Hi Jerry & Douglas,
I would agree with Jerry that 'radiant heating [is] a non-equilibrium
process', but so is heating using forced convection. The only equilibrium
reflow process is vapor phase soldering, where the whole assembly reaches the
same temperature as the oven.
I do not see, why IR-systems utilizing radiator panels in the mid-IR range
should be drifting; the panel temperatures can certainly as accurately
controlled as any forced convection air/nitrogen stream.
I would certainly find the results from an independent research organisation,
like the Fraunhofer Institute, more credible than the PR-hype from a compnay
trying to sell product. Not that I question their integrity, but their
iformation, by definition, serves a different purpose. My own research, and
studies doine at my former emplyer, Bell Labs, would tend to agree with what
Douglas said the Fraunhofer Institute reported.

Werner Engelmaier
Engelmaier Associates, L.C.
Electronic Packaging, Interconnection and Reliability Consulting
7 Jasmine Run
Ormond Beach, FL  32174  USA
Phone: 904-437-8747, Fax: 904-437-8737
E-mail: [log in to unmask]

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