Device That Will Use Vacuum to Lift IC Off Board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2022, 02:46:50 am
content: Previously I've had to use a hot air pencil to replace an IC with a ground plane underneath.The trouble I had was trying to lift the IC with one hand while holding the hot air pencil with the other. I'm curious if there is a high temperature vacuum that will help with these issues.At an older job we had one on a track that would move up and down when the wheel was spun, along with a foot pedal that would apply suction when pressed.At some point I found a 3D model on Thingiverse to build a similar track for microscope and uncertain if it will support/fit my hot air pencil. In any case, I'm still in need of a vacuum that will work on a hot IC without melting and I guess if hot air is being applied and removed, maybe it can also withstand momentary hot air.

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2022, 10:09:04 am
content: Proper higher end BGA rework stations do this (heat, lift, align and replace) and they are the only way to do this in a controlled and consistent manner commercially. I don't think I've seen an affordable handheld heated hot air/vacuum tool tho'.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2022, 10:43:20 am
content: JBC do these as accessories for their hot air stations.https://kaisertech.co.uk/jbc-te-2c-precision-hot-air-desoldering-station

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2022, 02:55:39 pm
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on September 15, 2022, 10:43:20 amOo I like that.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2022, 03:26:33 pm
content: That looks cool. Unfortunately I don't do enough rework requiring hot air, but the few times I have, I've needed a third hand to assist in lifting the component.

author: FlexibleMammoth
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2022, 06:52:03 pm
content: Weller also makes one called the WRK reflow set, which works nicely with the additional pick-up tool vacuum channel on their three-channel rework (e.g. WXR3) stations. It is spring loaded and automatically lifts the chip off the board.In general, that station is quite nice; it contains one pump for hot air and vacuum, and another smaller one for a pick-up tool. Only gripe is that hot air provides only 200W/20L-min so it is not powerful enough for large chips, but so far i was able to desolder small EEPROMs from an old mainboard even without the WRK. It should be able to desolder up to 30x30mm chips using the WRK set.https://www.weller-tools.com/professional/USA/us/Professional/Soldering+technology/Soldering+stations/Hot+air+stations/200+W/WRK+Reflowset

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 16, 2022, 06:58:29 pm
content: Quote from: SMTech on September 15, 2022, 02:55:39 pmIt may look cool but totally not worth it. You get a glorified hot air gun for a price of entry level of a decent BGA rework station which is able to do temperature controlled reflow with top and bottom heating.

author: bostonman
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2022, 09:28:27 pm
content: I’m also looking more for a basic tool, maybe something to connect to a shop vac; but tolerate enough not to melt.What are those little suction tools that are used to pick up an IC with the tiny suction cup on the end, you push a button and it releases?That would be good, but not strong enough or able to tolerate the heat.