The Difference Between Infrared BGA Rework Station and Hot Air BGA Rework Station

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Infrared BGA rework station is different from hot air BGA rework station in that infrared heating is generally used for two-temperature zone BGA rework stations, while hot air BGA rework stations use a combination of infrared and hot air to rework. In terms of rework yield, infrared BGA rework stations have a lower rework yield than hot air BGA rework stations. This shows that there are still big differences between infrared BGA rework stations and hot air BGA rework stations. Below we will explain the differences between the two in detail.

What is the Difference between Hot Air and IR BGA Rework Station?

In fact, whether it is an IR or hot air rework station, their nature is the same, which is to remove and rework BGA chips of encapsulation type. The infrared BGA rework station uses a two-temperature zone with a limited temperature peak, making it unable to rework lead-free BGA chips, while the hot air BGA rework station has a wider range of rework compared to the infrared rework station and can rework both leaded and lead-free BGA chips available in the market.

Infrared BGA rework station and hot air heating have their own advantages and disadvantages. Infrared heating has longer temperature continuity and better penetration than hot air heating, but its downside is that the heating process is slower, and due to the continuous heating, it is difficult to control the temperature in practice. Slight carelessness may overheat and damage the chip. There are also certain color requirements for the PCBA substrate. If it is white, uneven heat absorption may occur due to reflection.

Of course, it does not mean that using infrared+hot air heating combination for BGA rework station is always the best solution. If your budget is limited and you need to rework leaded BGA chips, then you can choose an infrared BGA rework station, with even heating. If you use a hot air BGA rework station, then it may be a bit overkill. Here, it is reminded that if you want to rework server and mobile phone boards, you'd better use an infrared BGA rework station with heating to ensure success.

	Infrared (IR) BGA Rework Station	Hot Air BGA Rework Station
Heating Method	Uses infrared radiation via a two-zone system with a limited temperature peak	Combines infrared with hot air heating, using three-zone heating for upper and lower reflow
Suitability for Lead-Free BGAs	Generally not suitable for lead-free BGA chips due to temperature limitations	Suitable for both leaded and lead-free BGA components due to the wider temperature range
Heating Characteristics	Offers smoother, continuous heating with good penetration, but slower and harder to control	Provides faster and more dynamic temperature response
Repair Yield	Typically yields lower rework success rates compared to hot air systems	Generally offers higher rework success rates, especially for complex or dense boards
Cost & Complexity	Usually more affordable, with simpler design and easier maintenance	Usually more expensive, with more complex three-zone heating systems offering greater flexibility and efficiency
Recommended Usage	Ideal for beginners or users working with leaded BGAs and on a tight budge; Recommended for server or mobile phone boards when simplicity is desired	Recommended for demanding, high-yield applications, including lead-free rework and scenarios where reliability and precision are critical

Choosing between Infrared and Hot Air BGA Rework Stations

If you are concerned about the above issues during use and need to rework simple chips, you can consider using a BGA rework station infrared. Compared to the large temperature fluctuations of a hot air BGA rework station, the temperature of an IR rework station rises continuously and is suitable for beginners to practice slowly, ensuring that the graphics card will not explode and the color will not change. Of course, skilled rework technicians who are impatient can still use a hot air BGA rework station.

From a price point of view, IR rework station price is relatively lower than hot air BGA rework station because infrared BGA rework stations are applicable to low-end users with two-temperature zones, while hot air BGA rework stations belong to three-temperature zones with fast heating and high efficiency, making them more expensive.

The above is an introduction to the differences between infrared rework stations and hot air BGA rework stations. When we spend money to buy equipment, we should first understand the machine’s functions and features and make more comparisons to select a good BGA rework station. From the above text, it can be seen that infrared BGA rework stations and hot air BGA rework stations have their own advantages and disadvantages, and everyone just needs to choose the one that suits them best.

Seamark ZM offers a wide range of high-quality BGA rework stations designed to meet your needs. Explore our selection of automatic BGA rework station and find the perfect solution for your rework processes. Our machines offer precision and efficiency, ensuring reliable results. Upgrade your rework capabilities with Seamark ZM's affordable BGA rework stations. Shop now and experience the benefits of our advanced technology and competitive prices.

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