Hi.
First post here.
I want to use a laser to solder. I hope to apply solder paste, which is dark gray, to a small copper pad, and use a laser to create a finished solder joint.
I already own a blue "burning" laser, purported to be about 3 watts (not sure that is true) and it does indeed create a solder bead. But I think the laser is not strong enough to do what I want. It takes about 5 seconds for the solder bead to fully form.
I understand that once the metal is melted, it will reflect much of the incident energy. I still think this will work, though, but have issues:
1- Is blue the right color? Would IR be better?
2- I would like the focal length of the beam to be about 8".
3- I need a spot of about 2mm in diameter, or better a rectangle of 2mm x 4mm. I can always move the laser off the optimum focal length to create the desired spot size.
Any recommendations? I actually will need six lasers, as I want to solder six pads at once.
I understand safety, especially will invisible IR.
Regards,
Craig Newman
First post here.
I want to use a laser to solder. I hope to apply solder paste, which is dark gray, to a small copper pad, and use a laser to create a finished solder joint.
I already own a blue "burning" laser, purported to be about 3 watts (not sure that is true) and it does indeed create a solder bead. But I think the laser is not strong enough to do what I want. It takes about 5 seconds for the solder bead to fully form.
I understand that once the metal is melted, it will reflect much of the incident energy. I still think this will work, though, but have issues:
1- Is blue the right color? Would IR be better?
2- I would like the focal length of the beam to be about 8".
3- I need a spot of about 2mm in diameter, or better a rectangle of 2mm x 4mm. I can always move the laser off the optimum focal length to create the desired spot size.
Any recommendations? I actually will need six lasers, as I want to solder six pads at once.
I understand safety, especially will invisible IR.
Regards,
Craig Newman