Synchronization functions:
Non-stop soldering
The circuit boards pass through the system continuously, increasing throughput by 20 to 40% in most applications. With comparable transport and soldering times, even higher increases are possible.
Space-saving footprint
Due to the minimal movement of the pot and flux in the conveyor direction, all Synchro systems reduce the footprint of the system, with the Synchro 5 reducing the footprint by up to 60% compared to conventional multi-station systems.
High selectivity for large quantities
Process single- and double-sided through-hole and mixed technology applications. Choose the Synchro 3 or 5 for PCBs up to 2500 mm in length and 460 mm in width, or the Synchro 5 XL for PCBs up to 2500 mm in length and 680 mm in width.
Enhanced flexibility
Depending on the system, the device supports up to three or five solder pots, each of which can accommodate different nozzle sizes—without the need to change nozzles.
Synchro base model:
- Synchro 3 – 3 soldering pots
- Synchro 5 and 5 XL – 5 solder pots
- SMEMA conveyor belt with positive circuit board positioning
- Automatic adjustment of conveyor belt width
- MicroDrop drop jet fluxer
- Flux level measurement system
- Solder bath and pump assembly made entirely of titanium
- Quick-change soldering nozzle with magnetic coupling
- SolderWorks Editor and machine control software
How the Synchro works:
Non-stop soldering: The innovative continuous soldering process significantly increases throughput by soldering the PCBs while they are moving on the conveyor belt, eliminating the need to stop at individual stations for registration mark alignment, flux application, preheating, deformation measurement, and soldering. Refilling the solder pot, tinning and identifying the nozzles, and correcting the wave height are carefully integrated to neutralize the impact on cycle time as much as possible. The flexible and adaptable SELECT Synchro system offers fast and efficient processing without compromising quality, making it an attractive option for manufacturers working with a variety of PCB sizes.
Flexible board length: The continuous motion process is not subject to any restrictions in terms of board length, thus offering greater production flexibility. Although the system is designed for applications up to 2.5 meters for optimal performance, it can also process longer boards without any problems, with the program and workload optimized for the most efficient throughput possible. It can work with a wide range of PCB sizes.
Space-saving footprint: The compact design of the SELECT Synchro reduces space requirements by up to 60% compared to conventional selective soldering systems, as there are no stop and positioning mechanisms. With its streamlined and space-saving design, the SELECT Synchro maximizes valuable production space, simplifies integration into various production environments, and optimizes system layout. In most cases, the SELECT Synchro increases throughput compared to conventional selective soldering systems with the same or fewer solder pots.
Lower operating costs: The combination of higher throughput, space-saving design, and flexibility with different PCB sizes results in lower operating costs. Manufacturers can achieve greater efficiency without having to use large and complex equipment, which leads to cost savings in both production and maintenance.
Overall, SELECT Synchro offers significant advantages when processing small to medium-sized PCBs.
The system design and the ability to solder while the PCB is in continuous motion result in higher throughput in a small space. At the same time, it offers the flexibility to process a wide range of PCB sizes and lengths, making it an ideal solution for a broad spectrum of applications.
Guide to the most important functions:
Fiducial recognition and position adjustment during movement
The SELECT Synchro utilizes a unique in-motion feature that enables real-time detection of fiducial marks and automatic position adjustment as PCBs pass through the system.
The In-Motion function offers several key advantages:
- Precise alignment of the flux and solder nozzles.
- Significantly reduced risk of defects for highly reliable solder joints.
- Lower labor costs and minimal process waste, resulting in better operating and opportunity costs.
- Continuous monitoring and automatic correction for improved quality control.
The SELECT Synchro is equipped with the SolderWorks Editor offline software to customize the fiducial recognition program for each process.
Fiducials are detected and offsets measured by using a known “golden sample” image for each program as a reference. The system can refer to unique features of the PCB layout instead of relying solely on standardized fiducial marks. This allows pallets to be processed even if a fiducial mark is obscured—a common scenario in selective soldering.
Maximum process flexibility for series production
Overcome the limitations of traditional, purely parallel soldering systems, where fixed solder pots and nozzles limit flexibility. With Synchro, each solder pot is mounted on its own axis, allowing each nozzle to rotate and align independently in the X and Y directions. This enables precise compensation for each flux and solder position, increases efficiency, and ensures consistently high-quality solder joints.
When a circuit board or pallet enters the system, it is picked up by specially designed transport clamps and moved along. Before fluxing begins, the SELECT Synchro System recognizes the fiducial mark. If there is a positional deviation, the system automatically compensates for it in the XY axis or in the rotation. This adjustment takes place while the circuit board or pallet continues to move along the conveyor belt.
The fiducial system can process individual PCBs, panels, or multiple PCBs in a pallet—it measures and compensates as needed to ensure precise soldering processes at all times.
Synchro 5 – Selective soldering with a focus on sustainability
The SELECT Synchro system detects incorrectly inserted PCBs. If a PCB is identified as incorrectly inserted, the system assigns it the status “X-Out.” This means that the PCB passes through the machine without being fluxed or soldered.
This protective function prevents incorrectly inserted products from being processed further, thereby helping to save time, costs, and material waste.
In-motion warpage compensation
Warpage often occurs in various manufacturing processes. For example, printed circuit boards can warp during the reflow soldering process because uneven thermal cycles cause the inner copper layers of the PCB to deform while surface-mounted components (SMDs) are soldered in the reflow oven.
Selective soldering can also cause PCB warping, which affects the quality and functionality of the final product. Several factors contribute to PCB warping when heat is applied, including:
- Different thermal expansion rates in areas with different copper masses, which creates thermal stresses.
- Low-quality PCB materials or different expansion coefficients between multiple PCB layers.
- Thin printed circuit boards with lower structural rigidity.
- Asymmetrical placement of heavy components, which can lead to uneven warping.
Laser triangulation for distortion compensation
The SELECT Synchro uses unique in-motion technology to measure warping of the PCB in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Based on these measurements, Z-axis corrections are made in real time while the PCB continuously runs through the system. Warping is measured selectively: measurement points are defined in the SolderWorks Editor offline software and customized for each individual process.
When a printed circuit board or pallet enters the system, it is picked up by specially designed transport clamps and transported further. The laser measurements are performed immediately after preheating and before soldering the first components.
If a warp is detected, the system automatically corrects the Z-axis to ensure that the soldering nozzles always maintain the correct distance from the printed circuit board. This adjustment is made while the printed circuit board continues to move on the conveyor belt.
Depending on the SELECT Synchro model, Z-axis compensation is applied to three or five solder nozzles (Synchro 3 or Synchro 5). The system can process individual PCBs, panels, or multiple PCBs in a pallet, with continuous measurement and compensation to ensure precise soldering processes despite warping.
Advantages
By integrating advanced warpage measurement and compensation functions, SELECT Synchro offers an extremely efficient and reliable selective soldering process—even when PCBs are warped. This results in several significant advantages:
- Solder joints are formed under optimal conditions, which improves the overall quality of the soldered connections.
- Irregular soldering due to warping is reduced, minimizing defects.
- Automation, throughput, and efficiency remain at the highest level even with warped printed circuit boards.
- Easy adaptation to different PCB types and configurations, ensuring maximum process flexibility.
Die Nordson Select Integra™ 508.4 is a multi-station selective soldering system,
for mass applications with a high
throughput. Among the outstanding
Features of the Nordson Select Integra™ 508.4 include combined
Fluxing, preheating and soldering. This enables faster
Processing times and reduced cycle times in the
Soldering. The Integra® 508.4PD 2Seg configuration with dual
Fluxer and soldering crucibles can be two individual products in one
Line parallel mode with two segmented conveyor belts
solder. This allows simultaneous, sequential soldering
of two printed circuit boards without having them in one panel or
workpiece carrier must be connected.
Nordson Select Integra 508.3 selective soldering system – Maximum efficiency for series production
The Nordson Select Integra 508.3 was developed specifically for high-throughput mass applications. It combines precision, speed, and flexibility in a robust multi-station system. With a maximum PCB size of 508 x 700 mm, it offers a powerful solution for companies that require maximum productivity and quality in selective soldering.
Maximum productivity through multi-station technology
The Select Integra impresses with its modular architecture and intelligent process control. Thanks to multi-station operation, several printed circuit boards can be processed simultaneously—ideal for series production with short cycle times. The result: consistent quality with maximum throughput.
Flexibility thanks to dual fluxers and segmented conveyor belts
In the Integra 508.3PD 2Seg configuration, the system operates with a dual fluxer system and two solder pots. Two individual products can be processed in inline parallel mode. The segmented conveyor belts enable simultaneous, sequential soldering of two printed circuit boards—without any connection in the panel or workpiece carrier. This increases efficiency and significantly reduces setup times.
Easy to integrate and future-proof
The Nordson Select Integra 508.3 can be seamlessly integrated into existing production lines. Its flexible configurability allows it to be customized to different production requirements. In addition, the intuitive software ensures easy operation and high process reliability.
Innovative selective soldering technology for modern manufacturing
With the Select Integra 508.3, manufacturers are investing in state-of-the-art soldering technology. The system is designed for long-term performance and helps companies achieve precise and reproducible soldering processes.
Nordson Select Cerno 508.1 selective soldering system – precision and performance combined
The Nordson Select Cerno 508.1 selective soldering system is one of the most robust and versatile solutions for precise selective soldering. With an impressive board size of up to 508 x 508 mm, it impresses with its flexibility, speed, and easy integration into any production environment. Whether for single-station or inline production, this system offers maximum efficiency with minimum effort.
Highest precision in selective soldering
The Cerno 508.1 selective soldering system combines fluxing, preheating, and soldering in one compact system. This results in stable solder joints that meet the highest quality standards. Precise control guarantees consistent results, even with complex printed circuit boards.
Three variants for every requirement
Customers can choose between three versions of the Nordson Select Cerno 508.1. Each version covers a wide range of selective soldering requirements—from standard applications to specialized production lines. This means that every company can find the right solution for its manufacturing processes.
Easy integration and high productivity
Thanks to its modular design, the Cerno 508.1 can be easily integrated into existing production lines. The user-friendly software enables intuitive control, while short setup times ensure maximum productivity. The compact design saves space and reduces operating costs.
Future-proof technology
With the Nordson Select Cerno, companies are investing in future-proof technology. Continuous development by Nordson guarantees that future soldering requirements can also be met without any problems.