Logger allows real-time reflow control: News from Blundell Production Equipment

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The Pro-5 data logger overcomes the disadvantages of most other profilers, as it uses RF technology to transmit the heat profile in real time. It does not need to drag trailing wires behind it as It passes through a reflow oven or wave soldering machine. The unit is fitted with six thermocouple channels, measuring the Delta-T heat spread across the width of the printed circuit board as it moves through the heat tunnel, and tracking the temperature gradient all all stages of the reflow process.

Accurate profiling has become more important with the introduction of lead free processing, as electronics manufacturers attempt to work within a much narrower process window, and the risks of thermal stress on PCBs increase due to higher processing temperatures.

The Pro-5's analysis software will run on any Windows based PC utilising a standard serial communications port.

A two way RF protocol is used between the data logger and the PC, resulting in zero data loss during transmission.

A temperature/time graph is built as the PCB passes through the reflow tunnel, allowing the process engineer to make rapid decisions, and fast changes to machine settings to minimise downtime and reduce the risk of overheating valuable boards and components.

To aid traceability, a report sheet can also be printed or emailed to customers or management, detailing process parameters, logger details and the captured profile.

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