We make about 3000 Nos. of 2" x 3" through-hole boards a month. Its not lead free though.
Currently we are using solder pot to solder all boards. We simply flux the board with a sprayer and dip it into the pot using nose pliers. After 3 seconds we lift up the board.
But this seems to be a dirty way since the components are subjected to thermal shock.
But the good part is that we can cut the component leads *after* the soldering. That way we don't have to pre-form certain components that could be prone to popping off the board before handling.
Unfortunately, we are not in a position to invest in an automatic wave soldering machine.
Are there manual machines that could pre-heat the board and dip it into a solder pot?
Or do you suggest that in the first place, a wave solder action is superior to dipping action, as far as the thermal shock prevention is concerned?
And are there cheaper semi-automatic wave soldering machines?
In case of wave soldering, is it necessary to trim leads *before* soldering?
What do you comment of this product - Big dipper - in our context:
Any kind of advise to economically improve our method would be very much helpful.
Thank you Mike