27 October 2010Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The need to reduce PV (photovoltaic) manufacturing costs, combined with the present shortage of polysilicon feedstock, is driving a steady reduction in wafer and cell thicknesses. Hand soldering of tabs and stringers without causing damage or latent defects to the cells is one of the steps that has become more challenging. Cells can break during the process or crack in the completed modules. Process equipment such as soldering irons must adapt in order to maintain high yields with acceptable mechanical and module reliability as the industry shifts the wafer thickness below 200 microns.
The ability to solder at low, controlled temperatures (connection temperatures must be maintained below 300°C) within a short time window, also reduces the stresses on the cells and the likelihood of micro-cracking, while still producing a controlled, high quality solder joint. OK International’s PS-900-Solar soldering system offers ease of use and unique SmartHeat Technology, which supplies power on demand using a calibration-free system that reacts instantly to changing thermal demands, thus minimising thermally induced stresses on the surface of the solar cells. The system, combined with the specially designed STV-DRH440A hoof tip, optimises the power delivered to the solder joint to provide high performance and efficiency with increased tip life.
Weller limited Black Edition soldering station Testerion
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Weller’s WE1010 Black Edition Soldering Station is a premium limited-edition soldering station.
Read more...Quick and easy shielding Würth Electronics South Africa
Electronics Technology Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Würth Elektronik expands its EMC product portfolio with nanocrystalline WE-FNCS sheets.
Read more...Smarter local buying could reboot South Africa’s manufacturing sector
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
With smarter localisation, clearer procurement rules and a more deliberate industrial strategy, public spending could again become a powerful engine for rebuilding factories, expanding supply chains and restoring confidence in South Africa as a place that makes things.
Read more...The effect of seasonal changes on ESD performance in South Africa Actum
Editor's Choice Circuit & System Protection Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Electrostatic discharge performance is influenced by several environmental factors, with relative humidity being one of the most important. This is particularly relevant in South Africa, where seasonal changes can result in significant differences in humidity levels.
Read more...High precision in-line conformal coating inspection system MyKay Tronics
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Conformal coating is widely used to protect electronics from moisture or other environmental hazards. It is critical to know if coatings are properly applied; covering what is meant to be covered and not covering what should be exposed.
Read more...Soldering day highlights
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
JAPAN UNIX has published a new event report and highlight video from their UNIX SOLDERING DAY 2026 in Hungary. This event reflects on their commitment to supporting manufacturers not only through soldering automation systems, but also through technical education, live demonstrations, hands-on training, and practical engineering know-how.
Read more...Clearing the Static: Electrostatic Discharge Actum
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
A cordless ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) wrist strap does not work by grounding the person in the same way as a traditional wired wrist strap. Instead, it works by reducing or balancing the static charge on your body so that you are less likely to discharge electricity into sensitive electronic components.
Read more...Engineering trust in South Africa’s SMT sector ZETECH ONE
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
From a small Johannesburg start-up to a trusted SMT technology partner, Zetech One has spent four decades helping South African electronics manufacturers improve production quality, efficiency and reliability.
Read more...The new reality of PCB material supply Jemstech
Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
How resilient manufacturing strategies are helping OEMs navigate a changing global supply chain.
Read more...Streamlining Device Programming with the AutoBee-D1 Vepac Electronics
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The AutoBee-D1 desktop automated programmer is designed to simplify the programming of devices, while delivering consistent accuracy, high throughput and reduced manual intervention.
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