Same applications, similar processes, but which one is the better? A lawyer’s answer: it all depends! Both thermode soldering and the Laser Knife are used for soldering flex foils, cable strands and ribbon cables. But they differ in terms of energy efficiency and processing speed. Thermode soldering has its limits, due to the process phases of probing, melting, repositioning and final cooling, thermode soldering is not the fastest soldering processes. In addition, energy requirements are high and product-specific thermode shapes have to be created depending on the assembly. The Laser Knife, which has the same process goal as thermode soldering, is different. The Laser Knife is made up of a path-controlled hold-down device that brings the two surfaces to be soldered together in a defined manner and a laser which applies the temperature without contact. Depending on the component, the Laser Knife is 10x faster and reduces energy requirement of up to 70%. Product-specific thermode shapes and Kapton tapes are also not necessary. Both processes therefore have their justification. In the end it depends on the product and the customer’s demand how fast, reproducible and energy-efficient the soldering process for SMD contacts, flex foils, cable strands and flat ribbon cables must be or how complex setup is.
Do you have questions regarding this matter?
Your contact person: Matthias Fehrenbach
Company: EUTECT GmbH
