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Professional Features for the Entry-level Class Rework System FINEPLACER® core

The machine allows safe rework of virtually the full bandwidth of typical SMD components on small to medium-sized boards. Now Finetech has upgraded the system with numerous features formerly only available for high-end rework machines. This decision is meeting the customer’s request for the FINEPLACER® core to cover an even wider field of professional rework applications.

Improved top heating, process gas switching, 01005 rework

Like any of Finetech’s rework systems, FINEPLACER® core is based on superior and proven hot air soldering technology. In order to ensure a very gentle heat transfer according to IPC/JEDEC standards, the thermal management provides harmonized interaction of top and bottom heating. With respect to components and board size and following Finetechs mission of engineering environmentally friendly machines, only the necessary heat is being conveyed.

Now Finetech has enhanced the top heating module with numerous technical innovations. With regard to rework of temperature sensitive components working with small gas flow rates could be optimized. This was one of the essential preconditions to be able to further extend the machine’s field of use.

Furthermore, various professional features have found their way into the FINEPLACER® core’s heating system. I.e., this includes the certifiable auto calibration function which is used to guarantee and prove maximum temperature stability at all times.

Finetech is also the only supplier in the industry to demonstrate a retrofit solution for the FINEPLACER® core machine class that helps integrating process gas into the rework cycle at this price point. The newly developed device allows profile-controlled automatic toggling between hot air and process gas supply during the reflow process. This uncomplicated solution based on defined threshold values ensures that crucial reflow process steps will be conducted in a 100% inert atmosphere – for economic working and convincing soldering results.

Also available is a new optional 10x zoom alignment camera which helps provide sufficient magnification and optical resolution, allowing a FINEPLACER® core to perform the safe rework even of tiny 01005 small passive components.

Reproducible process conditions, quick PCB recognition

Being able to ensure identical process conditions is a mandatory requirement for OEM customers. Finetechs contactless process start sensor, formerly only provided for the high-end rework systems, is now optionally available for the FINEPLACER® core. It allows creating identical process start conditions for all reflow processes. The measuring point can be freely positioned. Various fluctuating parameters like different IR emission values of different substrate surfaces can be maintained in the reflow software.

Another helpful feature for professional mass rework environments is the new quick PCB recognition. An optional barcode reader is used to import the specifications of any PCB which have been labelled accordingly into the reflow software. This saves valuable time during process creating and helps avoid transmission errors and possible negative side-effects.

Intuitive visual user guidance

The visual user guidance allows the operator to an intuitive control of all essential operation steps while working with the machine. Not only does this reduce training efforts for new machine users, also the daily handling of the system will become much quicker and more intuitive. In combination with a touch screen and the PCB recognition feature processes can be set up in a highly convenient way.

FINEPLACER® core – one for all

In spite of its compact design, the FINEPLACER® core doesn’t compromise with respect to its functional range. Quite on the contrary, it efficiently supports all functionalities of a future-proof rework system. The full rework cycle can be integrated into the machine, including de-soldering and soldering, component removal and site cleaning, re-balling (array), paste printing (component or board), paste dipping and fluxing.

With numerous functional enhancements the FINEPLACER® core now has been upgraded to be an inexpensive, yet powerful alternative for mass rework and production environments. The added features also open up new possibilities when it comes to rework of very small and temperature-sensitive components. This versatility ultimately makes the FINEPLACER® core the „Swiss Army Knife” of professional SMD rework.