Selective Soldering

Many of today’s printed circuit boards have both through-hole and surface mount components. Selective soldering methods vary in cost and effectiveness, depending on the number of through-hole components, secondary side components, and many other factors. I was very impressed with the automated selective solder process at QPL Electronics Manufacturing Services in Hillsboro, OR. This process is most cost effective if a board has 100 or fewer through-hole pins. This process is especially effective for extra heavy leads, like on a terminal block. Wave soldering often requires rework on these pins while the automated selective soldering system provides control of the soldering duration and depth for each contact. Here is a video of their automated selective solder system in action.

Quality Production Limited is a full service electronics manufacturer in the Portland, OR area. They provide top tier processes, quality and partnership to the mid-tier manufacturing market. Certifications include ISO-AS9100 C, ITAR, ISO 9001:2008 and UL. NADCAP is under way while ISO 13485 certification will begin in 2012. Partnership services include DFT, DFM, Six Sigma Quality Management, Box Build, Repair Depot, 0201, BGA,ICT, Full Functional Testing, Electronic Documentation, RoHS, and NPI Ramp. QPL excels in building high-tech, high-value, high-mix turn-key products. www.qpl-ems.com