What is the difference between reflow oven and wave soldering?

Soldering is a key component of the printed circuit board (PCB) production process. Manufacturers use soldering to securely attach circuits to boards. There are two primary forms of soldering in the PCB industry: reflow soldering and wave soldering.

For companies operating within the PCB industry, it's critical to use the most effective soldering technique for their circuit board type. Engineers need to make an informed decision on which soldering method is most useful for their production requirements. The chosen method will have a significant impact on production timelines, costs, and other core elements of the PCB manufacturing process.

This article explores the key differences between wave and reflow soldering by exploring each type in more detail below.

Reflow Oven

Reflow oven is the most prevalent soldering method in the PCB industry. Unless you are soldering through-hole elements, reflow soldering is the most common method for many manufacturers (especially suitable for SMT assembly).

PCB is placed in a reflow oven and hot air melts the paste to form solder joints. The process occurs by raising the temperature to pre-determined levels. Preheating is implemented so that the PCB doesn't experience thermal shock during the acute soldering process.

To solder small, individual components on a PCB, hot air pencils are more than sufficient.

Pros of Reflow Oven reflow oven.jpg

Suitable for SMT assembly
Trusted by most manufacturers
Does not require a large amount of monitoring
Less thermal shock
Options for limited soldering
A less wasteful process that can be applied to specific parts of the PCB

Wave Soldering

Wave soldering utilizes a different soldering method for manufacturing PCBs. It is the best method for engineers who need to solder a large number of PCBs at the same time.

The wave soldering process begins by applying flux to the components that need to be soldered. The flux removes surface oxide and cleans the metal before soldering, which is a crucial step in quality work.

Next, like with reflow soldering, preheating occurs to ensure that thermal shock is avoided during the acute soldering process.

The 'wave' of solder will move over the PCB and begin soldering the various components—electric connections form during this stage. A cooling method then brings the temperature down and permanently bonds the solder in place.

The internal environment in a wave soldering oven is critical. If temperatures are not maintained correctly, costly issues may arise. Owners of wave soldering ovens can also face multiple challenges if they are unable to control conditions during the soldering process effectively. If temperatures reach levels that are too high, for example, PCBs may develop cracks or issues related to conductivity. If the wave soldering oven is not hot enough, cavities on the PCB may result in conductivity issues and structural weaknesses.

Pros of Wave Soldering

Suitable for THT assembly
More time-saving
Initiates less warpage
More affordable
Can provide strong solder joint quality
Suitable for through-hole soldering
Produces a large number of PCBs simultaneously

Reflow Oven vs. Wave Soldering

The primary differences between wave soldering and reflow soldering lie in the core soldering process.

Reflow soldering uses hot air, while wave soldering uses a 'wave' of solder to mass-produce PCBs. This means that the internal environment in a wave solder oven is far more sensitive—a small change in temperature or conditions might result in catastrophic damage to the PCBs.

These differences also have a substantial impact on the affordability and efficiency of each method. While wave soldering is more complex and demands unbroken attention, it tends to be quicker and cheaper. If you don't have time on your side, it might be the only reasonable option for soldering many PCBs simultaneously.

If you're still unsure about which soldering method is most appropriate for your needs, it can be helpful to look at a birds-eye-view comparison of both methods.

Both Soldering Methods are Effective for Different PCB Types

Reflow soldering and wave soldering are both effective methods for constructing PCBs. While it is possible to solder PCBs manually, choosing to avoid reflow or wave soldering methods can prove impractical at any commercial level.

While wave soldering is designed for THT assembly and reflow soldering is used for SMT assembly, hardware with SMD and DIP elements may need a combination of both (a hybrid). It is not uncommon for PCBs to be partially wave soldered and reflow soldered during the manufacturing process, for example.

If time and budget are the most critical elements in your soldering method decision, wave soldering has its advantages. The complexity of wave soldering makes it a problematic choice for producers with no previous experience in PCB production, though.

Reflow soldering is an excellent option for manufacturers that don't require the mass production of PCBs.

Both options have advantages and drawbacks. Engineers should carefully consider the design of the PCBs, as well as their individual needs and budget.