A reflow oven might not be the most glamorous tool you can add to your workshop, but it can certainly help streamline your manufacturing process, which means greater profits and happier customers in the long run.
For this reason, we’ve created an overview of the best reflow ovens on the market today, with their advantages and disadvantages, so you can make an informed decision before you buy one. Check out our article on why the best reflow ovens deserve a place in your workshop!
What is a reflow oven?
A reflow oven is a specialized type of industrial oven that is used in the electronics assembly process.
The best reflow ovens are designed to heat and cool printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other electronic components to specific temperatures in order to solder them together.
The potential of industrial-grade reflow ovens
The best reflow ovens have temperature profiles that are programmable and accurate to within ±0.5°C. They also have excellent temperature uniformity, meaning that every spot in the oven is at the same temperature.
This is important for ensuring that your PCBs come out looking good and working correctly. Plus, these ovens can be used for more than just reflowing solder paste—they can also be used for curing epoxy, drying wet boards, and even annealing metals.
Modern options for DIY enthusiasts
When it comes to investing in new equipment for your workshop, it's important to consider all of your options.
Reflow ovens are a great option for those who want to have more control over their soldering process.
Plus, they're relatively affordable and easy to use. Here's a quick overview of what you need to know about reflow ovens
Reflow basics
Reflow ovens are used to solder SMT components onto circuit boards. The process begins by applying a small amount of solder paste to the pads on the board.
Then, the board is placed in the reflow oven, where it is heated to a temperature that melts the solder paste, thus creating a connection between the component and the board.
