You can pick from two main S&M Wave Solder Equipment models:
SA-350 is good for small or medium jobs. It works well and is dependable.
SA-450 is better for making more products. It gives you more control over the process.
Key Takeaways
Pick the SA-350 for small or medium jobs. You can set it up easily. It is simple to take care of. This makes it good for prototypes. It works well for small batches.
Pick the SA-450 for bigger jobs. It can handle more work. It has better controls. It uses automation to help you. This is great for busy factories.
Both models work with lead-free soldering. They have parts you can change easily. This helps with fixing and cleaning. They have safety features to stop overheating.
S&M Wave Solder Equipment
SA-350
The SA-350 model is good for small jobs. It works well for medium production runs, too. This machine fits assembly lines with small batches. It is also good for making prototypes. You get steady soldering results every time. The controls are simple and easy to use. The SA-350 is best when you want a reliable machine. It is also great if you want things to be simple.
Many people pick the SA-350 because it is easy to set up. It is also simple to take care of. You can change the conveyor speed quickly. You can also adjust the solder temperature quickly. This helps match your board’s needs. Sometimes, you may have problems. You might see low soldering temperature or poor wetting. These issues happen if the conveyor moves too fast. They can also happen if the preheating temperature drops. You can fix temperature problems by checking the fan. You can ground the thermocouple. You can also replace the temperature module.
Tip: Watch the solder bath for changes in metal. Copper, lead, iron, gold, and nickel can mix into the solder. This happens during operation. It is more common if you use different board finishes.
Issue Description | Causes |
|---|---|
Low soldering temperature | Conveyor belt speed too fast; low PCB preheating temperature |
Insufficient solder | High preheating temperature; large cartridge hole; poor metallization |
Poor wetting | Low soldering temperature; poor flux activity; fast conveyor speed |
SA-450
Pick the SA-450 model if you need to make more products. This Wave Solder Equipment is good for bigger jobs. It gives you more control over soldering. The SA-450 works well in busy places. It has advanced features and automation.
You can adjust the SA-450 for different boards. You can change settings for each batch. The machine supports complex assemblies. You may have trouble with the temperature sometimes. You can fix this by turning on the fan. You can ground the thermocouple. You can also replace the temperature module.
Cause of Temperature Instability | Troubleshooting Method |
|---|---|
The fan is not turned on | Turn on the flow solder machine fan |
The thermocouple is not grounded | Ground the shielded wire of the thermocouple |
Problems with the temperature measurement module | Replace the temperature measurement module |
Some materials can mix into the solder bath while working:
Copper comes from circuit board finishes.
Lead comes from tin-lead finishes.
Iron comes from machine parts.
Gold comes from ENIG or hard gold finishes.
Nickel comes from component leads.
The SA-450 gives you more options. It helps you meet strict quality rules. It supports nonstop production. You can use it for regular soldering. You can also use it for lead-free soldering.
Features and Specs
Key Features
Both the SA-350 and SA-450 have advanced features. These Wave Solder Equipment models use a modular design. This makes it easy to fix or clean them. You can use English or Chinese on Windows 10. The Siemens PLC control system helps the machine work well. There is a four-stage preheating zone. This helps make your products better. Both models have a pressure tank for steady flux spraying. They also have an automatic system to add flux.
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Operating System | Windows 10 with English/Chinese interface switching |
Design | Modular design for easy maintenance |
Preheating Zone | Four-stage independent drawer type |
Tin Furnace | Electric lifting and running mechanism for dual operation |
Safety | Heating the secondary monitoring system to prevent overheating |
Flux System | Pressure tank constant pressure storage |
Alarms | Sound and light alarms for operational deviations |
Control System | Siemens PLC control with imported main devices |
Hot Air Preheating | Three-stage independent drawer full hot air preheating zone |
Flux Addition | Standard automatic flux addition system |
Control Switch | Electric lifting and walking double control switch |
Technical Specs
Both models let you control the temperature very well. The preheating zones use hot air for even heating. The tin furnace moves up and down with electricity. This makes it safer to use. The Siemens PLC control system keeps things running smoothly. If something is wrong, you will hear and see alarms. The flux system keeps the pressure steady. This helps spray flux the same way every time. Both models work for regular and lead-free soldering.
Note: You can change the conveyor speed and solder temperature. This helps you match what your board needs.
Unique Points
S&M Wave Solder Equipment has some special features. The modular design makes fixing and cleaning simple. The four-stage preheating zone helps you get better soldering. The automatic flux addition system saves time and lowers mistakes. The tin furnace moves up and down with electricity for safety. There is also a heating monitor. This keeps your boards safe from getting too hot.
Wave Solder Equipment Comparison
Performance
You want reliable performance from your Wave Solder Equipment. The SA-350 gives you steady results for small and medium jobs. It heats up fast and keeps the temperature stable. The SA-450 offers more advanced control. You can fine-tune settings for complex boards. Many users find the SA-450 matches the performance of top brands like Ersa and Manncorp.
Capacity
Capacity matters when you plan your production. The SA-350 handles small batches and prototypes well. You can run a few boards at a time. The SA-450 supports higher volumes. It works best for busy lines and larger orders. If you compare with Electrovert models, the SA-450 stands out for its batch size and speed.
Model | Best For | Board Throughput |
|---|---|---|
SA-350 | Small/Medium Jobs | Low to Medium |
SA-450 | Large Production | High |
Automation
Automation helps you save time and reduce errors. The SA-350 has basic automation for easy use. The SA-450 includes more automated features. You get automatic flux addition and advanced controls. These features help you keep up with industry leaders.
Tip: Choose more automation if you want to lower manual work and boost consistency.
Production Scale
You should match your Wave Solder Equipment to your production scale. The SA-350 fits small shops or R&D labs. The SA-450 suits factories with high output. Both models give you flexibility, but the SA-450 supports nonstop production.
Choosing a Model
Production Needs
You should start by looking at your production needs. Think about how many boards you want to solder each day. The SA-350 works best for small or medium batches. If you run a research lab or a small assembly line, this model gives you steady results. The SA-450 fits high-volume production. You can use it in a busy factory. This model handles nonstop work and larger orders. You should also consider the type of soldering you need. Through-hole and surface-mount boards may need different settings.
Technical Fit
You need to match the machine to your technical setup. Check the size of your printed circuit boards. The SA-350 supports standard board sizes. The SA-450 can handle bigger and more complex boards. Look at your conveyor system. If you need to change speeds or settings often, the SA-450 gives you more control. You should also think about your team’s skills. The SA-350 has simple controls. Your staff can learn to use it quickly. The SA-450 offers advanced features for skilled operators.
Selection Tips
Tip: Make a checklist before you choose your wave solder equipment. This helps you compare models and avoid mistakes.
Understand the type of soldering you need (through-hole or surface-mount).
Assess your product volume and variety to pick the right conveyor system.
Know your board sizes to select the best wave soldering system.
Evaluate your support resources for maintenance and operation.
Consult with a wave soldering system manufacturer for expert advice.
Criteria | SA-350 | SA-450 |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Small/Medium Production | High-Volume Production |
Board Size | Standard | Large/Complex |
User Skill Level | Beginner/Intermediate | Advanced |
Automation Level | Basic | Advanced |
You can choose the SA-350 for small jobs. The SA-450 works for big jobs. It is important to know what each model does. This helps you pick the right one. Look at the table below. It shows how the process is different for each choice:
Factor | Wave Soldering (SA-350/SA-450) | Selective Soldering |
|---|---|---|
Process | Entire board | Targeted areas |
Speed | Fast | Slower |
FAQ
How often should you clean the solder bath?
Clean the solder bath after each production run. Cleaning often stops contamination. It helps keep solder joints strong and good.
Can you use lead-free solder with both models?
You can use lead-free solder with the SA-350 and SA-450. Both machines work for lead-free and regular soldering.
What safety features do these machines offer?
Both machines have:
Protection from overheating
Alarms that use sound and light
A system that adds flux by itself
A tin furnace that lifts with electricity