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I am interested in purchasing a rework and repair station for our
production department.  I'd like to get some recommendations from companies
who have used them.  Any suggestions?
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Though I am employee by a Rework and Repair equipment manufacture, don't be
alarmed as I am not here to sell you the product.  I would like to provide you
information one should have for an intelligent purchase.

Requirements - What is it you wish to utilize this equipment for?  Are there
plans to modify this use and does the equipment have the capability to operate
any additional handpieces for future requirements?

Is the equipment constructed to perform over a long life?  This may or may not
be a significant investment for you company.  Either way, equipment which will
maintain useability throughout many years to come will be of greatest value.

Is the equipment user/company friendly?  Ease of use is desired by technicians
but also the company may desire password or lockout capabilities to control the
temperature the technicians operate at.  Unfortunately technicians sometime
have a tendency to operate at temperatures outside company standards.
Equipment which will not allow this provides greater process control.

Is the equipment temperature controlled? - What is the necessary temperature
range desired for operation and can the temperatures be maintained at the
desired temperature?  And is the selected temperature the "actual" temperature
one has at the tip?  The evaluation of this true tip temperature is a necessary
test if process control is desired.

Are tips easy to quickly change if necessary?  Contrary to many technicians,
one tip is not acceptable for all purposes such as one size socket to a
mechanic.  A significant selection of tips must be available and be easily
changed while the handpiece is hot.

Does the manufacture provide various equipment selections to best provide the
best value for your dollar but as mentioned prior, also provide the capability
for enhanced capabilities if the future requires?  In the past 5 years, how may
times have you possibly upgraded your computer?  You may also have the need to
upgrade equipment.  Of course it is cost effective if your selected equipment
can be upgraded or power different handpieces if necessary.

Is calibration necessary?  Equipment that does not require scheduled
calibration is advantageous.  Any scheduled down time is unproductive.

Do the handpieces provide versatility?  The greater capability of each
handpiece establishes greater value for your dollar. (Can the iron both install
and remove components? - Can the solder extractor also remove components? - Can
the Tweezer-type handpiece both remove and install various components?

Does the manufacture provide proper training to best utilize the selected
equipment?  Any equipment is only as good as the human utilizing it and that
person requires training.  You may hear anyone can solder, but to what degree
of acceptability?  And anyone can perform brain surgery but I would prefer
someone trained, wouldn't you?  Is training available is desired?

I hope these thoughts will assist you in making an intelligent equipment
selection.  If I may be of any additional assistance, feel free to contact me.

Marshall Canaday
Applications Specialist / Training Specialist
Pace Incorporated
301-490-9860
Marshall,[log in to unmask]

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