Preheater zooms in on rework areas

OK International has introduced a focused preheater for enhanced process control during lead-free hand assembly and rework.

The PCT-100 uses convection air heating, to maximise responsiveness and thereby avoid temperature overshoot that can damage components and impair assembly quality.

The PCT-100 can be used with or without a board holder to perform hand assembly or rework tasks on surface mount or through-hole assemblies.

A dedicated board holder is available as an option.

The PCT-100 can be used with conventional SnPb solders as well as lead-free, delivering a stable preheat capability as the foundation to perform assembly tasks at the appropriate peak temperature without distorting the board.

The unit ramps quickly to the desired temperature to maximise productivity, following a controlled slope to eliminate thermal shock to the board and components.

The 4.7 litre/s fan fitted to the unit enhances both heating and cooling, reducing the total cycle time to preheat, solder and cool each assembly.

"The new unit will be introduced at a highly competitive price", said Graham Ross, Product Manager, Americas, for OK International.

"Combined with the greater operational efficiency that comes with convection air heating, which ramps up and down quickly to reduce cycle time and improve process control, the PCT-100 will deliver a significant cost of ownership advantage compared with the alternatives currently on the market".

The PCT-100 pre-heater has been designed for production environments world-wide, operating at low levels of audible noise and meeting international standards for ESD safety and maximum casing temperature.

The PCT-100 also carries the CE symbol, a mark of high quality and safety performance.