Applications

PCB soldering

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the foundation of modern electronics, and high-quality soldering is critical to their performance. With the Pneumatech PPNG HE, you can produce your own nitrogen to create an inert atmosphere that prevents oxidation and ensures superior soldering results.

Expert on-site nitrogen solutions for PCB soldering

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are essential in electrical assembly. The electrical devices we use every day, from cell phones to computers and televisions, cannot operate without them. The production of these PCBs requires soldering. Which is where nitrogen comes in. It creates an inert atmosphere to avoid oxygen reacting with the solder and creating an oxide layer that can lead to quality problems. Producing your own nitrogen for PCB soldering with the Pneumatech PPNG HE offers a host of benefits.

What role does nitrogen play in PCB soldering?

In PCB soldering, a conductive material is melted to connect electrical components, such as capacitors, LEDs, and transistors, to the circuit board. Because of its inert nature, nitrogen is used in all types of PCB soldering to ensure the process is free from oxygen. In selective soldering, nitrogen keeps the soldering pot(s) inert. Wave and reflow soldering rely on nitrogen to inert the complete chamber.

Nitrogen requirements of PCB soldering

PCBs require precision manufacturing which comes with specific nitrogen requirements:

  • Reliability: Without nitrogen, PCB production (often fully automated and 24/7) stops. That means its nitrogen supply must be absolutely reliable.
 
  • Flexible flow: The nitrogen flow in selective soldering is stable. Reflow soldering uses much more nitrogen during start-up. PCB nitrogen systems must be able to meet the needs of all soldering processes, including peak demand.
 
  • The right purity: Selective soldering can require a very high nitrogen purity, whereas wave soldering can work with a lower purity. The ideal PCB soldering nitrogen solution can meet all these standards without unnecessarily overspecifying.
 
  • High nitrogen quality: PCBs are delicate pieces of equipment. Any contamination of nitrogen with dust particles or oil vapors could damage them, which makes high nitrogen quality a key requirement.
 
  • Cost savings: The cost of using nitrogen adds up. Keeping nitrogen expenses down is crucial to lowering operating costs.
     

Sustainable production: Sustainability has become a top operational priority that nitrogen solutions must also meet.

On-site generation of nitrogen for PCB soldering – the preferred solution

Many PCB manufacturing facilities still rely on purchasing nitrogen, but generating it on-site offers clear advantages. It is far more cost-efficient, helping you save money while also reducing your environmental footprint by eliminating the need for bottled or liquid nitrogen deliveries. By producing your own supply, you gain greater control and independence, while also avoiding the hassle and complications of external supply logistics.

Take your PCB soldering to the next level with the PPNG HE

The PPNG HE is Pneumatech’s premium PSA nitrogen generator, giving PCB production facilities top nitrogen purity and quality, reliability, and cost savings:
 

  • Flexible flow: The PPNG HE can produce a stable flow for selective soldering but also meet the peak demand of reflow soldering.
 
  • Cost savings: Thanks to an innovative PSA cycle and high-quality CMS, the PPNG HE offers best-in-class efficiency. The Variable Flow Saver algorithm ensures up to 40% additional energy savings at low load.
 
  • High purity: The PPNG HE produces the nitrogen purity, up to 99.999% if needed, specific soldering processes demand.
 
  • Advanced monitoring and control: The PurelogicTM controller checks feed air and nitrogen quality. It also provides optional 24/7 real time remote monitoring of flow, pressure, purity and all other key data
 
  • Long lifetime: Thanks to its protective features, the PPNG HE offers a long lifetime of reliable operation. Its CMS will last at least 15 years at full load.
 
  • Sustainability: Producing nitrogen on-site eliminates delivery transportation emissions. The PPNG HE’s energy savings also contribute to meeting your energy efficiency goals.
PPNG 6-90 HE nitrogen generator front view

More than just a superior product

Pneumatech offers you more than “just” the best nitrogen generator on the market. We can also provide oxygen generators and all your air and gas treatment equipment.

PCB soldering application brochure

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Filename
Pneumatech_PPNG_HE_App_Leaflet_PCB_Soldering_ENG_6999901100_LR.pdf
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Get in touch

Contact us with the details of your application and its requirements, such as your nitrogen usage or the size of generator you need. Our experts will put together the best on-site solution for you. If you don’t have that information or need help, they are ready to help you through the specification process.