The wave solder process can sometimes have adverse effects on component location or orientation. Parts can lift or become skewed, or just not stay firmly seated on the board. Aside from just displaying poor workmanship, these types of issues can lead to PCB quality and reliability problems.
In instances like these, a fixture is a valuable tool for making sure troublesome components stay where they belong. In the above photo, an overarm bar is being used in conjunction with a custom "V" shaped pad to firmly seat the coil to the PCB.
Besides keeping components firmly seated to the board, there are times when components need to be correctly oriented and spaced up from the surface of the PCB. Following are a few examples how proper fixturing has allowed us to achieve correct component height and orientation requirements.
In the above example, the FET's are held at the proper height and orientation using a spring-loaded ball detent in the overarm bar. Note the small diode to the right of the FET's.
 
In the above application, note how the overarm bar keeps the diode in proper orientation and spacing from the PCB surface also using a spring-loaded ball detent.
 
In the above photos, the microphone jacks needed to be held at the correct height and also perpendicular to the board. A sliding locating plate was designed to engage with the mic jacks and accomplish this requirement.
The above photo shows an application that has nothing to do with a PCB requirement. Rather, this was just an ergonomic request. A spring-loaded device was designed for the purpose of keeping the wires out of the way as the board travelled through wave solder.
Again, these are just a few samples of some of the things that can be achieved through the use of proper fixturing through wave solder. Maybe this gives you some ideas of how we could help you with an application you have.
For more information, please call 503-924-2747 or email sales@pentagon-ems.com.
PS...
Hey, are you going to Vegas for APEX? We are, come out and see us because we would love to see you there. We'll be in booth #2448.
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