Reflow Methods

Convection Oven
	Area Heated Whole product. Key Features Non-contact heating Tight peak temperature control Uniform heating across product High throughput
Diode Laser
	Area Heated Area of laser focus and surrounding area through conduction. Key Features Non-contact heating Area of focus can be as small as 0.6mm Precise energy output control Energy absorption is material-dependent
Focused Hot Air
	Area Heated Area defined by nozzle design, air dispersion, and conduction. Key Features Non-contact heating More local than a convection oven Tight temperature control
Hot Bar / Thermode
	Area Heated Area of contact and surrounding area through conduction. Key Features Contact heating Heat transfer dependent on surface area of contact Thermodes wear with use
Hot Plate
	Area Heated Entire product through conduction from contact surface out to extremities. Key Features Contact heating Heating rate dependent on contact surface area Heats from the “bottom” up
Induction
	Area Heated All conductive materials within inductive field and surrounding area through conduction. Field strength decreases with the square of the distance. Key Features Non-contact heating Available in very high energy capacity Heats materials with higher electrical resistance faster (e.g. steel faster than copper) Field shape is a function of coil shape
Infra Red (IR)
	Area Heated Area of IR exposure and surrounding area through conduction. Key Features Non-contact heating Energy absorption is material dependent with metals being poor absorbers Area of IR exposure can vary from as small as an 8mm spot to a theoretically unlimited area
Resistance
	Area Heated Conductive material between electrodes. Key Features Contact heating Performance partly dependent on contact area between part and electrodes
Soldering Iron
	Area Heated Point touched and surrounding area through conduction. Key Features Contact heating Heat transfer dependent on surface area of contact Tips wear with use
Torch
	Area Heated Area of flame focus and surrounding area through conduction. Key Features No physical contact; flame touches part Available in very high energy capacity; with increased capacity comes increased flame size Open flame ignites flammable materials