The Correct Selection of Furnace Temperature Tester

1: According to the needs of the product process

In the SMT process of the electronics industry, a 10 channel furnace temperature tester is usually more suitable, which can balance simple and slightly complex processes.

But for panel splicing (multiple connected panels) and IC pitch<0.3mm (BGA, CSP, DIE...), the more channels to choose the furnace temperature tester, the better. In the reflow soldering process of these products, a temperature difference of 5 degrees on the panel surface is enough to cause serious consequences of cold welding. For companies that require BGA ball planting, as the temperature difference between the four corners during welding cannot exceed 8 degrees, it is better to purchase a furnace temperature tester with more channels.

In the semiconductor industry, especially for furnace temperature testers used in IC packaging, it is best to choose based on how many units a SubStrategy has.

As a semiconductor company in the upstream industry of SMT, it welds wafers (DIEs) rather than chips (ICs), and the temperature required for welding is more accurate. Therefore, the selected number of channels should be at least 12 (the highest number of channels for the German Wickon furnace temperature tester is 32, with 24 channels available in stock).

2: Firstly, compare the parameters:

Usually, each furnace temperature tester will list the characteristics of their own product. Of course, the accuracy of these parameters cannot be fully trusted, but they can be used as a reference for initial selection, such as the fastest sampling frequency

For 0.05 seconds, it is definitely better than 0.1 seconds. Lithium ion batteries charge better than nickel hydrogen batteries, USB communication is definitely better than RS232, and larger memory (sampling points) is definitely better than smaller memory. The German Wickon furnace temperature tester includes all the advantages listed above, with a data point count of 4 million and the ability to measure 24 sets of data simultaneously.

3: Physical dimensions:

The physical size mainly refers to the width of the furnace temperature tester. If the width of the furnace temperature tester itself is too wide, it will make it difficult for PCBs narrower than the furnace temperature tester to be placed on the track of the reflux furnace, which is very inconvenient.

The appropriate width is usually between 45-110mm, and the narrower the better. The Wickon furnace temperature tester from Germany is currently one of the narrowest furnace temperature testers in the industry, with a physical size of only 45mm in width. The narrowest width for wave soldering can reach 20mm.

4: Battery:

Battery is one of the consumables for furnace temperature testers, and rechargeable lithium batteries are much better than primary batteries, which can greatly reduce the cost of use. It is better to achieve USB communication and USB charging, with fast communication speed and convenient charging. (The myth of achieving 365 days without charging among the only international brand of Wickon furnace temperature testers in Germany, achieving true flash sales no matter how big the data is and the communication speed is)

5: Lead free process:

The main consideration for the lead-free process of the furnace temperature tester is the insulation effect of the insulation box. The temperature requirement for lead-free processes is usually 20-30 degrees higher than that of ordinary processes. Will this 20-30 degree cause instability in the internal IC of the furnace temperature tester? Causing inaccurate sampling temperature? On the contrary, if the lead-free process is OK, then the regular process is definitely OK.

6: On site testing:

Before purchasing, it is necessary to conduct on-site testing as only on-site testing can identify issues

6.1 The stability of the instrument: The problem can be identified by repeatedly testing the same reflux furnace for temperature difference comparison.

6.2 Accuracy of the instrument: Different triggering temperatures and sampling frequencies can be set for testing and comparison.

6.3 Ease of use and completeness of software operations: (Especially for new companies, it is recommended to choose the simpler the operation, the better)

The operation software of well-known brands such as KIC in the United States and DATAPAQ in the United Kingdom is nested layer by layer, making people feel confused. Because the software is not structured or modular. (The German Wickon furnace temperature tester truly realizes module operation mode, with a single interface that can fully edit all process parameters.) Additionally, check if there is a solder paste library or equipment library for easy process analysis.

6.4 After sales service: (It is best to have a longer warranty period, and the faster the repair cycle, the better. Of course, the more technical support points, the better.)

6.5 Price: There are many brands to choose from when purchasing a furnace temperature tester, and it is not difficult to achieve good quality at a reasonable price. Domestic brands are also a good consideration.