26 - Global SMT & Packaging ~ Dacember 2008 dering, Founded in 1996 to support the vapor reflow market, R&D Techni- cal Services is thi Technical including S leading source of vapor phase equipment. RED swvices’ vapor phase systems are used in numerous markets T solder reflow, selective component rework, lead free sol ing, drying, mechanical attachment, plastic package testing and more. Trevor Galbraith, Global SMT & Packaging’s editorinchief, recently spoke with R&D Technical Services president David Suihkonen about the renewed interest in vapor phase technology. (Over the past year, R&D Technical Services has been focused on two front. First, we have been workin closely with some of our high-volume customers t0 enhance our inline capability for reflow. This work: led ust the ewlution of the RD32 inline vapor phase reflow oven, which won a few industry award cariers this year. With adjustable pin chain conveyors, contin ‘ous throughpur, multistage preheat and easyeoae controls this machine san excellent replacement for the traditional convection evens, making vapor phase a superior choice forthe inline reflow process Second, we have been very focused on bringing the advantages of va phase to the s rework environment. This development proved succes tive component ful in solving many of the ues now facing the rework ofthe industry “The ViWorks 24 rework station brings a number of benefits tothe ik environment. One ofthe bigs abi temperature seen by the bo cd and component. Because the maximum reflow temperature i tied to the boiling point of che fluid, iis impossible to over heat the proxluct Le’ say yo melts at 221°C. ¥ older that ‘would simply use a fluid with 230°C for rfl effectively closing the ane window ta 9°C, This isthe same reason that vapor phase reflow i gaining ground in the reflow industy-the ability to limie the maximum temperature ‘STVIISLYH SHY 801S-Z22-998‘while stil attaining perfect reflow on all sections ofthe produc (Other key elements ae the uniformity and repeatability of vapor phase and the ‘way it transfers heat. No longer ae you required to deliver excessive amounts of heat through IR or hor arto ger all portions ‘of the component to heat evenly, There i no shadowing, reflection or deflection of Inet in the vapor phase process. Some ofthe isis facing the rework industey today include excessive heat, uneven heat and the migration ofthe heat to other areas ofthe circuit board. Vapor phase rework effectively solves these issues Why is R&D Technical Services so important tothe current electronics industry? What do you provide that competitors cannot? ‘Aside from the fat thae vapor phase is ‘product whose time has come, I think RSD Technical Srvices has been successful fora several reasons, namely quality, valve and customer support. Ir stats by working to build only the highest quality equipment ‘using only che highest quality material, ‘We then couple this with experience. Ray ‘Wille and Ihave mone than 50 years of ‘combined vapor phase experience-we know what works. Alter building a quality piece of ‘equipment, we eake our knowledge and apply itto customer support treating every ‘eustomer with respect. We know a lange portion of our busines ie from customer referral and word of mouth, When your name is on the product, you take your reputation seriously. I think the reputation ‘of our pradits andl our company is wery igh amonsst our customers fis oxe goal AtRGD Technical Services you've gence of interest in Toaedovan Mission Possible. credit this revival? A number of factors Versatility that beats compleaity. have contributed, Leadree solder hat certainly played role. The higher melting points of lead-free solder have forced many reflow methods ico uncomfortably high eomperarures. Unable to transfer het as effectively and consistently as vapor phase, they are forced i some instances to push, ‘maim temperse rues to umaccepe able level. They are simply unable to close the window bewecn reflow and ‘peak temperatures as efficiently a6 PHILIPS Its not just a promise, its a fact! Assembleon vapor phase, which can place reliability and consistency at rick, would sey more difficule components and board architecture also have played a part, More densely populaed hoards and ‘mote demanding components lend themselves to otch easier teow vsing vapor phase and its condensation method “This is the same reason that vapor phase reflow is gaining ground in the reflow industry—the ability to limit the maximum temperature while still attaining perfect reflow on all sections of the product.” to keep ie that way. At R&D Technical Services, customer support isnot just tag ling, ic 62 way of ie, and I think even in today's world people take note ofthat. cof beat transfer ‘Vapor phase ovens have evolved as well with beter controls, beter containment, higher quality construction and, quite frankly, more interest by the industry in taking an unbiased evaluation ofa mature success proces. feel all these factors have played a part inthis vapor phase resurgence. How docs the rest of 2008 and into 2009, look for R&D Technical Services! Projections ate always part science, part ‘black magic and pare guess work. Right ‘pow, R&D Technical Services on tack for 2008 tobe its best year eve. In the first, half of 2008, we posted the best six-month ‘numbers in our [2-year history. With the renewed interest in vapor phase, I expect owt from 2009 as wll ‘Asa company, we will continue to ‘expand our reach, pushing into more ‘emerging economies and strengthening ‘our postion in regions where we are already strong. We will continue to be the leader in developing new approaches and applications for vapor phase, and will work to make our vapor phase rework station an influential player inthe rework market RED Technical Services will continue to be the best at what we do from high: ‘quality, highwalue equipment to hands-on ‘customer support ‘SIVIAILYH SAY Wer Hr Ary amr 801LS-ZL2-998 www.glabalemt.net ‘Global SMT & Packaging - December 2008 - 27