Solder Paste Operation: How to Choose the Most Suitable Valve
Release time:
2025-03-06 08:00
Source:
Laike Technology
In the electronics manufacturing industry, the operation of dispensing solder paste is a key step in surface mount technology (SMT), which directly relates to the soldering quality of the circuit board and the reliability of the product. The solder paste valve, as the core component of the dispensing system, is crucial in its selection. A suitable solder paste valve can not only improve production efficiency but also ensure the accuracy and consistency of the dispensing. This article will explore how to choose the most suitable valve for solder paste dispensing operations, analyzing various aspects such as valve types, performance parameters, and application scenarios.
#### 1. Understanding the Basic Types of Solder Paste Valves
Solder paste valves are mainly divided into three categories: screw valves, jet valves, and piston valves.
**1. Screw Valve**
The screw valve precisely controls the extrusion amount of solder paste by rotating the screw. This type of valve is suitable for high-precision, small-volume applications, such as dispensing solder paste for tiny components like 01005. The advantages of the screw valve lie in its high precision and repeatability, but the operating speed is relatively slow, making it suitable for situations where the dispensing speed is not highly demanding.
**2. Jet Valve**
The jet valve uses air pressure to spray solder paste at high speed and in short pulses to the target position. This type of valve is suitable for large-area, fast dispensing applications, such as dispensing solder paste for packaged components like BGA and CSP. The advantages of the jet valve are its high speed and efficiency, but it has higher requirements for the viscosity and fluidity of the solder paste.
**3. Piston Valve**
The piston valve controls the extrusion of solder paste through the reciprocating motion of the piston. This type of valve is suitable for medium-precision, medium-speed dispensing applications, such as dispensing solder paste for components like QFP and SOP. The piston valve achieves a good balance between precision and speed, making it a more versatile choice.
#### 2. Considering Performance Parameters
When selecting a solder paste valve, attention should be paid to the following key performance parameters:
**1. Precision**
Precision is an important indicator of the accuracy of solder paste dispensing. Choose an appropriate precision range based on application requirements. For applications with high precision requirements, such as 01005 components, a screw valve or high-precision piston valve should be selected.
**2. Speed**
Speed determines production efficiency. The jet valve, with its high-speed dispensing capability, is suitable for large-scale, fast production applications. For medium and small batch production, the speed of the piston valve or screw valve is sufficient to meet the needs.
**3. Repeatability**
Repeatability refers to the ability of the solder paste valve to maintain consistency in dispensing volume during continuous dispensing processes. For applications requiring high consistency, a valve with high repeatability should be selected.
**4. Applicable Solder Paste Types**
Different solder pastes have varying characteristics such as viscosity and fluidity, and the adaptability of the valve to the solder paste should be considered when selecting a valve. For example, the jet valve is more suitable for low-viscosity, high-fluidity solder paste.
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How can daily maintenance help extend the service life of a valve body?
As a precision component that operates at high frequency, the precision dispensing valve requires scientific daily maintenance to extend its service life and maintain dispensing accuracy. Shenzhen Laike Technology has compiled the following key maintenance points for you: Daily cleaning is crucial and should not be overlooked. After finishing work, promptly remove any residual adhesive from the exterior of the valve body, especially around the nozzle and plunger area. Once cured, adhesive can cause blockages or wear, affecting subsequent use. It is recommended to gently wipe with a suitable cleaning solvent, taking care not to damage the seals. Regularly inspect sealing components—seals and other parts will naturally degrade over time during prolonged operation. We recommend checking their condition periodically based on usage frequency. If you notice signs of hardening or wear, replace these components promptly to prevent adhesive from seeping into the valve body and causing more serious damage.
The stringing issue during the dispensing process is often closely related to fluid properties, equipment parameters, and process settings. Drawing on years of industry experience, SZLKTE has compiled and optimized key points for you: Fluid temperature control is crucial. Proper heating can reduce the viscosity of the adhesive, improve its flowability, and minimize stringing and trailing. SZLKTE’s dispensing valves can be equipped with precision temperature-control modules to ensure that the fluid remains in a consistently stable working state. The back-suction parameters must be finely adjusted. The negative-pressure back-suction applied at the moment the glue dispensing stops can effectively cut off the adhesive flow, preventing dripping and stringing. We recommend gradually adjusting the amount and speed of back-suction according to the adhesive’s viscosity until you find the ideal balance.
SZLKTE takes a multi-dimensional approach to ensure zero errors and long service life for its products even under high-speed, continuous operation. The piezoelectric valve series employs piezoceramic actuation technology; its non-contact drive design eliminates mechanical wear common in traditional solenoid valves, enabling a service life of over one billion cycles. At the same time, these valves deliver millisecond-level response times, completely eliminating trailing and stringing issues. The needle valve KC-9870, on the other hand, features a specially engineered, wear-resistant material for its needle component, offering exceptional resistance to abrasion and corrosion. Even in industrial environments with prolonged operation, this valve maintains outstanding stability. Moreover, its components can be quickly disassembled and maintained, significantly reducing production downtime.
Contact Dispensing vs. Non-Contact Jetting Valves: How Should You Choose for Micron-Level Processes?
Contact dispensing involves the needle making physical contact with the substrate surface to apply the fluid. Its main advantage lies in its strong adaptability to high-viscosity fluids and relatively controllable dispensing process. However, since it requires coordinated movement along the Z-axis, the dispensing speed is limited. Additionally, there is a risk of the needle colliding with and damaging the workpiece or deforming the needle itself. Therefore, careful evaluation is necessary when applying this method in miniaturized packaging scenarios. In contrast, non-contact jetting valves use a driving mechanism to rapidly spray adhesive onto the workpiece surface without any physical contact between the needle and the substrate. This feature makes them ideally suited for substrates with uneven surfaces or those that are fragile. They excel in micron-scale processes such as bottom-fill applications for chips and precision coating. The jetting method eliminates the need for Z-axis movement, significantly boosting production efficiency while also avoiding common issues associated with contact dispensing, such as stringing and trailing.
The stability of the piezoelectric valve dispensing process directly determines product quality. Common issues such as uneven dispensing, stringing, and glue leakage can be effectively addressed through parameter adjustments and optimized matching. Laike’s piezoelectric valves support multi-level parameter adjustments, enabling precise matching of pressure, injection frequency, and nozzle aperture according to the specific characteristics of different fluids.
Blocking the hole is Piezoelectric valve The most common failures in dispensing operations are often caused by fluid solidification, residual impurities, and nozzle wear, which directly affect dispensing accuracy and efficiency. Given the structural characteristics of piezoelectric valves, these issues can be addressed in three steps: “diagnosis—cleaning—inspection.” First, stop the machine and visually inspect the nozzle for obvious glue deposits or foreign objects, determining whether the blockage is temporary or a persistent issue caused by nozzle wear.