Mark: Ralph Woodgate is a "god" of solderability control programs. We have:
� Been attending his seminars for, maybe 8 to 10 years ... who keeps track when you�ve been breathin� fumes that long? � Three different editions of his "Handbook Of Machine Soldering" on our library shelves. � Several "Circuits Assembly" Woodgate work books.
$500 (or whatever it is ...) sounds steep for a couple of tapes, when you consider that your local SMTA chapter probably sponsored a Woodgate seminar within the past year or two. For that price you could buy Woodgate's and Klein Wassink's books and "bank" the difference to sponsor a road trip for a car-load of you to go see/hear him next time he comes a town near-by.
As with any consultant "schtick," Mr. Woodgate presents many good ideas ... some practical and others not so. And that�s where the value in determining the practicality of and being determined in implementing proposals comes-into play. To be clear, I don�t think of Woodgate as "SMT Zero Defect Soldering," as you indicated. I�d say "40/25/35" "wave/reflow/material control and management" is more of the balance I expect.
Now for balance, other outstanding soldering gurus are: Werner Engelmaier, Jennie Hwang, Ralph Manko, and Les Hymes state-side and Bob Willis and SMART in the UK.
Go get 'em
Dave F
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