SOLDER SAVER: FAQ

Solder reclamation.How does 'Solder-Saver' recycle/reclaim solder?

The process head is slowly waved from side to side in the vacant area of the Wave Solder pot (having scooped the dross to that area as normal), at a slight downwards angle.

The dross amalgam gets dragged up and within 10 seconds exits divided oxide powder and clean reclaimed solder from the same aperture. The solder flows back into where it came from, the wave solder pot, and the oxides float.

Solder-Saver also called "$older $aver" is just 440mm long, and 38mm in diameter. The handle is 130mm long with an On/Off button on the top.

PRINCIPAL OF OPERATION

Oxides cover each globule of solder in the dross. 'Solder-Saver' turbine blades cut into the globule thousands of times per minute, releasing the reclaimed solder !

The re-cycled solder sinks back into the pot and the oxide dust floats on the surface.

 

FAQ's

What is the affect on the Pb / Sn alloy by processing it in 'Solder-Saver' ?

Our tests and those of independent authorities have shown that the there is absolutely no detrimental effect to the solder alloy.

What impurities does 'Solder-Saver' remove from the Dross amalgam ?

Tests have proven that the levels of impurities that were in the original wave solder pot obviously remain in the recycled solder, but absolutely no detrimental effect has taken place through using 'Solder-Saver' .

What type of dross is suitable for processing through 'Solder-Saver' ?

Any dross including lead-free, that does not contain a high level of oil such as Hot Air Levelling (H.A.L.)

Can I use 'Solder-Saver' on cold dross ?

No! Unless the dross is hot (250°C / 480°F ) and molten (liquid) damage could occur although 'Solder-Saver' is fitted with a safety cut-out device. If you have a quantity of cold dross for recycling then place it back in the wave solder pot until molten then use 'Solder-Saver'.

Can I use 'Solder-Saver' to recycle dross or remove dross from more than one wave soldering machine and will the contamination of my solder pot accelerate due to not adding so much new virgin solder as I do today ?

Yes you can use the machine for multiple wave solder site applications. There is no carry over of any products in the chamber so cross-contamination is not an issue.

'Solder-Saver' Solder Pot contamination comparisons between N² systems, standard atmospheric wave soldering machines and atmospheric machines using 'Solder-Saver' recycled solder.

Solder saver contamination graph

This graph clearly shows that contamination in an N2 wave soldering system increases dramatically compared with both the standard atmospheric system and an atmospheric system incorporating 'Solder-Saver' . Only approximately 5% of solder in an N2 system is removed as dross and therefore with the lack of new solder added, contaminates build up quicker, whereas with an atmospheric system, up to 75% of solder is removed as dross and is replaced with new solder.

An atmospheric system using 'Solder-Saver' recycled solder has around 50% of new solder periodically added and therefore results in very little more build-up of contamination and when compared to the continuous financial savings, is generally considered insignificant.

How long does it take to recycle the dross ?

'Solder-Saver' works on a continuous cycle process. Solder normally starts flowing into the solder pot in just 10 seconds and the complete operation is usually as fast as de-drossing using a ladle in the conventional way.

What is the maximum load 'Solder-Saver' can process ?

There is no maximum load as the process is continuous.
If I use 200kg (440lbs) of solder per month what would my R.O.I. (Return On Investment) be ?

Before 'Solder-Saver': 63/37 solder, 200kg @ £8-50 = £1700 per month After 'Solder-Saver', achieving a maximum saving of 50%: Solder, 100 kg @ £8-50 = £850 per month. 'Solder-Saver' @ RRP would mean an ROI of just 3.5 Months !

What safety precautions do I need to take whilst operating 'Solder-Saver' ?

The same as de-drossing any wave soldering machine, ie protective clothing including gloves, face mask, respirator etc.

Do I need extract to take away any odour or fumes ?

NO. The wave soldering extract system is adequate.

Will my solder vendor take away the oxide powder ?

In many countries it is now the legal responsibility of the supplier of any product (including solder) to take back any waste product produced from the use of that product for re-cycling. The oxide still does have a value as although 'Solder-Saver' efficiently recycles the Sn / Pb elements, the oxides often retain a small proportion of valuable elements ie gold, nickel etc.

Is Solder-Saver CE approved ?

Yes - fully! All equipment manufactured in Europe must comply to CE regulations.

What routine maintenance do I need to carry out ?

Solder-Saver has been designed to offer you the very maximum of trouble free operation with very minimum maintenance. The Instruction Manual that accompanies all machines clearly indicates exactly what is required, ie how to remove the quick release chamber sheath in the case of a foreign object being taken in. Maintenance is ‘tools free’

How long is the warm-up period ?

Just 30 seconds.

What power supply do I need to run Solder-Saver ?

Only a single phase 110 V or 230V 50/60Hz (optional at time of order & not switchable), 3amp, fused supply. There is no compressed air requirement.

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