February 2012

Product Spotlight: HAKKO FM-206

by Guest on February 29, 2012

(special thanks to Hakko for guest blogging the content below!)

Time and time again we have seen workbenches overflowing with tools needed for circuit board assembly or repair. Look at the component rework process and you’ll usually see a workbench with a soldering iron, of course, but you will also need a desoldering tool for the through-hole components that are still on some boards or for BGA site cleanup. You’ll also see a set of hot tweezers to remove small SMD chip components, and if they are heat sensitive devices that don’t allow conductive rework, or small packages like QFNs or micro BGAs, you’ll find a hot air rework tool on the workbench as well.

That’s a lot of tools to buy and maintain for any workbench.

HAKKO was determined to make a change for the better by providing the capabilities of all those aforementioned tools but in a single compact system with the reliability and quality that HAKKO is known for.

In July 2011, HAKKO introduced the HAKKO FM-206 Rework System.

The Hakko FM-206 Rework System is a three-port system that allows you to connect any of the Hakko FM Series handpieces, making it one of the most versatile rework systems in the market today. This versatility allows you to customize a handpiece configuration that addresses YOUR circuit board assembly or repair requirements. Should your needs change in the future, equipment costs are reduced because now you purchase just an optional handpiece kit instead of a whole new piece of equipment.

New to the Hakko FM-206 is a full graphic user interface, which makes this the most user friendly system HAKKO has brought to market to date. No more alarm clock displays! The new graphic screen allows you to see the settings and operating status of each of the three ports simultaneously. The quick access menu system and intuitive user interface makes changing various settings or parameters very simple with minimal effort, and each handpiece port allows for 3 independent presets to be set. These presets can even be programmed with a custom label for easy recognition by the user. Presets can be called up with a single touch of a button.

The performance of the HAKKO FM-206 is second to none. The soldering features are based on the reliable and high performance FM-203 Dual Port Soldering Station, which meets or exceeds all IPC J-STD-001 requirements and is a top performing soldering station for temperature stability, accuracy, and recovery. The HAKKO FM-206 uses the same durable T15 Series Composite soldering iron tips that provide long life, are low cost, and are quick to change without tools.

Included in the HAKKO FM-206 is an air system that provides high end desoldering performance similar to the top of the line Hakko FM-204 Desoldering Station and uses the same FM-2024 Desoldering Handpiece that can be used in a pencil or gun type configuration. The FM-2024 Desoldering Handpiece also uses N3 Series Composite desoldering nozzles that have similar durable construction to the T15 soldering iron tips, but also include features to reduce down time for cleaning and mitigate nozzle clogging. The FM-2024 also makes use of low cost filter cartridges which make filter changing a breeze.

The air system in the HAKKO FM-206 has also been tapped to provide SMD hot air rework capabilities from the same unit but using the new HAKKO FM-2029 Single Hot Air Handpiece. This very slim and light handpiece uses the new N4 Series Composite hot air nozzles which can heat to over 1000°F in seconds and come in standard sizes of 2, 4, 6, and 8mm to cover a wide range of the various smaller packages seen on circuit boards today. The HAKKO FM-206 also allows for the manual operation of the hot air tool with a simple set temperature and start/stop function, or you can set a 3-step profile based on target times or temperatures to more closely replicate the original assembly process of the board. The digital airflow system allows for improved repeatability in the process by removing the variation from tolerance of the traditional ball flow meter which leads to improved repeatable results when doing hot air rework on sensitive components.

The HAKKO FM-206 also integrates with the HAKKO FR-830 Pre-Heater or the HAKKO FR-870 IR Pre-Heater, making the setup a complete SMD rework system.

The versatility of this system is extended by allowing the use of either of HAKKO’s SMD hot tweezer handpieces… the HAKKO FM-2022 Parallel Remover, or the HAKKO FM-2023 Mini Hot Tweezer. Both of these hot tweezers are excellent for removing small chip components and have a variety of tip sizes available.

What more could you ask for in a rework system? How about the ability to provide a higher power handpiece for the heavy ground plane work that is showing up on your workbench and your regular soldering iron doesn’t quite get the job done. Expand the HAKKO FM-206 once again and use the HAKKO FM-2030 Heavy Duty Soldering Iron and the new HAKKO T22 Series Heavy Duty Composite tips. These tips offer twice the power of the HAKKO T15 Series Composite tips, a higher allowable max tip temperature of over 900°F if so desired, and the same durability for long tip life.

And unlike other systems on the market today, the HAKKO FM-206 allows for simultaneous operation of all three ports. No port switching needed due to design deficiency. This allows you to use two soldering irons, a hot air pencil and tweezers, or even two heavy duty soldering irons at the same time.

The HAKKO FM-206 also has nitrogen capable handpieces available as well, and includes all the standard safety and tip conservation features such as auto-power off, sleep mode to reduce oxidation of the tip and extend tip life, and low temp alarms to ensure good solder joint formation. All features are also password protected to provide process control either in a completely locked down state or in a partial locked state that prevents tampering with certain critical parameters and settings. No locking plugs to attach or key cards that can get lost or broken.

There is a lot to see in the HAKKO FM-206. You should check one out today and experience the quality and performance of a genuine HAKKO product. Contact Hakko or All-Spec to set up a demonstration.

All-Spec Industries is an authorized distributor of Hakko soldering, desoldering and rework tools including tips and cartridges. Hakko has been producing quality soldering stations, fume extraction systems and more for over 50 years.

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[IT News] 2012 Technology Enhancement Plans

by Glen B. on February 28, 2012

Wow, where did 2011 go? We’ve been working extremely hard the past year to enhance the web site as well as streamline more internal processes. 2011 was a terrific business year thanks to all of our great customers. We have a bunch of new tech goodies planned for 2012. Periodically check the blog for updates. With our continued growth we’ve been constantly adding new capacity in all aspects of the business. I will briefly go over some of these additions and enhancements. More details will be available as each enhancement goes live. If you haven’t seen the recent warehouse addition and building face lift then take a moment to check out Our New Look & Warehouse Space.

Fiber, it’s not just for breakfast. We need to get more bandwidth for our customers and our operations so we’re getting a fiber ‘backbone’ connection from AT&T very soon. The main line has been buried and we are currently awaiting a site install and service cut. We will be able to service a lot more web shoppers as well as consume and serve more cloud content with less latency.

Express checkout is now available through the checkout system. Update your express checkout profile under MyAccount and express checkout will use those options automatically and skip steps. The express checkout profile lets you choose payment and shipping options. If you select to always pay by net terms then you will only need to fill out a PO number during checkout. If you select to always pay with a credit card from your card wallet then you only need to enter the CVV2 code from the back of the card during checkout. Shipping address, shipping method and shipping payment method options are available for all of the shipping groups, including LTL/freight. Reduce the time it takes to place a web order by updating your express profile. A mobile version of the express checkout function will soon be available on our mobile site. You will be able to submit orders on your mobile device using your login and a PO number or CVV2 code. Saved shopping carts will be available as well for on-the-go quick ordering on your mobile device.

SMS/Text messaging has become quite popular with audiences on-the-go. We have implemented some preliminary services to gauge SMS adoption rate by our customers. If you <3 txt then add your mobile number to your MyAccount profile and turn on SMS shipment notifications right now. Once your mobile number is in MyAccount, you can also text any 6-digit All-Spec order number to 910.550.2220. You will get your current order status back as a reply. Or, text "track" <space> and your order number to get the last tracking scan/activity.

Don’t have a smart phone or just do not like texting at all? We are now offering 24-hour order status and tracking information via our new voice response system. You’ll just need the 6-digit All-Spec order number and the ship-to zip code to hear status and tracking information at any time of the day from any touch-tone phone. Call 1-877-404-6165 now! If you experience any issues or have any suggestions then please let us know. [E-Mail TechSupport]

Where is my order?! We get this question a lot and are designing solutions to get answers to you sooner. Changes in the estimated shipping date for back-orders, direct ship, custom and non-stock items could be automatically sent to you via SMS, voice, and/or e-mail. This is a complex solution when you consider the multitude and disparity of shipping information sources we deal with. We currently do not see a reason why this solution can’t be built and deployed but we are still limited by the manufacturer’s ability and willingness to provide accurate and timely information to us. In cases where we can’t get an answer from the manufacturer we will be forced to take an educated guess at the shipping date. The estimated shipping date will change when the manufacturer provides more or different information. Regardless of the reason for the product hold-up, our plan is to have a notification service in place that will automatically notify you when the shipping date changes for an item.

Glen Batchelor
CIO/CTO
All-Spec Industries

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Maintaining your Soldering Iron: Tip Tinning

by David K. on February 27, 2012

While proper soldering techniques are important to form working joints, it is also necessary to maintain your iron to keep it at its peak performance. By regularly cleaning and inspecting your soldering iron, you can lengthen its lifespan as well as ensure your solder joints are free of contaminants. Today, in the first part of our solder iron maintenance series, I’ll be going over how to keep your solder tips tinned to extend their life.

Tinning your soldering tips involves coating them with a thin layer of solder. When you get a new solder tip, it is very important to tin it the first time you heat it up and always maintain that layer of solder across the tip. By tinning the tip, you prevent the iron coating from oxidizing, which is a real problem when you have hot iron tips. Oxidation can corrode your tips forcing you to replace them more often, and the hotter your iron the faster they will oxidize. Tip tinning creates a layer of solder between the air and the iron, keeping oxygen at bay.

Tip tinning also makes soldering easier. By having a tinned tip, solder wire will melt and flow better over the components that you are joining.

Even when you are not using your soldering iron, you should keep a layer of solder on the tip. Before putting your iron in storage, apply a fresh layer of solder to the tip to prevent it from corroding.

When you tin your soldering iron tips, you should first heat your iron. Once it gets to the proper temperature for your particular job, wipe off old solder using either a sponge or a brass wire cleaning pad. Finally, apply solder to all sides of the tip. The tip should look smooth and shiny when you are finished.

Have any questions about tip tinning? Leave a comment below and we will answer any questions you have. Also, come back next week for more soldering iron maintenance tips!

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What is Tyvek®?

by David K. on February 24, 2012

While traveling recently, I happened to pass a construction site along my local highway. Glancing over I read “Tyvek®” emblazoned across the white paper covering its walls, which struck me as odd because the day before I was looking at some of the Tyvek® lab coats that we carry at All-Spec. I never realized that the same material that can be used for protective lab clothing could be used for construction work, so I thought I would look into what makes this material so versatile.

Tyvek® is a trademark of Dupont™, the company that created and currently manufactures it. They produce a wide array of products from this material, from the aforementioned lab coats and building wrap to envelopes and vehicle covers.

Tyvek® is produced by bonding Olefin into a paper or fabric-like product. Olefin is made from polyethylene and when bonded into Tyvek® it becomes very strong. Depending on the manufacturing process, Tyvek® can be hard and paper-like or soft and fabric-like, which is one of the reasons it is used in so many places. All Tyvek® is durable and lightweight, making it extremely reliable.

Probably the most important quality of Tyvek® is that it resists both water and air, but allows moisture vapor to move through it. This is why it is used for building wrap, as it keeps water from hurting the structure and insulates against wind while allowing vapors to pass through. Similarly, it works well for lab coats as it protects the wearer from spills, but it is still a comfortable and breathable material. Tyvek® can also be used as packaging for desiccants, providing a tough, tear resistant outer coating that allows vapors to pass through and be absorbed.

Tyvek® shares many qualities with paper and fabric, but it is actually considered a plastic. Because of this, it can be recycled, though it is not as simple as dropping it into a recycling bin and sending it on its way. To make things as easy as possible, DuPont™ and Waste Management have a recycling program where you can purchase kits, allowing you to mail your used Tyvek® in to be recycled.

For more technical details you can check out Dupont’s website on Tyvek®. Are there any materials that you see in your products that you want to know more about? Let us know in the comments and we will look into any questions you have!

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Quantum Shelving Sale at All-Spec Industries!

by Andy on February 22, 2012

We are currently running a promotion on our Quantum Shelving and Accessory units-save up to 42% today! Ideal for use in many settings, these units are resistant to rust and allow for weight capacities up to 800 lbs per shelf.

Quantum Starter and Add-On Unit Quantum Shelving Units