Options for Wave Solder System Mods

Phil
Welcome to Board Talk. This is Phil Zarrow with Jim Hall and Joe Belmonte, the Pick and Place brothers. What's today's question, Jim?

Jim
It's an equipment question and it's from G.D. The question is, can we replace a lambda nozzle with a Z wave? I have seen both work and the only real difference that I can see is the lambda has a right-hand impeller and the Z-wave is left hand.

Phil
Joe, you have any comments on that question?

Joe
I certainly can't speak for the benefits of one over the other; however, when you look at equipment modifications in general, you have to ask yourself why do you want to do it, and what are the benefits and costs. Talk to your equipment supplier to see if what you're thinking about has value, and what it may do to your equipment warranty.

Jim
All of us here have worked at equipment companies. A lot of time, effort, and intelligence goes into designing the features and the options available on any given piece of equipment.

To go and modify that may have unforeseen consequences, so check it out with your equipment supplier.  Particularly something like a wave soldering machine where which the nozzles are going to be directing the flow of 250, 260 degree C molten solder. You really don't want to take any chances.

Phil
Since we're on the topic of wave soldering, best practice with regard to wave soldering, don't use the chip wave if you don't need it. Shut it off. Hopefully, your designs are advanced enough that you're not trying to wave solder surface-mount components. I know some of you are stuck with older designs, but if you're not doing that, don't have the chip wave on. It certainly extends your dwell in the highest thermal excursion you're going to see and in general, it's not a good idea.

Joe
When you do contact your equipment supplier, have the serial number of the machine available because that is key information for the supplier. It will indicate when the machine was built, the specific features and construction, and they will also have the service records. So they'll have a good picture of exactly what you're dealing with so they can consider your recommendation with all the available information.

Jim
Another issue is after modifications, the ability to get factory service. I know equipment companies I worked for, field service technicians were instructed if unauthorized modifications were made to our equipment, they would not work on it from a strictly legal perspective. So all those factors tend to make me say don't modify your machine if your manufacturer doesn't bless it.

Phil
Well, we hope we answered G.D.'s question.  Until next time, whatever you're doing and whatever methodology you're using and whatever wave system you're using, don't solder like my brother.

Jim
And don't solder like my brother.