Reflow ovens are complex pieces of equipment in the manufacturing process of printed circuit boards (PCBs) that experience sustained high heat. Krytox™ performance lubricants provide solutions that can extend operational lifetime and maximize the productivity of reflow ovens. Learn more below!
Reflow Oven Basics
Reflow ovens are critical pieces of machinery in the electronics and printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing processes. These high-end, complex ovens are tasked with precise temperature control to set solders in place for long-term adhesion and connection stability for components. At the core of the application, heat is used to allow the solder paste to reach its eutectic temperature, and phase change is used to allow the solder to flow and enable a fuller surface wetting and connection coverage. Three main types of reflow ovens are available: infrared, convection, and vapor phase. Each of these three technologies experiences harsh environments with spikes of incredibly high temperatures.
Why use a Lubricant in a Reflow Oven?
Each applications involve the precise use of protective gases like nitrogen to avoid oxidation of components or the equipment itself. As such, the mechanical parts of the infrared or convection reflow oven (chains, conveyors, bearings, etc.) experience the same difficult environments that could lead to oxidation, premature wear, or failure.
To avoid this, the proper lubricant solution must be used to ensure long-term operation and maximize productivity. Using the right combination of oils and greases can lead to many benefits, including but not limited to the following.:
Maximize Uptime
Using the proper lubricants can extend the operational lifespan between required maintenance, reducing the time lost when the machines are in maintenance and repair service.
Reduce Budget
The overall cost to repair or replace components is vastly reduced when using the proper lubricant solution. This can also lead to less total required lubricant volume.
Increases Reliability
Reliability, production, and overall safety increases are easily observed and measured when equipment is properly maintained, lubricated, and protected.
Chemours Krytox™ Performance Lubricant Solutions
Krytox™ lubricants are high-end synthetic perfluoropolyether-based (PFPE-based) solutions that provide premier-tier protection and long-term performance in applications where conventional lubricants fail. These high-temperature oils and greases are completely inert and nonflammable, greatly reducing the chance of fire, sludge buildup, or byproduct formation from other mineral oil–based solutions.
