Pace ST 400 Radiant / Infra-Red Preheater

The application of heat from the bottom side of the PCB serves several functions:

• it keeps the PCB from twisting or warping
• it maintains the planarity of the rework site
• it warms the PCB so heat applied by the top heater is not drawn away from the rework site
• it ensures that homogenous temperatures across the package and PCB are maintained, allowing the use of safe, low temperatures for the top heater.

Pre-Heating System

The ST 400 is an analog, closed loop, temperature controlled radiant 400 W pre heater. The heating area is 140mm (5.5") x 140mm (5.5"). This preheater is ideal for heavy PCBs and for area array applications as the medium wave IR delivers the most penetrating and even heating available. The ST 400 can be used as a stand-alone unit with either the ST 525/ST 550 PCB holder or can be used with the ST 300, ST 325, or ST 350.

Preheating allows for the use of significantly lower and safer temperatures when conductive or convective tools are used for component installation or removals. Preheating is also required when installing area array components and large leaded devices.