The difference between through hole reflow welding and wave soldering

Through hole reflow welding enables simultaneous reflow soldering of both perforated and surface-mounted components (SMC/SMD) in a single step. Wave soldering is a traditional welding process for electronic products. The following is to share with you the difference between through-hole reflow welding and wave soldering.

SMT production line

Process characteristics of through-hole reflow welding

Through hole reflow welding process

Through-hole reflow welding, sometimes called sorted component reflow welding, is emerging. Through hole reflow welding technology is to use reflow welding technology to weld plug-in components and shaped components with pins. For some products with more SMT components but less perforated components (plug-in components), this process can replace wave soldering and become a part of PCB mixed assembly technology. The advantage of through-hole reflow welding is that it is possible to use through-hole inserts to obtain better mechanical joint strength while taking advantage of the surface mount manufacturing process.

Characteristics of wave soldering process

Wave soldering process

Wave soldering is to make the welding surface of the plug-in plate contact with high temperature liquid tin directly to achieve the purpose of welding. The high temperature liquid tin maintains an inclined surface, and the liquid tin forms a wave-like phenomenon by a special device, so it is called "wave soldering". The main material is the solder strip.

Advantages of through hole reflow welding compared with wave soldering

1. Through hole reflow welding process first of all reduces the process, eliminating the wave soldering process, and various operations are simplified into a comprehensive process;

2, through hole reflow welding process requires less equipment, materials and personnel;

3. Through hole reflow welding process can reduce production cost and shorten production cycle;

4, can reduce the high defect rate caused by wave soldering;

5. One or more heat treatment steps can be eliminated, thus improving the solderability of PCB and the reliability of electronic components, etc.

Disadvantages of through - hole reflux welder compared with wave - crest welder

1, through hole reflow welding process due to the use of welding paste, the price and cost of solder is higher than that of wave soldering tin strip.

2, through hole reflow welding process must be customized special template, the price is more expensive. And each product needs its own set of printing template and reflow template.

3. Through hole reflow furnace may damage components that are not resistant to high temperature. When selecting components, pay special attention to plastic components, such as potentiometers, which may be damaged due to high temperature.