Choosing a brand for BGA rework stations may pose some confusion, especially for those who are new to this field. However, purchasing a high-quality and practical BGA rework device requires consideration of several factors. For example, the choice between three-zone and two-zone temperature control, the specific size of the PCBAs you’ll be working with, and other factors play crucial roles in determining which brand of BGA rework station is the best fit for your needs. Below, I’ll provide some guidance on how to select a brand for BGA rework stations.
- Know Your Requirements: Before purchasing a brand of BGA rework station, it’s essential to determine the specifications of the BGA chips you’ll be working with. The chip specifications will influence the selection of nozzle sizes. Additionally, you should be clear about the size of the PCBAs you’ll be working on. It’s necessary to choose a BGA rework station with a rework area larger than the PCB size. If the rework area is too small, proper preheating of the PCB may become difficult, leading to issues such as deformation, bubbling, discoloration, or delamination. Therefore, selecting a brand of BGA rework station with a larger rework area allows for a wider range of rework capabilities.
- Clarify Your Rework Requirements and Budget: Understand your rework requirements and determine the budget you can afford. Then, choose a brand based on its functionalities while considering pre-sales, in-sales, and after-sales services. When it comes to functionality, it’s recommended to select a machine with a high yield rate and ease of operation. For example, Silman Tech’s fully automatic BGA rework station DEZ-R850 can automatically complete chip removal and mounting steps without the need for manual intervention, resulting in a high yield rate.
- Consider Temperature Stability: When selecting a brand of BGA rework station, opt for one with minimal temperature differences between zones. This is a practical consideration based on experience. A smaller temperature difference typically correlates with a higher success rate in rework. Temperature accuracy is crucial for BGA rework stations, with an industry standard of ±3 degrees Celsius. Currently, most machines on the market use three-zone temperature control. I recommend choosing a brand that offers three-zone temperature control for better results.
- Quality Over Appearance: It’s essential to consider the product quality when selecting a brand of BGA rework station. This includes factors such as the machine’s workmanship, temperature accuracy meeting industry standards, and temperature control. A BGA rework station with PLC-controlled temperature stability is an indicator of a good brand. Additionally, a machine with integrated upper heating and mounting head design, automatic recognition of component height, and automatic soldering and desoldering functions is desirable.
In conclusion, the selection of a brand for BGA rework stations requires careful consideration of various factors. If your rework volume is not significant, using a hot air gun may suffice, as the most crucial factor is the low price of the hot air gun. However, if you prefer to purchase a branded BGA rework station, don’t just focus on cost savings. Opting for a reputable brand offers better assurance in terms of design, lifespan, and after-sales support.