Datasheet

32
What is Metcal Smartheat
®
Technology?
OK International is the founder of SmartHeat
®
Soldering Technology. SmartHeat
®
senses the exact thermal require-
ment for each solder joint and responds by delivering the precise amount of thermal energy required to create a reli-
able connection.
The result is a high degree of control without resorting to higher tip idle temperatures required by conventional heater
process technologies. Consequently, the risk of component and board damage is minimized. This is especially
important with the greater thermal demands required by lead-free applications.
Controller
Ergonomic
Hand-piece
Heater
Temperature Sensor
Soldering Tip
Stored Energy
Self-regulating
Tip Cartridge
(see below)
Tip
Heater
Coil
Connector
Conventional Soldering Technology =
Fixed Power / Variable Temperature
Conventional soldering irons are fixed power systems
that store energy in the tip, they don’t adjust power in
response to thermal demand.
The temperature needs to be manually set and
adjusted to vary the amount of thermal energy
applied, the operator can vary the process.
The tip cools as it heats the joint and the heater
reheats the tip, often overshooting the set temperature.
Conventional soldering systems require calibration.
The actual tip temperature can vary widely from set
point, slowing the process and causing thermal damage
and poor solder joint quality.
SmartHeat
®
Soldering Technology =
Variable Power / Fixed Temperature
SmartHeat
®
tips and cartridges sense the load
and instantly deliver the right amount of heat directly
to the solder joint.
The required solder joint temperature drives the
heating process, as opposed to the idle tip
temperature setting (as in a conventional iron).
Operates at lower safer temperatures. Power is
delivered in proportion to the load. SmartHeat
®
technology eliminates overshoot.
No calibration required - saves money and
eliminates system down-time.