A selective-solder program may begin producing different results even when its coordinates are unchanged. Before editing the path, check the installed nozzle and its condition. The physical solder-delivery surface is part of the process, and its history can matter to an investigation of bridging or inconsistent breakaway.
Confirm the installed nozzle identity
Record nozzle model, geometry and intended wetting behavior. Compare the physical part with the approved setup, including any replacement made since the last acceptable run. Similar external dimensions do not prove that two nozzles are intended to behave identically.
Ersa’s nozzle guidance distinguishes wettable and non-wettable designs and identifies oxidation, wear and activation as maintenance considerations. This supports checking the hardware condition before attributing every solder-flow change to a software setting.
Preserve the observed behavior
Document the flow and breakaway concern using the equipment’s approved observation method. Associate it with nozzle identity, solder material and operating state. Keep startup, continuous operation and restart conditions distinguishable.
For example, a problem that appears after an idle period should be reproduced with that idle condition. A short continuous demonstration after maintenance may not answer the original production concern.
Review maintenance against the nozzle’s instructions
| Record | Question |
|---|---|
| Last intervention | What was cleaned, activated or replaced? |
| Method | Was it approved for the installed nozzle? |
| Inspection | What condition was observed before return to use? |
| Production interval | Which assemblies experienced the questionable state? |
Do not transfer a maintenance technique between nozzle types without equipment-supplier guidance. The investigation should preserve the intended surface rather than modify it through an improvised cleaning operation.
Verify the correction with the product
- Record the hardware condition before the action.
- Complete the approved maintenance or replacement.
- Run an identified representative assembly.
- Inspect the relevant joints and restricted areas.
- Monitor the operating condition that originally produced the concern.
A maintenance entry confirms that work occurred; the product evidence establishes whether the soldering result is acceptable. Keep those two records connected without treating either as a substitute for the other.
If a program change is also needed, retain the previous version and explain the reason. Changing nozzle, path and solder conditions at once may qualify a new combination but will not isolate a single cause.
Keep removed nozzles identifiable during the investigation. Returning them to an unmarked spare-parts tray can erase the distinction between a known acceptable spare and the hardware associated with the original defect.
Use the accepted nozzle identity and maintenance boundary in future setups. The flux-pattern guide covers material applied before solder contact, while inspection planning connects the corrected delivery process to finished-joint acceptance.
Move from reading to a build-ready project
Use the fabrication and assembly checklists to prepare drawings, production files and test requirements.
Open the DFM checklist