Reflow soldering system handles traditional high volume reflow for both leaded and lead free alloys, and offers exceptional efficiencies in operating costs.

Production automation system specialist, Contax, has announced the availability of Speedline's Electrovert OmniFlex 7 reflow soldering system in the UK, Ireland and Benelux. This advanced new system handles traditional high volume reflow for both leaded and lead free alloys, and offers exceptional efficiencies in operating costs. By utilising sophisticated new heating and cooling transfer technologies and energy efficient designs, the OmniFlex 7 uses up to 50% less power, and up to 30-35% less nitrogen than comparable platforms.

Furthermore, maintenance intervals are reduced, so resulting in a much lower cost of ownership.

Specific features include the ability to offer the higher peak temperature requirements and smaller process windows required for lead-free soldering.

The OmniFlex 7 features a temperature process capability to 350 deg C, high-efficiency heat transfer and exceptional zone-to-zone seperation, so enabling easy lead-free processing.

Further design enhancements include standard closed-loop blower control and an advanced chamber design for more balanced airflow with minimal turbulence.

This improves heat transfer and substantially reduces power and nitrogen consumption.

Another significant feature is the VariCool cooling technology.

The nitrogen cooling module consists of vertical cooling chambers that offer independent, closed-loop variable blower control for precise control of cooling profiles and assembly exit temperatures.

Finally, a proprietary self-cleaning Flux Extraction System (FES) continuously filters, traps and collects flux volatile particles throughout the pre-heat, soak and reflow zones.

These particles are collected in containment jars that can be quickly and easily removed.

This self-cleaning process significantly reduces the need for maintenance, so increasing system uptime.

'Speedline's new OmniFlex 7 offers a completely advanced, flexible design,' said Mike Rapson, managing director at Contax.

'It is fully lead-free compatible and offers all the features that our customers need - low energy and nitrogen consumption and a self-cleaning FES facility.

This results in a very cost and energy efficient system that offers an excellent return on investment,' he said.

* About Contax - Contax is one of the UK and Ireland's most comprehensive suppliers of automation equipment.

Products range from PCB assembly, automatic optical and X-ray inspection, reflow solder, screen printing, precision liquid dispensing, cable preparation, robotic soldering and robotic assembly as well as cleaning systems.