Tooling Protection
Sacrificial or durable shields are placed within soldering pallets to protect sensitive areas of a circuit board from direct contact with molten metal. A titanium pocket insert provides a durable barrier that prevents the solder wave from reaching components on the bottom of the board that should not be reflowed. These inserts are often removable, allowing the same pallet to be adapted for different board revisions.
Because the metal does not wet with solder, it stays clean and does not require frequent stripping.
Thermal Stability
Heat management is improved by using a material that can withstand the intense temperatures of the solder wave without warping. The titanium pocket insert maintains its flatness even when subjected to the temperature gradients found in a selective or wave soldering process. This precision ensures that the seal between the pallet and the circuit board remains tight, preventing solder from leaking onto the top surface of the assembly.
High quality inserts are machined to tight tolerances to match the specific geometry of the components they protect.
Component Preservation
Shielding delicate sensors or connectors from the heat of the wave prevents thermal damage. The titanium pocket insert is typically designed to be easily cleaned with standard solvents, which maintains its effectiveness over a long production life. Each insert acts as a precision barrier that defines the success of the selective soldering operation.
