Process · Robotic Soldering
Soldering robots for automated THT soldering tasks
Soldering robots automate repeatable joints with a heated tip and programmed solder-wire feed. The iBot series combines CCD-assisted teaching, motion axes and process parameters in a stand-alone production cell.
Automated soldering with a tool and wire.
In robotic soldering, a heated tip is guided to the joint while the system feeds solder wire according to the programmed sequence. Position, soldering time, temperature and wire feed are matched to the individual joint.
The iBot series uses an industrial controller for motion axes and wire feed. CCD-assisted teaching and fiducial recognition support programming, and automatic tip cleaning is among the described functions.
Typical applications
Potential applications include accessible THT joints, recurring manual-soldering tasks, cable or terminal joints and assemblies where a guided soldering tool can safely reach the target. Suitability is checked with the actual fixture and a sample assembly.
Process stages
First, the assembly and fixture are set up and reference points are taught. The tool then moves to the programmed joints, applies heat and wire, and cleans the tip according to the sequence. Finally, joints and process parameters are assessed against the requirements.
What matters when choosing a system.
Working area and fixturing
Required travel follows from the workpiece, fixture, component overhangs and joint positions. Operator access and possible table changes also belong in the cycle-time assessment.
Joint accessibility
The soldering tip and wire must reach the joint at a suitable angle. Tight spacing, tall neighbouring components or concealed terminals can limit the process.
Tip, wire and heat demand
Tip geometry, wire diameter, temperature range, contact time and the thermal mass of the joint must work together. An optional preheating platform can be evaluated for higher heat demand.
One or two worktables
A second worktable can support loading and unloading while processing continues. The actual benefit depends on soldering time, handling and the safety concept.
One or two tools
The range includes versions with one soldering tool, two soldering tools, or one soldering and one fluxing head. The required sequence determines which arrangement fits.
Soldering robot or selective soldering system?
A soldering robot works with a soldering tip and fed solder wire. It resembles a repeatably guided manual-soldering process and primarily suits accessible individual joints or special soldering tasks.
A selective soldering system typically combines fluxing, preheating and local wave soldering with one or more nozzles. It is considered when defined THT areas are to be processed with a mini-wave process.
The assembly determines the choice
Number and position of joints, thermal mass, required cycle time, product changes, fixturing and desired line integration determine the suitable process. A sample process provides a stronger basis than selection by volume alone.
When to evaluate another process
Wave soldering can be relevant for assemblies with many THT joints. Selective soldering may fit localised areas that require fluxing and preheating. Compare processes against the assembly, quality objective and production flow.
iBot models at a glance.
iBot-1
One soldering tool and one worktable for the standard soldering process in the series.
iBot-2
One soldering tool and two worktables. This version supports alternating between two fixtures or parallel handling.
iBot-i1-2s
Two soldering tools at one workstation. This configuration is evaluated when the intended sequence requires two tools.
iBot-1-fs
One soldering head and one dispensing head for flux, allowing flux application and subsequent soldering to be planned in one robotic sequence.
Optional additions
A preheating platform and a smoke hood for connection to a fume extraction system are described as options for the series. Scope of supply is defined for the model and project.
Matching systems.
Compare systems
These details are needed for process definition.
Drawings or photos help with an initial assessment. A representative assembly with the intended fixture, soldering material and clearly defined quality requirements remains decisive.
Use a sample process
The sample allows accessibility, tip geometry, wire feed, heat demand and process time to be evaluated together. This shows whether a soldering robot can perform the task reliably or whether another soldering process fits better.
Important project data.
Workpiece and fixture
Dimensions, weight, fixturing, component heights, joint positions and permitted access directions.
Soldering task
Solder alloy, wire diameter, joint geometry, thermal mass, quality objective and target process parameters.
Production flow
Volume, product variants, loading and unloading, target cycle time, extraction, documentation and interface requirements.
Frequently asked questions about soldering robots.
When is a soldering robot suitable?
When repeatable and accessible joints can be processed with defined tool movement, temperature, contact time and wire feed. A sample evaluation confirms suitability.
How does robotic soldering differ from selective soldering?
The robot uses a soldering tip and solder wire. A selective soldering system uses a local wave process with fluxing and preheating. The assembly, cycle and quality objective determine the choice.
Can preheating be added?
A preheating platform is described as an option for the iBot series. Whether it is required depends on joint heat demand and the sample process.
How is the iBot series programmed?
The series is described with CCD-assisted teaching and fiducial recognition. Motion path, wire feed and soldering time are set in the program for the task.
What should be provided for a soldering trial?
A representative assembly, intended fixture, solder and wire, quality requirements, plus information about volume, cycle time and product variants.
Further technical guidance.
Selective soldering as an alternative ↗
Compare the soldering robot’s tool process with the local mini-wave process used in a selective soldering system.
Selective or wave soldering? ↗
Assess two additional automated THT processes according to assembly and production flow.
Selection begins
at the solder joint.
Send us the assembly, soldering task, fixture and required process time.