Method and apparatus for improving selective soldering

摘要

A method of assessing discrepancy between a target value and a measured value of a parameter of contact area produced between flow of solder ejected from a nozzle and a surface is defined in the present application. This method comprises the steps of: providing a surface of material through which contact area between solder ejected from a nozzle and a side of the surface can be visually detected, for example using a camera; flowing solder through a nozzle and then bringing the solder into contact with a side of the surface, thereby creating contact area between the solder and said side of the surface; detecting the contact area from the other side of the surface so that a value of a parameter of said contact area can then be measured; and assessing any discrepancy between the target value and the measured value so that any necessary compensation in order to achieve the target value can be programmed.

主权项

1. A method of observing, determining or measuring a parameter of a contact area produced between a flow of solder ejected from a soldering nozzle and a surface, the method comprising the steps of:
providing the surface on a sheet of material through which the contact area can be visually detected; flowing the solder through the soldering nozzle; bringing the flow of solder into contact with the surface, thereby creating the contact area between the flow of solder and said surface; observing the contact area from a side of the sheet of material opposite to the contact area; measuring one or more parameter of said contact area; comparing said one or more parameter against a stored value, or a desired value, or threshold values, whereby deviations therefrom can be detected or determined; wherein when a deviation is detected or determined, or when the deviation exceeds a given threshold, the method then involves attempting to correct the deviation or defect; and wherein when, from the observed contact area, it is determined that the deviations cannot be corrected, it is determined that the nozzle has failed or is otherwise damaged, and a warning is provided to a user or operator.