ATF wave soldering systems from Contax

Citation

(2006), "ATF wave soldering systems from Contax", Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, Vol. 18 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ssmt.2006.21918dad.007

ATF wave soldering systems from Contax

ATF wave soldering systems from Contax

Keywords: Soldering, Production methods

The new, revised range of ATF wave soldering machines is now available exclusively from production automation specialist, Contax Ltd These systems are all fully lead- free compatible and offer a very high specification in a compact unit (Plate 1).

Plate 1 ATF interchangeable solder pot

Features include a dual wave system with both Lambda and chip nozzles; an auto detect pumpless spray fluxer which recognises the size and position of the PCB, so reducing overspray and flux usage; and a highly efficient infrared preheater module as standard. Fast response IR and convection preheaters are also available.

All the systems can use ATF's interchangeable “roll-out” solder pots. These are ceramic coated with additional titanium components, so ensuring that they can handle the high temperatures required for lead- free. The direct drive solder pumps are specially designed for easy changeover – with users able to dismount the pump interlock in less than 10s, without the need for any tools.

The entire range of ATF machines are microprocessor controlled and very easy to use. They require minimal floor space as, unlike many other wave soldering systems, all maintenance is carried out from the front the machine.

The ATF range comprises four models:

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  ATF 13/25. A benchtop system offering a process width of up to 250mm. Feature options include a pumpless spray fluxer, convection preheater and “roll-out” solder pot system. Additionally, the ATF 13/25 can be managed via a PC interface and include a PIN code reader and additional software to collect SPC data for process documentation.

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  ATF 23. A midsize unit with a process width of 330mm, the ATF 23 provides sufficient throughput for most production requirements, yet has a small footprint. Options include both infrared and convection preheats, with stop-and- go software ensuring that even the heaviest PCBs are warmed up to the higher temperatures required by lead-free.

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  ATF 33. Offering all the benefits of a high end wave soldering machine, the ATF 33 has a process width of 330 or 400mm, whilst maintaining its compact footprint.

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  ATF 43. The largest system available, the ATF 43 is designed for high speed production. It has a process width of 400mm with a preheat zone of 1.70m. Other features include a belt-driven pallet conveyor, with the option of an automatic solder bar feeder and cooling fans at machine unload end.

“This new updated range of ATF wave soldering systems is the best yet,” said Mike Rapson, Managing Director at Contax. “ATF have always built a superb quality machine and the latest models are no exception.”

“All the systems are robust, compact and offer easy maintenance. There is also a wide range of systems – from the small benchtop ATF 13/25 up to the largest ATF 43. There really is a system for all production environments,” he said.