RPS Vector Selective Soldering

The Vector supports boards from 1 × 1 in (≈ 25 × 25 mm) up to 18 × 18 in (≈ 460 × 460 mm).

It offers a repeatability of ± 0.05 mm, with a lead-screw and closed-loop servo motion system for the X/Y/Z axes.

• Standard “keep away” is 6 mm lead length tolerance.
• Nozzles support from 1.5 mm standard, capable down to 0.5 mm with custom setup.

The Vector uses a closed-loop temperature controlled nitrogen insertion process (“mini-wave”) to maintain wave stability and better solder quality. It has PID temperature control from 0-400 °C ±2 °C.

• Flux options include spray fluxer (stainless steel), drop-jet fluxer (0.5-2 mm), and ultrasonic fluxer (1-5 mm) depending on solids content.
• Solder pot capacity of ~ 60 lbs (≈ 27 kg) with multiple nozzle sizes. Maintenance cycles include an 80-hour pump clean.

• Electrical: 208-240 VAC, single-phase, 30 amp supply.
• Nitrogen: inert atmosphere with < 20 ppm O₂, ~ 30-35 SCFH (standard cubic feet per hour).
• Size: Rough footprints are ~ 58 × 55 × 50 in (for standard), larger if the inline/SMEMA option is used. Weight about 450 kg (≈ 1000 lbs).

The machine handles dip & drag soldering, point-to-point / wire bond and other through-hole operations that were traditionally done by hand or wave. It’s designed for low to mid-volume production with high mix. Programming is fast (minutes), and nozzles are designed for wave stability.

Benefits:

• Space-saving footprint vs full wave soldering lines.
• Lower dross (solder waste) production (1-2 oz per shift typical).
• High accuracy, good thermal control, configurable for various soldering styles.

Trade-offs / Considerations:

• Requires clean dry nitrogen supply and good environmental control to achieve the best thermal results.
• Operational training needed for setting up nozzles, keep-away distances, proper flux chemistry etc.
• Maintenance: while low, pumps, fluxer systems, solder pot cleaning still require regular upkeep.
• For very large/tall boards or extremely high throughput, a selective solder machine may still be slower than wave for mass through-hole volumes.