As the use of electronic communication devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptop computers increases, they have progressively become an everyday essential part of modern life, much the same as domestic utilities. With this, also comes the demand and expectation of both customer and industry alike, for reliability and high-quality.
At the heart of these devices lies the PCB (printed circuit board). PCB manufacturers worldwide are continually improving their process and tightening their quality control to minimise any product failures. For the production of PCB’s, the reflow soldering process is the popular choice of manufacturers, allowing for the mass production of circuit boards with intricate surface mount component soldering to the highest quality.
Heat generated within the oven melts the solder and with the aid of solder paste, solders the components to the PCB. Quality is further improved by introducing the use of nitrogen within the oven to create an inert atmosphere. Nitrogen gas blanketing reduces the risk of oxidisation and improves the wetting angles of the soldered joints, therefore increasing the reliability of the product.
The inert atmosphere within the oven is maintained by the use of a gas analyser capable of measuring ppm (parts per million) of oxygen. The oxygen gas analyser detects any residual oxygen, then sends a signal to the PFC (proportional flow control) valve to supply additional nitrogen as required. The Rapidox 1100 PFC oxygen gas analyser also incorporates closed-loop control that, when bespoke software is integrated with the ovens management system, allows for full control of nitrogen within the oven, resulting in quality assurance, significant cost savings in gas, and an extended life of the PFC valve.
For further information on solder reflow or gas analysis applications, please contact us on +44 (0)1480 462142 or email info@cambridge-sensotec.co.uk. Further details can be found on our website www.cambridge-sensotec.co.uk.
Rapidox Gas Analysers
Due to the large growth of our product range, the Rapidox gas analysers are now modular and fully configurable, allowing our customers to tailor their requirements to meet their bespoke gas analysis demands.
The Rapidox 1100 range is one of the company’s most popular and cost effective gas analysers. Originally designed for analysing low ppm levels or 100% oxygen with zirconia or electrochemical sensors, it is now available as a dual-gas analyser. Single, dual or triple gas analysis solutions are also available with for a wide range of measurable gases with the Rapidox 3100. Typical configurations include a combination of oxygen and another gas.
An ideal solution for high-temperature vacuum applications is the Rapidox 2100, which provides fast and accurate low ppm oxygen analysis and is available in OEM configuration for seamless integration into products and processes.
Portable multigas analysis is available with the Rapidox 5100, measuring up to six gases simultaneously with a range of high precision sensors. Alternatively the 7100 provides all of the functionalities of the 5100 in a rack mounted configuration with communication and alarm outputs and is ideal for mounting into industry standard test equipment racks.
Continual product development has seen the introduction of the Rapidox SF6 6100 Portable, followed by the Rapidox SF6 6100 Pump Back, a fully automatic gas analyser. Both products are designed for applications such as analysing and monitoring the quality of SF6 within medium and high voltage, gas-insulated electrical equipment. Multiple sensor configurations are available to suit a range of application requirements. Further information can be found at www.sf6.co.uk.
Cambridge Sensotec Ltd
T: +44 (0)1480 462142
