Hi Jim,
We're just using an eight channel data-logger from Pico in the UK, a freeware package downloaded from their website
(www.picotech.co.uk), and three or four type-K thermocouples. Total cost, around five or six hundred NZ dollars (US$200-300). If you
are running a small number of products (ie if you're a small OEM), I don't think the flash profilers and predicting software are
really necessary - all the basics; ramp rate, time above liquidous, peak temp. of MVC (most vulnerable component) etc. can still be
easily measured using this basic set-up. Obtain the preferred profile from your solder paste manufacturer before you start...

Regards,

Justin Braime
Process Engineer - Compuspec Industries
1a Niall Burgess Rd, Mt Wellington
Auckland, New Zealand
[log in to unmask]
www.compuspec.com
Ph: +64-9-574 1990
Fax: +64-9-574 1988

----- Original Message -----
From: West, Jim
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Saturday, October 09, 1999 9:47 AM
Subject: [TN] Profiling


Hi everyone,

We are a small(low to medium) assembler and we have a small 3 zone table top
reflow oven for our soldering process.  I have been doing the old trial and
error routine and making temperature adjustments and conveyor speed
adjustments to achieve good solder joints.  I have been wanting to check my
profile, but I don't have the fancy equipment to do so.  I do however have a
meter that reads temperature and a K-type thermocouple that I could run
through with the board by attaching the thermocouple with high temp solder.
I need help on the proper procedure for doing this and any ideas or
concerns.  Also, what is out there on the market that is simple and not
expensive(if anything), that I can use to do profiling?  What do you guys
recommend?  What is everyone using to do profiling?



Thanks,

Jim West
Manufacturing Engineer