good benchtop reflow oven - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: spongle
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2019, 09:32:43 pm
content: Is there a good option out there for reflow in the benchtop size, budget < $2k?The only things I seem to find are T962 variants which I've heard are lousy.Controleo/reflow oven conversion seems superior technically, but I'm not crazy about another DIY project..

author: jonroger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2019, 09:59:30 pm
content: I wish there were a low cost, off-the-shelf vapor phase reflow "oven".

author: Rat_Patrol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2019, 10:47:55 pm
content: I did the Controleo3 conversion after looking at all the option.It wasn't a bad project, took 2 days (overnight for the sealant to cure), but a full working day if you take your time, which you should.All-in-all, I'm very happy with it. I have good reflows on 150x200mm 4 layer PCBs. I saved $$$$$ over buying something comparable (non Chinese IR). I have excellent control over temps, no burnt boards (common issue I read with IR ovens), and just a pleasant experience.I plan on doing another conversion (won't go nuts on insulation or add the boost heater) on a larger convection toaster oven which will be dedicated to baking/curing needs to leave my reflow oven available for reflows.The Controleo3 software/controller has bake cycles built right in, so that is super convenient.

author: luk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2019, 10:05:31 am
content: I converted an oven with Controleo 3 as well and I'm satisfied. Even lead free reflow soldering are successful every time. There is some calibration to perform with the firsts PCBs, but after that you have a better reflow oven than chinese IR for the same price.QuoteYou can order a fully mounted Controleo3 oven for $900 ($950 with shipping) :https://www.whizoo.com/buy(bottom of the page)

author: MR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2019, 11:37:36 am
content: https://www.paggen.de/produkte/reflow-ofen-und-loeten/ro160bf-konvektions-reflowofen-300-0c/https://www.paggen.de/produkte/reflow-ofen-und-loeten/ro250bf-konvektions-reflowofen-300-0c/At the beginning I used a T962 which even burned some of my PCBs.After some time I bought the second one RO250BF, it's really just putting the PCBs in and waiting; no more unexpected results.However the PCBs should be monitored at the beginning and a profile for the particular PCB can/should be created.Just putting the PCB at the bottom of the reflow oven will not give the same result as if the PCB will be put on some spacers (the same happens with every small reflow ovens). The temperature is very well sealed inside, during the reflow process you will not notice any heat leaking out of the oven.The firmware always waits until a certain temperature is reached and starts counting.Drawback: that oven costs around 4000 USD, you can build it much cheaper if you have the time.I'm sure someone can get the same result with a T962, but you will have to modify it

author: lawrence11
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2019, 03:32:26 pm
content: Quote from: luk on December 10, 2019, 10:05:31 amMe too...What did you do for calibration? My oven tested at 92% so I use the standard profiles?

author: MagicSmoker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2019, 07:34:42 pm
content: <noting that OP has been banned, so discussion is mostly moot>In my experience, the only kind of reflow oven worth a crap for production manufacturing is a conveyor belt type with at least 5 heating and 2 cooling zones that has been well profiled. For prototyping and modest volumes (say, 1-4 boards per day), it is really and truly hard to beat a table-top *convection* toaster oven, at least if using leaded solder with a typical RMA or No-Clean flux (lead-free, however, is indeed much more difficult to solder with this get-up). Just don't ever use it to cook food again.I used to have a PID temperature controller with the recommended ramp/soak profile for Kester EP-256 programmed in, but I needed the PID controller for another project one day and it turns out that it isn't really necessary. Now I just run the heater at full blast on Toast mode while monitoring the actual board temperature with a Type-K thermocouple (usually at a via NOT going to a ground plane) through a hole I drilled in the top of the oven. I pause the heating at 160C for about 20 seconds to activate the No-Clean flux, then let 'er rip up to a peak of 225C before turning off the heating elements and slightly cracking the door open while the fan still runs to cool the board down at the recommended rate of 1-2C/second. The convection fan is the key to rapidly heating and cooling the boards, and ensuring they experience a fairly even temperature regardless of placement on the wire rack. Total cycle time is under 5 minutes, including the cooldown phase, which is quite similar to how long it would take a board to go through the massive Vitronics conveyor reflow oven at my previous business place.

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2019, 08:09:36 pm
content: Quote from: MagicSmoker on December 11, 2019, 07:34:42 pmYes, I've been using a GE toaster oven for 12 years now, doing almost all lead-free work. I got a ramp and soak temperature controller on eBay, and some micro thermocouple extension wire.The ramp and soak option allows it to make setpoints and time between setpoints, to create the temperature profile. The trick is you have to poke the thermocouple into a plated through hole in the board, so the controller is controlling actual board temperature, not air temperature. I usually do 6 - 8 small boards in a batch, and so the temperature matching across the oven is not perfect, but certainly good enough.Jon

author: sam512bb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2019, 12:10:40 am
content: I have been using the T-960 which is a conveyor based reflow oven, for about 4 years now and it works well. I bought it directly from the manufacturer (Puhui) and I think the total landed cost was under $2K. Complete specs can be found here:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32793680561.htmlIt is not small (over 3 feet long) and weighs a fair amount and so your mounting table/surface selection is important. Before I used it I profiled the various profiles and they were reasonably accurate. I simply needed to modify the temps and control the conveyor speed to achieve the temp profiles I wanted. When I first received it the conveyor speed controller did not work properly and when I notified the manufacturer they responded promptly and sent me a replacement controller within days... so great customer service.The only real negative has been the conveyor speed controller where the control is via a pot where the speed range I used is mostly on the low end... so limited granularity. However, it is perfectly usable and if I get too annoyed at it I will simply design my own replacement.Cheers,Sam

author: luk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2019, 09:46:21 am
content: QuoteNice ! I have 88% but I noticed an overshoot at 252 deg. C with the standard profile.I did the following modification to the profile: the boost phase (95% duty cycle on the 3 elements) is running until the oven reaches 235 deg. C. Then the 3 elements are turned off completely and I just leave the inertial do the job.The temperature reaches 245 deg. C after 15 seconds, then the controller waits for 5 additional seconds and opens the door.

author: Reckless
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 12, 2019, 05:29:25 pm
content: Quote from: MagicSmoker on December 11, 2019, 07:34:42 pmI have been using an essemtec 3 zone oven in production and find it works perfect for me. Although it baffles everyone who visits me as its pretty small. I may be one of the few who want small tiny ovens (easier to use on multiple production lines). I have also had Novastar and Torch (Manncorp) ovens and they are ok. For benchtop I think torch might be the best. The key is to stay away from an infrared oven (as 99% of them are not uniform temperature). I have had a few hellers which are reputable but very huge. I deal mostly with 0402 chips so I don't need anything super fancy. I have been eyeing the neoden oven but don't feel it will be comparable to Essemtec (Swiss) quality but like its form factor. I wish they made an all metal enclosure, it looks like too much plastic in the videos. The idea of a smart oven seems good on paper. My technician loves Vitronics as he claims they last the longest with least headaches. My SMT operator loves BTU. I need to find a cheap small mesh belt oven as my edge belt ovens are curling my pcbs ever soo slightly even with using titanium board supports.

author: Helix70
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 17, 2019, 10:51:35 pm
content: Anyone have any experience with the ZB2520HL from Zhengbang? They are sold locally (Australia) by Oritech.

author: lutkeveld
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2019, 10:05:55 pm
content: Yes I have. Works great. Easy userinterface, consistent result and also good build quality. Oritech makes quite the margin, you can get them for about 350$ from Aliexpress. Packaging quality is also very good.

author: Helix70
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 18, 2019, 11:55:56 pm
content: They do make a margin, don't they. Even with GST and conversion Ali will cost about AU$625 landed.

author: 1276-2449-1-ND
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2019, 01:03:00 pm
content: Also still using a converted toaster oven, though not Controleo. I check these type of threads because I should get a proper unit, but the one I have works great, takes up very little space, and fits into the workflow perfectly (bakes PCB while PNP is working on next panel).

author: sorteper
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 23, 2019, 09:03:31 am
content: Quote from: sam512bb on December 12, 2019, 12:10:40 amHi Sam, which variant of oven the have you been using? T-960, T-960E or T-960W? And have you done lead-free or leaded soldering in your oven? I ask because I’ve been considering getting one, but I need it for lead-free soldering exclusively. There’s a difference between the peak temperature of the W variant and the others. With the W at higher peak and steaper price point.

author: sam512bb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2019, 10:41:03 pm
content: Quote from: sorteper on December 23, 2019, 09:03:31 amGood day sorteper,At the time when I bought mine (about 4+ years ago), the T-960 was all that was offered. As it use, I have been doing lead (Chip Quik TS391AX50 paste) and lead-free (GC-10 paste) on it without issue. I do find that I have to slow the transit speed a bit with 4 or more layers probably because of the PCB and components thermal mass (so longer time is needed for the various profile steps) and the relatively short (about 1M) transit length. with that said my PCBs are not that large (6"x4" the largest... usually 2-6 layer) and so far no issues. Perhaps larger PCBs and/or those with a larger thermal mass could be a problem, as the unit does have limited heating capability.Although the T-960 displays the temp profile, I always check it with real data for new designs and adjust accordingly. To do this I run through a thermocouple attached sample PCB (no parts/paste) and data log the results. If I am really particular I will rerun the test with paste applied and examine the resulting reflow.Overall I have been very pleased with the unit. Be advised that the unit is quite heavy and so ensure that you have an adequate table to support it.Cheers,Sam