Recommended Reflow Benchtop Oven

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Hi! I have been studying the reflow process. And now, I am ... - Aug 30, 2013 by raqz

For "Production" none of the above or any of this type. Thes... - Aug 30, 2013 by Spoiltforchoice

I have used the 850's previous version (and other batch oven... - Aug 30, 2013 by isd.jww

Thank you very much for your comments. I highly appreciate y... - Sep 02, 2013 by raqz

raqz

#70585

Recommended Reflow Benchtop Oven | 30 August, 2013

Hi! I have been studying the reflow process. And now, I am researching for a recommended reflow oven that can process a small to low-medium production SMT soldering.

For the experts in the reflow field, please recommend a reliable reflow oven.

Here are the considerations: - Lead-Free - Low to low-medium production - IR/Forced Convection reflow - Easy to operate - No power restriction - Bench top reflow, or conveyor reflow under 5,000 dollars. - Weight of the oven must be 50Kg and below

Here are the list of the ovens that I already research in the market:

1. HA06 Characteristics Max. PCB reflowable area: 300x370mm Heating zones: 2 w/temp.control Heating method: Lead free quartz and hot-air convection Max temperature: 300°C Weight: 18Kg Condition: New PRICE: $4,266@ Stencils unlimited

2. 850 Characteristics Max. PCB reflowable area: 340x430mm Heating zones: 2 w/PID temp.control Heating method: Forced hot-air convection Max temperature: 260°C Weight: 25Kg Condition: New PRICE: $4,495 @ Manncorp

3. BT300CP Characteristics Max. PCB reflowable area: 230x270mm Heating zones: 2 w/ PID temp.control Heating method: Quartz IR and hot-air convection Max temperature: 300°C Weight: 45Kg Condition: New PRICE: $3,975 @ Manncorp

4. T200C+ Characteristics Max. PCB reflowable area: 230x270mm Heating zones: 2 w/temp.control Heating method: Quartz IR and hot-air convection Max temperature: 320°C Weight: 39Kg Condition: New PRICE: $2,845 @ Stencils unlimited

If you already used one of these oven, please feel free to post your feedbacks. And also for the reflow process experts, please recommend other reflow oven that is reliable and you were able to use.

Thank you very much.

Regards, Raquel

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Spoiltforchoice

#70586

Recommended Reflow Benchtop Oven | 30 August, 2013

For "Production" none of the above or any of this type. These little batch oven are for small labs and prototyping houses, even the best ones have only limited control over the reflow process. None of them are intended for the repeated serial use you would encounter in a production run and they will almost certainly need some recovery time between each run to cool back down. Most of the guys on here will swear by ovens 5 Metres long or more with as many zones as possible. Those of us without the space or budget for such monsters can tell you that a 1 metre process length and 3 or 4 zones can give very good results, provided you are not too ambitious with the types of board or components you try to reflow. (No epic ceramic boards or large devices with high thermal mass) These will cost about double your budget new e.g Mistral 260 or BM-W360 or older models 2nd user are readily available but they can be thirsty for power. If there isn't room for such an oven try to find a 2nd user Batch Vapor Phase oven, these deliver total control to your process and there is no risk of cooking your pcb's to a crisp.

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isd.jww

#70604

Recommended Reflow Benchtop Oven | 30 August, 2013

I have used the 850's previous version (and other batch ovens). The current specified was AFTER the unit was at operating temperature, not what it took to warm up. If you have power restrictions, like I do, be careful with this model.

Having used batch ovens, I do not recommend them. The heating is not uniform throughout the oven. You can tweak the profile for a small board in the middle, but panels will not reflow properly. You can get it to work, but not well.

I currently use the Mistral 260, which has 3 heated zones. I am satisfied with it's performance, but I agree with another poster who states that the more zones the better.

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raqz

#70609

Recommended Reflow Benchtop Oven | 2 September, 2013

Thank you very much for your comments. I highly appreciate your opinions.

Does this mean that batch oven are no good?

Not even one?

I am still hoping that there is at least one batch oven that you can recommend.

Thanks!

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