Apparatus and method for heating objects EG chips during soldering, to and maintaining them at a desired temperature.

摘要

An improved apparatus and method are disclosed for heating objects, such as electronic chips being bonded to substrates, in which a copper heat exchanger element (12) comprises a circuitous interior passage (26) through which gases pass from a source (30) to be heated by a heater (74) to a desired temperature and to be cleansed of unwanted oxygen by catalytic reaction, prior to entering a furnace chamber (22) heated from below by the heat exchanger element (12) and from above by a further heater (72) and copper plate (60), whereby essentially uniform gas temperature, acceptably low oxygen concentration and fast cycling times are provided in the furnace chamber (22).