Wave soldering system combines proven core subsystem design with all the latest technological developments for lead-free alloys, including spray fluxing and preheat modules.

Production automation specialist, Contax, is announcing the availability of the Speedline Electrovert VectraElite wave soldering system. Following its global launch at Productronica in November 2005, this new machine is now available exclusively from Contax in the UK, Benelux and Ireland. As the next generation of its highly successful Vectra wave soldering system, the VectraElite combines proven core subsystem design with all the latest technological developments for lead-free alloys.

New features include: Optima and ServoJet spray fluxing systems, upper High Velocity Convection (HVC) preheat module, Post Wave Cooling (PWC) module, UltraFill nozzle technology, and a host of system wide improvements such as expanded system wide access, reduced ventilation requirement, and an advanced control system.

* ServoJet and Optima Spray Fluxing Systems - two newly developed advanced spray fluxing systems designed to yield optimum performance for lead-free applications.

The VectraElite benefits from the most advanced reciprocating spray fluxing systems in the industry.

This is due to its combination of the ServoJet, which provides high velocity flux jetting technology with concentric air atomisation and the Optima, which features the latest in Ultra-Spray ultrasonic technology along with its Smart Motion traversing mechanism.

Along with programmable selective spray and self cleaning features, both of these advanced spray fluxing systems provide exceptional deposition uniformity and complete flux penetration of plated-via holes.

* Post Wave Cooling (PWC) Module - this provides accelerated cooling capabilities that in addition to reducing product exit temperatures can also reduce the possibility of fillet lifting often associated with lead-free alloys.

'The new VectraElite offers the very latest in wave soldering technology from Speedline,' said Mike Rapson, managing director at Contax.

'In addition to improved system wide access, a new rollout solder pot design, and an advanced control system, the VectraElite offers a number of unique advanced technologies.' These include UltraFill nozzles, upper High Velocity Convection (HVC) preheat module and its advanced range of spray fluxing systems.

'The VectraElite is the most advanced, high performance wave soldering system available in its class, and ideally suited for today's demanding lead-free applications,' 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.

All of this is backed up by Contax's unique support programme called 'hands-on' and an extensive second user department to fully support their installed base.