Introduction
A wave soldering solder pot is a tin bath constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel or cast iron, designed to hold liquid solder. The solder inside the pot is melted by a heating device installed at the bottom or externally. Once heated, the molten solder is used to solder circuit boards.
Correct Usage of the Solder Pot
Solder Level Control
When the wave is not active, the normal solder surface level should be maintained at approximately 1 cm from the top edge of the pot. When the wave is off, the solder surface should not fall more than 10 mm below the top edge of the pot.
Height and Level Adjustment
The overall height and horizontal level of the solder pot can be adjusted using the four support bolts located beneath the pot.
Solder Flow During Operation
During operation, the molten solder paste is drawn by a bottom impeller pump into the inner chamber of the solder pot. It passes through a filter screen inside the chamber, which filters out solder dross and stabilizes the flow, before overflowing from the nozzle.
Temperature Control
The soldering temperature is controlled by a K-type thermocouple inside the solder pot. The temperature should be set in advance. The normal soldering temperature is typically 285 degrees Celsius. Users should verify solder temperature using a mercury thermometer for accuracy.
Drainage and Cleaning
A solder drain nozzle is installed at the rear of the solder pot, used for draining solder and cleaning the pot. The solder pot can be tilted backward by operating a lead screw mechanism, allowing it to be rolled out for convenient cleaning and maintenance.
Disassembling the Inner Chamber
When removing the inner chamber, first remove the nozzle, take out the motor frame and impeller, loosen the fastening bolts of the inner chamber, and then the chamber can be lifted out.
Routine Maintenance and Important Notes
Check Solder Quantity Frequently
When the wave is off, the solder surface should not fall more than 10 mm below the top edge of the pot. Replenish solder promptly when the level drops below this threshold.
Verify Solder Temperature
Use a mercury thermometer to measure the actual working solder temperature for accuracy. Temperature discrepancies can lead to cold solder joints or overheating that damages components.
Remove Excess Oxide Dross
Regularly clear excessively thick oxide dross from the solder surface. If left too thick, it becomes difficult to judge the actual solder level, and dross may be drawn into the pump and ejected from the wave, which will affect soldering quality. Do not perform this task too frequently. Keeping a thin layer of dross on the solder surface helps reduce the contact area between air and the solder, thereby reducing solder oxidation.
Solder Purity Check
Every six months, inspect the purity of the solder to ensure good solderability is maintained. When impurity content exceeds 0.5 percent, take action to restore purity or replace the solder.
Check Internal Stainless Steel Mesh
Frequently check whether the stainless steel filter mesh inside the solder pot is clear and unobstructed. Any blockage will affect the smoothness of the solder flow and cause wave instability.
Inspect Cabling and Fasteners
Pay attention to whether the high-temperature resistant wiring shows any signs of damage, and check whether screws in various parts are loose. Vibration from the pump motor can gradually loosen fasteners over time.
Safety Precautions
- Always wear high-temperature gloves when working near the solder pot
- Wait until the solder temperature drops below 100 degrees Celsius before performing maintenance
- Use only specialized tools for solder pot cleaning and maintenance
- Ensure adequate ventilation to remove fumes from the work area
- Wear protective eyewear to guard against solder splashes
