Pillarhouse Selective Soldering Systems

Production automation specialist, Contax Ltd, has just announced an exclusive agreement with Pillarhouse, the world’s most advanced dedicated selective soldering manufacturer, to supply their systems exclusively in the UK and Benelux. Demand for selective soldering systems is growing rapidly, due to the increased complexity of PCBs, tighter quality controls and the impending lead-free legislation. Pillarhouse’s range of systems are ideally suited to the automotive, aerospace, medical and military markets, where product quality is critical. All its systems are lead-free compatible and are targeted towards a wide span of potential customers – from small CEMs to large manufacturers.

The product range includes:

• Jade S – a low cost, entry level system. The Jade offers single point selective soldering for small batch manufacturers requiring a high level of flexibility. It can handle PCBs or pallets of up to 457 mm x 508 mm and features a drop-jet dual control fluxing system, inert soldering atmosphere and solder wave height measurement system.
• Orissa – a low cost, in-line or stand-alone system that can handle both small and large batch soldering. It can accommodate PCB sizes from 305 mm x 305 mm, with a 406 mm x 305 mm option available. The Orissa is a single bath machine using point-to-point technology and incorporating a conveyor transport system to provide both flexibility and fast cycle times.
• Topaz E series – an in-line or stand-alone, modular, selective soldering system suitable for both large and small batches. The Topaz E incorporates a five-axis PCB movement system along with a flexible conveyor. It is fully upgradeable, and offers a range of options including: a dual quick change-over bath; in-line pre-heater and in-line fluxer.
• Amethyst – for rapid, high volume, multi-dip, selective soldering. The Amethyst range can be configured to integrate into a production line or operate as a stand-alone system. It offers a fast 15 second cycle time and a host of features including: dedicated multi-dip soldering process with individual control of up to 5 solder pumps, flexible top and bottom clamping to hold the PCB flat, slide out solder bath and Nitrogen chamber, solder level monitoring and automatic feed system.

 “Selective soldering has proved increasingly popular as PCBs become more complex,” said David Johnson, Sales Director for Pillarhouse. “As it is only possible to wave solder one side of a PCB, so through-hole components need to be soldered by hand, or by using a selective soldering system, such as ours. Obviously in markets such as automotive or medical, where quality standards are paramount and timescales critical, then selective soldering becomes a necessity.

 “The introduction of lead-free has also heralded an increased demand for selective soldering machines, as the cost of converting a wave solder machine to lead-free is often prohibitive,” he continued. “As a result of the strong growth in the market, we needed to get on-board a leading edge supplier to help us market and distribute our products,” he said. “I have personally known Contax for some time, and they have an unparalleled reputation for technical excellence and professionalism. So we are delighted to have them as a business partner,” he concluded.