Soldering, tempering, or coating: A new technology center offers a wide range of possibilities

Which procedure for soldering, tempering, or coating is best suited for which application? How can a specific temperature profile be created? And what technology can be used to reduce voids in the soldered joint? Whether it is competent advice, process demonstration, or technical training — as a leading manufacturer of thermal system solutions for the electronics and photovoltaics industry, Rehm offers a wide range of possibilities in its Technology Center. Last year, a high-tech application and demo center was created at the head office in Blaubeuren, Germany, on a total of 460 m² , where customers can test the systems, get to know the technology behind them and perform comprehensive soldering attempts. Furthermore, the specialists at Rehm discuss innovative solutions for new applications and methods together with the customers in order to optimize production processes in the long term.
 

In addition, the new Technology Center has state-of-the-art equipment of a complete SMT production line – from paste printers and placement machines to reflow soldering systems. Rehm Thermal Systems offers all thermal processes for heat transfer as the only manufacturer. The customer can choose between systems with convection, condensation, infrared and contact heat. Soldering processes and procedures for coating (assembly protection) as well as respective drying, transport and handling systems are demonstrated live for different applications on site. “We can run pilot batches under real conditions, to precisely define optimum parameters for the assembly of the customers. But at the same time there is enough room to develop new ideas together,” says Chief Executive Officer Johannes Rehm.  

The application specialists of Rehm take an advisory capacity, provide support when selecting a suitable system or create individual process parameters. “Each product has different criteria during production. During direct application of vacuum, condensation, and convection soldering methods, we can accurately determine the advantages and disadvantages for the product to be produced and find the optimum process. In a second step it is then possible to further refine additional parameters like pre-heating time, temperature regulation and cooling off time. With the options in our demo center we respond flexibly to the desires of our customers”, says Helmut Öttl, Head of the Application and Project Management division.

Even the production of prototypes or mini series can be realized in the Technology Center near Rehm. “We can also create the right profiles for innovative assemblies, which have special features with regard to mass, shape, or material,” says Öttl.  

Furthermore, a complete coating line for selective Conformal Coating with optional vacuum module is available for underfill processes, to optimize protection for assemblies against environmental impacts.        

But the Technology Center also provides extensive equipment for the documentation or analysis of test results. The heat distribution on the electronic assembly for example displays a modern thermal imaging camera. Process-related temperature differences become visible based on the thermal images. This enables creation of the best possible reflow soldering profiles to minimize these temperature differences. In an X-ray system with digital imaging system the soldering results can be examined for pores (voids) or other features. A fly inspector, equipped with LED or UV light and zoom function enables accurate, visual control of the assemblies. Furthermore, different microscopic examinations as well as endoscopic examinations of BGAs can be performed with a micro inspector. “Our aim is to improve assembly production of the customers not only with regard to quality, but also sustainability,” says Helmut Öttl.

For special applications and solutions for the professional repair of assemblies, selective soldering equipment is available. Furthermore, a cleaning bath, temperature cabinet (-70° to 180°C) and a shear test device up to 50 N are available for further applications. 

What’s more, the Technology Center also provides optimum conditions for training and events. “Ideally we can combine soldering theory and practice here. Imparted knowledge, which can be practically implemented in our workshops immediately, remains fresh in the memory. At the beginning of April we received great feedback for the fully booked seminar series on the optimum reflow profile and void-free soldering,” says Dr. Hans Bell, Head of the Research and development division at Rehm.

In order to be able to present the complete product with regard to soldering to the customer in this context, Rehm is supported by well-known companies in the industry, which provide respective systems. “We thank our partners for this,” says Johannes Rehm. “We can now combine everything under one roof — advice and customer care, technical know-how, the illustrative demonstration of complete production lines and the exchange of knowledge and experience in the seminars. These options are very popular with our customers.” Rehm takes this opportunity to continue to offer more events in the next few months, where the Technology Center is a central setting. 

Do you need support for a specific application or would you like to experience the topic of soldering live in our demo center? Please make an appointment on . Information on current events and seminar series can be found on our Internet page on in the media area.