- Nozzle blockage: It is recommended to clean the suction nozzles promptly after each use with a Silman Tech nozzle cleaning machine to prevent blockage. Some nozzles can be cleared using dedicated cleaning wires, while others may require the use of fine silver needles for unclogging. However, caution must be exercised to avoid damaging the nozzles. Another method is to use a high-pressure air gun for blowing.
- Nozzle whitening: Nozzles come in various materials, some of which may whiten over time. This could be due to oil or solder residue accumulation on the nozzle surface, causing a whitish appearance. Regular cleaning with a nozzle cleaning machine can prevent this issue. Tungsten steel nozzles can be refreshed by wiping with an oily pen. Plastic, ceramic, and diamond steel nozzles do not whiten; however, if they appear whitened due to contamination, they can be gently wiped with a cotton swab dampened with alcohol.
- Corner damage: Minor corner damage can be repaired using patching glue for components and cured with a heat gun. Adjusting the appropriate suction and mounting height can help prevent severe nozzle wear. Inspection frequency can be scheduled weekly or monthly based on actual needs.
- Adhesive residue on nozzles: Adhesive residue on nozzles can be removed using a demagnetizer, especially for small metallic components like 0201 and 0402, which tend to acquire magnetism during handling.
Nozzle maintenance precautions:
- Store nozzles in dedicated nozzle boxes to prevent collisions between nozzles.
- Avoid contact between nozzles and magnetic objects.
- Some nozzles have sensitive reflector plates that are prone to scratching. When nozzles are dirty, use a specialized lint-free cloth to gently wipe them clean.