Process · Selective Soldering
Selective-soldering systems: targeted THT joints
Selective soldering delivers flux, heat and solder precisely to defined THT joints. It is particularly useful when only certain areas of a populated PCB need soldering.
How selective soldering works.
A drop-jet fluxer applies flux locally. Preheating then prepares the assembly thermally; the local solder wave wets the selected joints. Electromagnetic pumps control the solder wave in Ultra systems. The compact Star-1 uses a mechanical pump.
Typical application
An assembly may be densely populated or have joints with different thermal demands. The process is set using actual PCBs, component limits and a qualified soldering trial.
What matters when choosing a system.
Start with PCB format
Check length and width, including carrier, component overhang and conveyor. Format limits are listed on each model page.
Offline or inline
Offline systems suit a standalone soldering cell. Inline systems integrate the process into the line’s material flow.
Number of solder pots
One, two or four solder pots allow different process configurations. More solder pots alone do not indicate the achievable cycle time.
Thermal profile
Copper areas, PCB thickness and component limits determine preheating needs and what must be tested on a sample.
Matching systems.
Compare systems
Ultra-i2
The Ultra-i2 combines two fluxers and two electromagnetic solder pots in an offline system. For THT assemblies and flexible manufacturing tasks.
460 × 510 mm PCB formatOffline
Ultra-i4/41
The Ultra-i4/41 is designed for inline selective soldering. Four electromagnetic pumps and software-controlled axes support series production.
600 × 600 mm PCB formatInline
Star-1
Benchtop system with drop-jet fluxer, mechanical pump and automatic wave-height calibration.
350 × 300 mm PCB formatOffline
Ultra-i1
System with drop-jet fluxer, electromagnetic pump and camera for fiducials and board scanning.
460 × 510 mm PCB formatOffline
Ultra-i2/2
Inline system with two drop-jet fluxers and two electromagnetic pumps.
600 × 600 mm PCB formatInline
Ultra-i2/41
Inline system with one drop-jet fluxer, two electromagnetic pumps and servo axes.
600 × 600 mm PCB formatInline
Ultra-i2/52
Inline system with drop-jet fluxer and two electromagnetic pumps.
600 × 600 mm PCB formatInline
Ultra-i4/52
Inline system with four electromagnetic pumps for single, dual and four-up PCBs.
600 × 600 mm PCB formatInlineFrequently asked questions about selective soldering.
When does selective soldering make sense?
When defined THT joints need targeted processing and the whole assembly should not pass over a continuous solder wave. Suitability must be checked on the actual assembly.
What is the most important initial size measurement?
The maximum PCB format, including production panel or carrier. Then consider component heights, joint accessibility and line requirements.
What data is needed for a soldering trial?
PCB layout, hole pattern, component population, flux and solder, quality criteria and sample assemblies.
Your process begins
with your assembly.
Tell us the format, application and desired production integration.