentally efficient utilizing a homogenous filtration media, which first cleans the products thoroughly in a multi-sequence process, and then regenerating itself after cleaning without the requirement of an extra phase-separation.
The main features of Kolb PS300 C-Series include:
- Combination tank system with one communicating detergent
- Product handling capability of 780 x 950 mm / 31“ x 37.5“
- Ergonomic and operator comfort with single push-one-button operation
- PLC controlled process time and filter saturation
- Fully automatic closed loop system
- Short process time (contamination dependent)
- Stainless steel construction with all process sections made of electrolysis-resistant materials
- Small footprint will allow user to position the cleaner as close to the screen printer possible
- Certified to operate in solar cell production.
Kolb Cleaning Technology is headquartered in Willich, Germany and is recognized as an innovative manufacturer and a founder of aqueous cleaning systems for the electronics manufacturing industry. A-Tek Systems Group is the exclusive distribution partner for Kolb, providing both sales and support services for all Kolb products out of their offices in Berthoud, CO.
A-Tek Systems Group LLC announces the Kolb PSB500 Batch Cleaner
Berthoud, CO, June 17, 2011: A-Tek Systems Group, LLC, an electronics equipment distribution company based out of Berthoud, CO is pleased to announce the release of the Kolb Cleaning Technology GmbH PSB 500 PCB Batch Cleaner.
The Kolb PSB500 is a 4-step, closed loop, fully automatic batch cleaning system and includes both cleaning and rinsing (tap water and DI-water) for ultrafine cleaning tasks, such as PCBs, ceramic substrates, hybrids and misprints in a compact, space saving design.
The versatile and modular machine concept makes it possible to simply upgrade the machine in the field. The PSB500 has built in flexibility, making it possible for the user to invest in one machine platform while inherently acquiring the functions of two separate and critical cleaning functions within the same platform.
Configured as a PCB cleaner, the user can convert the machine with minimal effort to also clean stencil foils and mechanical parts. The unique design features will allow the operator to simply connect the necessary electrical and data connectors without any major mechanical components or structural modifications.
As an eco-friendly cleaner, the Kolb PSB500 will not negatively impact the environment. The PSB500 is energy efficient and operates under low power consumption. A fully loaded chamber is measured at 1.6kWh for a 25 minute, 40oC cleaning cycle and 25 minutes at 80oC drying process. Water is recirculated through the system to reduce the overall water consumption to less than 35 liters in total (approximately 9,2 gallons).
At Kolb Cleaning Technology, safety is a high priority. The machine plaforms are built to meet today‘s safety standards. All relevant functions of both machines and the safety of operators and maintenance personnel are guaranteed and monitored permanently.
