Hi Blue Smurf! We have been using the Omega wave on two pieces of equipment. You will find both opinion camps regarding its utility. After running various DOE's and just listening to the operators observations, I believe that the Omega wave does two things for wave soldered assemblies: a) it allows better penetration of solder into thru holes and vias by applying a vertical or z axis force component to the solder wave; 2) it helps with design layouts that cause component shadowing. Too much Omega wave has resulted in icicles and solder balls. The Omega wave isn't a silver bullet - it won't solve bad design or poor process parameters. The work I have done is all internal and I can't release it but would be happy to discuss things in generic terms over the phone. Dave Hillman Rockwell Collins 319-395-1615 [log in to unmask] ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: OMEGA WAVE Author: [log in to unmask] at ccmgw1 Date: 5/21/96 5:01 PM GREETING FORM BLUE SMURF Question: What is the main function(s) of "OMEGA wave" in wave soldering? A. Eliminate excessive solder, B. Product extra thrust in the entrance region, C. Reduce air trapped under board D. All of the above E. Other Question: Is there any paper, data, or DOE outthere to backup these findings? Thanks for your response