RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

The Impact of Rework Stations in PCB Manufacturing

Printed circuit boards are parts that make an electronic device function as it should. Sometimes, these
devices don’t function as expected. Errors occur when working with or fabricating a printed circuit board.
Therefore, fixing these errors requires specific tools.

The Rework station is one of the most important tool for performing reworks and repairs on a PCB. This
article offers detailed information on what a rework station is and how to use it.

Table of Contents

What is a Rework Station?

A rework station is a tool that enables easy desoldering and adjustment. Also, rework stations are
de-soldering stations. The soldering function of these stations enables operators to use metal solder to repair
metal. Rework refers to the repair of an electronic circuit board. It usually involves re-soldering and
desoldering of surface mount devices. Therefore, rework stations are tools used to perform re-soldering and
desoldering.

Printed circuit boards and other electronic components feature various working parts. Most of these parts are
usually made of metal. After removing the component, the technician must maneuver and remove some
metal parts to work on. Extreme heat can melt metal to a point where it can bend and move. Also, rework
stations are specially designed to do this.

Rework stations can produce hot air temperature to bend and move metal parts. Also, the hot air produced
from the rework stations can melt solder. A rework station usually features a hot air gun. Also, this tool is
ideal for less sophisticated work like melting solder in a bigger area. Rework stations can heat large areas
effectively. Therefore, they are ideal for surface mounting reworks where there are delicate components
involved.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

What is the Function of Hot Air Rework Stations?

Hot air rework stations utilize heated air to evenly heat the area of the circuit board you are working on. You
may need to get rid of old solder while repairing and resoldering a fixed area on a circuit board. Also, hot air
rework stations send hot air to heat solder for resoldering or removal. These rework stations are available in
various sizes to enable rework on different PCB sizes.

Hot air rework station features a hot air gun that melts the solder and allows you to remove multiple
components. This process saves a lot of time. Also, hot air rework stations feature a pump that circulates

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

fresh air over a hot coil. Hot air rework stations are widely used in the PCB industry. They have a solder
feature which helps to add extra components to a PCB.

The desoldering tool in the rework station can remove polarized parts. You can resolder the part after
reversing it. Most hot air rework stations feature vacuums that suck the old solder. Also, hot air rework
stations can help to secure loose connections or repair damaged components. Hot air rework stations are
suitable for reworking or removing surface-mounted components.

Hot air rework stations can function as soldering stations. Also, you can remove old or broken components
with a hot air station. When using hot air rework stations, you need to select the correct nozzle size. Then,
set in the airflow and temperature rate to melt the solder on the board. Also, the solder type will determine
the airflow and temperature rate. Also, hot air rework stations feature memory temperature function and tight
temperature tolerances.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

Hardware Features of Rework Stations

All rework stations are similar in how they operate. However, the energy output, style, and placement of
various components may differ. Below are common hardware features of rework stations:

Temperature control

This hardware feature is crucial in any rework station. Also, it enables operators to adjust the temperature at
any time. You can simply turn the temperature setting knob to adjust the working temperature range.

Wand holder

The wand holder is on the side of the work station’s casing. Also, it is a good place to keep the wand when
not in use.

Air flow grade

The airflow grade is a dial located on the hardware. Also, it enables the operator to adjust the hot air flow
rate from the hand tool.

Hot air gun

This handheld tool helps the operator to apply heat to metal solder. Also, the metal solder will need to melt
well to perform repairs and reworks.

Nozzle

Nozzles are available in different sizes. The bigger nozzle is ideal if you are focusing hot air around a large
area of the board. Smaller nozzles are great for focusing hot air on smaller components.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Power switch

The power switch is very easy to locate. To turn on the hot air rework stations, you just need to switch to
“ON.” Also, turn off the rework station by moving the switch to “OFF.” When you switch off the rework
station, it will not go off immediately. The device will keep blowing air until the air temperature goes below
100 degrees Celsius.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

What Components can Rework Stations Remove?

Hot air rework stations are an important tool for reworking a printed circuit board. Rework is a term
commonly used in the PCB industry. It simply means you are repairing an already reflowed circuit board.
Also, rework stations can remove or replace components and parts like:

Missing components

Smaller components can easily disappear during PCB assembly. Also, this can occur during or before reflow.
Hot air rework stations can help to heat a new part in its place.

Polarized components

Polarized components are incorrectly placed parts. These include connectors, ICs, and capacitors.

Defective components removal

Errors can arise during the IC production process. Also, these errors might be unnoticed. PCB
manufacturers can place these defective ICs on functional PCBs. Therefore, hot air can help to replace these
bad parts.

Tombstone parts

Tombstone parts occur when a part only reflows on one side. Also, these parts stick straight up and look like
a tombstone.

Solder jumpers

Solder jumpers are a result of too much solder paste or solder on the surface mount IC’s legs. Also, hot air
can work with a flux pen to remove these buggers.

Cold joints

Cold joints are similar to tombstone. For cold joints, the parts don’t stick straight up. Therefore, this makes it
difficult to notice them.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

How to Use a Hot Air Rework Stations

Hot air rework stations can be easy to use when operators follow proper guidelines. Also, these devices are
not suitable for surfaces you don’t want to ruin. Here are tips on how to use hot air rework stations.

Select your nozzle

Select the proper nozzle size for your rework. After this fix the nozzles the wand and use a screwdriver to
hold the screw in place. Plug the standard plug into your US outlet. Also,the blower and heating element will
stay off until you switch on the power.

Power on

Immediately you switch on the power, the heating element will produce very hot air. The red LED will pulse.
This indicates that the device is ready to melt. Also, make sure you wait for the hot-air station to heat up
before utilizing it.

Adjust temperature and air

The hot air rework station features two control knobs. One knob is for temperature while the other knob is
for airflow. Ensure you set the air-flow and temperature using the right settings. Also, the airflow and
temperature should be a bit higher than the solder’s melting point. It is advisable to set the temperature and
air flow knobs to the middle.

Rework

Rework begins when you have got the appropriate settings for your airflow and temperature. Focus the
nozzle at the exact area you intend working on. Move the nozzle until the solder starts flowing. Also, the
solder should be molten. After this, carefully reposition or remove the part you need to rework. You will
need a pair of tweezers for this.

Cool down

Ensure you switch off the power once you have done rework. This will allow the station to cool off. Also,
this station has an automatic cooling function.

Safety Tips When Using a Heat Gun

It is crucial to know how to use heat gun correctly to avoid damaging the circuit board. When working with
heat gun, you need to direct the heat to the area that needs rework. Also, heat guns are available in several
designs. Some heat guns sit on a bench without any form of support. In such a case, set the heat gun to the
correct area. Below are safety tips when using a heat gun station:

 Ensure you wear eye protection.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

 Avoid operating a heat gun near combustible materials.

 Also, protect your workbench from heat damage by using a silicone mat.
 Use heat guns with an extension cord only when necessary. This is because heat guns draw much
power.
 Don’t place the heat gun nozzle close to any other object when it is still hot.
 Ensure you turn off the heat gun before resting it on a surface.
 Don’t operate a heat gun while the nozzle is well pressed into the workpiece surface. Also, placing
the heat gun in that way will restrict airflow.
 Never insert foreign objects into the heat gun’s nozzle.
 Also, ensure the heat gun cools down before you put it away.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

Common Problems that Occur when using Hot Air Rework Stations

H-E error

The H-E error occurs when there is a heating error. Also, this error might be a result of improper connection
of the heating element. Therefore, it is advisable to always check the connections to determine if there is
need to re-seat the heating element.

Too high air

You might start noticing some small projectiles getting away from your circuit board if the air flow is too
high. Those projectiles are your part. Therefore, it is advisable you start at a lower rate of air flow and move
up according to your needs.

S-E error

This error refers to Sensor Error. S-Error indicates that failure in the heat sensor. Also, S-E error is a
common error that can leave after messing with the dial. You can revive the rework station by removing and
re-fixing the heater.

Pulled pads

A pulled pad is another common problem that could occur when you push the pad too hard. Therefore, it is
advisable to nudge the part gently when checking to see if it is ready to move.

Low airflow

You could experience low air flow when you turn up the “Air” Dial. Therefore, ensure the nozzle is well
attached. If you do this, you will get more air flow via the handle of the hot air rework station.

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

What is the Difference Between Rework Station and Soldering

Station?

Soldering is an integral part of PCB manufacturing. A soldering station and rework station are the two
important tools for soldering. Also, these two stations both deal with soldering; however, they have different
scopes of use.

 A soldering station is more ideal for precision work like through-hole soldering. A hot air rework
station can work with any component. It is much better for less sophisticated work like melting a
solder in a bigger area. However, rework stations don’t have the same precision as soldering
stations.
 The basic part of rework station is a heat gun. On the other hand, a soldering station features a few
different basic parts. Also, a soldering station features a sponge, a soldering iron stand, and a
soldering iron.
 The size and weight of rework stations are more than that of soldering stations. Therefore, this
makes it more difficult to move rework stations. Due to the smaller size of a soldering station, it is
easier to control and move.
 Soldering stations are ideal for attaching two parts or components at a small point. A hot air rework
station can’t do the same. Also, a hot air rework station doesn’t focus all its heat on a particular spot.
Therefore, it can prevent certain drawbacks related with a soldering station.
 Hot air rework stations don’t have direct contact with whatever they are heating. Their tight
temperature tolerances make them heat the appropriate spot. Soldering stations have direct contact
with the parts they are soldering.
 Also, hot air rework stations are more expensive than soldering stations.

Conclusion

Hot air rework stations are crucial in PCB manufacturing. They are quick at removing large amount of solder.
Therefore, this makes hot air rework stations a suitable choice among PCB manufacturers. Also, rework
stations can deal with larger components and those prone to damage. The tight temperature tolerances of a
hot air rework station contribute to its functioning.

Related Posts:

1. Understanding about BGA Rework and Reballing Services with Process

2. The Huge Impact of IIoT in the Manufacturing Sector

3. The Impact of PCBs in Medical Electronics Manufacturing

4. The Impact of Electronic Chip Manufacturing in Modern Devices

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

https://www.raypcb.com/rework-station/

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/