Welding robot
The Robot Hot Solder is a versatile tool with many applications, such as its ability to convert component alloys, refresh oxidized alloys and mitigate whiskers. If you’re looking to extend the life of your electronic equipment and reduce replacement costs, you’ve come to the right place.
+ More than 100 customers supported
Our processes
Why use a welding robot?
How does the robot work?
➀
Micro
Device
A new hot soldering to eliminate the Tin Whisker wires that can develop from tinning. Tin whiskers can cause short circuits, and the most common method of eliminating them is to convert the lead-free coating to tin/lead. And new components are only sold in lead-free versions!
However, small components cannot be handled in an automated process, making manual handling a risky proposition.
Some manufacturers use solder paste, but this does not protect against tin whiskers, as a NASA study has shown. The new immersion hot soldering device offers a complete global solution for the industry’s tinning needs.
Solder paste defect
The success of immersion soldering as a protection solution against tin whiskers depends directly on the coating of the exposed tin-plated surface. As component size decreases, the distance between connections narrows, increasing the risk of short circuits caused by tin whiskers. On high-density PCBs, there is an additional risk of short-circuiting adjacent components.
nnovative Retronix Europe process (Patent pending)
An automated process designed exclusively by Retronix Europe to tin micro-components such as 0402, 0603, SOT’s to GEIA standards, the industry now has a complete, all-inclusive solution for its tinning needs.
②
Conversion
alloy
automated
We offer a complete BOM alloy conversion process, which is a rarity in the industry. At Retronix Europe, we use a fully automated alloy conversion system to ensure that devices do not suffer excessive exposure to heat, weather or abrasion, and meet GEIA-STD -0006 standards.
We have also developed a technology for tinning micro-components, including 0402, 0603 and SOT, in compliance with the GEIA STD standard. This complete solution meets the tinning needs of industry.
Since the lead ban, electronics manufacturers have been working on different strategies to avoid tin wires, with varying degrees of success. Some manufacturers apply solder paste to components to guard against it, but this can be risky, as the lead solder in solder only covers the sides of the connection and doesn’t reach the top surface.
If you’re looking to extend the life of your electronic equipment and avoid compensated replacement costs, alloy conversion can be an effective solution.
Retronix plays a role in the circular economy
A circular economy is vital if we are to transform the impact of the electronics industry on human health, the environment and biodiversity. It is essentially based on the principles of eliminating waste and pollution, conserving products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.
③
Atténuation
Tin Whiskers
Tin whiskers are fine filaments that form on the metal surfaces of electronic components, such as printed circuit boards, chips and connectors. These filaments can cause short circuits, equipment failure and irreversible damage.
- Shoring stresses
- Microfractures
- Thin deposit
- Formation of intermetallic compounds
- External stresses, vibrations, shocks
- Thermal imbalance (CTE – Coefficient of thermal expansion) – source NASA
What’s the solution?
Retronix Europe’s innovative solution involves converting the pure tin connection alloy into a lead-containing alloy, in line with rigorous industry standards. The process is fully automated and reproducible, guaranteeing accurate and reliable conversion.
Retronix Europe is one of the few companies to offer complete BOM conversion, in compliance with GEIA-STD-0006.
Rigorous mechanical controls, as well as XRF alloy composition control and an internal verification process, are in place to provide fully traceable reports. In addition, a bespoke factory system is used to ensure consistent quality and state-of-the-art service to our customers.
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Alloy cooling
With the current shortage of semiconductors, companies are forced to use up their component stock, including those that have been in storage for some time.
However, these components can present problems of oxidation and other damage due to improper handling and storage, which can lead to soldering failures during PCB assembly.
Retronix offers a solution by performing weldability tests to determine whether the components are still usable, and if so, refreshing the alloy to restore the components to like-new condition.
Although companies often take steps to store their electronic components correctly, it is difficult to guarantee total protection against oxidation and other long-term damage. Tin whiskers, intermetallisation, intermetallic substances and diffusion of metallization are known risks of long-term storage, as detailed in GEIA-STD-0003A.
Companies that fail to consider the value of their components can end up throwing away parts that could still be useful, wasting precious resources.
Retronix EUROPE
Qualification & Trust
