AP Master Nozzle FAQ’s

Authored By: Dr. Samuel J. McMaster: [email protected]

Materials Scientist at Pillarhouse International Ltd.

The AP Master Nozzle represents a dramatic leap forward in nozzle performance, offering both improved lifetime and wetting. As these nozzles are now available, you may have questions about how they will fit in with your current soldering platform. This Q&A document will cover the most commonly asked questions about the AP Master Nozzle.

What features can be expected with the new AP Master Nozzle?

• Better initial wetting for faster start-up of the nozzle and more user-friendly operation.
• Innovative surface treatment improves long-term wetting and wear performance.
• Lifetime predicted to be at least 8 times longer than a standard AP nozzle.
• Surface treatment resists oxidation at high temperatures allowing for easier rewetting of the nozzle.
• Better pull-off performance enables soldering of fine-pitch components.
• Compatible with all current solders and fluxes on the market.
• Compatible with the current Pillarhouse nozzle mounting system.
• Available exclusively on all Pillarhouse machines using wettable nozzles.

What nozzles will be available in the new AP Master design?

All wetting nozzles will be available in the new design. This will encompass our AP, Jet Tip, Extended AP, Extended Jet Tip, and Micro Nozzles. The Wide Wave and Jet Wave apparatuses do not wet the solder and therefore remain unchanged. However, the wetted plates will utilise the new material design to improve their lifetime.

Is there any change in the mounting system?

No, so long as you are using the current external thread option (see Accessories & Spares brochure) you will be able to install the new nozzle into your soldering system. We will no longer be producing the mounting hardware for the internal thread system. If you are still using this system, please contact Pillarhouse and we will arrange a free-of-charge swap to the new mounting system.

Will the nozzles be available using the magnetic mounting system?

Yes, the nozzle can be made available for the magnetic mounting system, however, we always recommend threaded mounting as it is more secure.

Do I need to use different fluxes with the AP Master Nozzle?

No, the nozzle is compatible with all the current fluxes on the market. Pillarhouse continues to recommend the use of Activ8 to clean and tin the nozzles for manual cleaning. The adipic acid used in the auto tinning module will also be effective for maintaining the wetting of the solder to the nozzle.

The surface treatment applied to the nozzles increases the wettability and increases the resistance to oxidation, but maintenance must still be conducted and soldering in an inert atmosphere is essential.

Is there any difference in the wetting between the AP Master Nozzle and the original AP Nozzle?

The wettability of the AP Master Nozzle is greater than the original AP Nozzle. This allows for faster initial start-up of the nozzle, easier rewetting of the nozzle and soldering of finer pitch components. Wettability and spreading of the solder will always be poor in an oxygen-rich environment due to the oxide film that grows on both the solder and nozzle therefore nitrogen must still be used to inert the environment around the nozzle.

What lifetime can be expected with the AP Master Nozzle?

With the correct maintenance, the AP Master Nozzle will last at least 8 times that of the original AP Nozzle. On average, the original AP Nozzle (in 6 mm form) will last 213 hours. Therefore, the lifetime of the new nozzle will be approximately 1,700 hours. This estimate is based on ideal circumstances and can be affected by more corrosive solders, more extreme soldering processes, and poor maintenance.

How do I maintain the AP Master Nozzle?

Using the same methods as with the original AP Nozzles. Liquid flux should be used for manual cleaning. Abrasive cleaning can be used as with the original AP Nozzles, but this will remove more material from the nozzle and will decrease the overall lifetime; this should only be employed in extreme circumstances for dewetting issues. Overall, the same maintenance schedule should be followed as recommended by Pillarhouse.

How can I order the new AP Master Nozzle?

You can order the new AP Master Nozzle either directly from Pillarhouse or from our agents, as of right now. The new design will replace all our existing wetting nozzles from this time and all shapes will be available with the same part numbers as with the old design.

For more information on Pillarhouse International’s AP Master Nozzle, read here: Selective Soldering: A Need For Innovation and Development (pillarhouse.co.uk)