'Dross Grabber' helps save money and improve process
31 July 2002Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Wave and selective soldering systems users unintentionally throw away tons of valuable good, usable solder each year in 'dross', the film of oxides and contaminants skimmed regularly from the surface of their solder pots. This is because up to 70% of all dross removed is actually good solder, mixed in with the waste. According to Vitronics Soltec, with the advent of more expensive lead-free solders and their required higher temperatures, the losses associated with dross removal are even more wasteful.
The company has developed a new Dross Grabber that separates good solder from real dross, and returns the usable solder to the pot, while pulverising and isolating the real waste material for easy handling and disposal or recycling.
Dross is formed not only by metal oxides and contaminants of chemical agents, but also from nonoxidised solder. During oxidation, nuclei of solder form and are consequently enveloped by oxides. These clusters of such units form in the dross. When the dross is manually scooped away, not only are metal oxides and contaminants removed, but also a considerable amount of usable solder. This results in the waste of a large quantity of solder. Generally, 50-75% of the material usually thrown away as dross is actually good solder. Lead-free solders require higher temperatures, so oxidation/dross formation is more rapid. Costs/losses due to throwing away more expensive lead-free solder material are thus multiplied.
The Vitronics Soltec standard 'Dross Management' system funnels or directs all dross to the front of the solder pot, and prevents dross from entering the pumps and solder nozzles. As an addition to this Dross Management system, 'Dross Grabber' is a technology that automatically cuts, reduces and removes dross from the system during operation. It automatically pulverises dross in a separate dross compartment, using special (user-adjustable frequency) cutters that cut into the nuclei of good solder and dross, destroying the oxide envelope and allowing the usable solder to rejoin the reserve of solder in the solder pot. The remaining dross is powdered and disposed of.
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.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version