This looks like it may be a good application for an Air-Vac or Wenesco type solder station. It is a solder pot that has a small motor to pump solder up through a chimney. You can put different nozzles on the top of the chimney, so you only apply solder to a small area, such as the pins of your connector.
I've mostly used them for rework where we needed to remove a large thru hole connector or IC, but they can be used to do the initial soldering of the components.
Advantages - You can get a nozzle the exact size you need, lots of standard sizes are available, custom sizes are easy to make.
You only apply flux and solder to the area that needs it, so you don't have to run a board through a full wave solder machine. Also, you do not need adhesive for the other parts on that side.
These machines don't take up much space, I've seen an Air-Vac machine on a cart that was moved to the line that needed it.
Disadvantages- Depending on the flux you use, you may have some cleaning to do afterwards.
You need an operator with some mechanical aptitude and soldering knowledge to set up the right nozzle, adjust the board holder, etc. They are easy to operate once it's ready, but many operators are clueless when it comes to setting it up.
It adds another step to the process, and can't be done while the board is on the conveyor.
Mike F
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