Nitrogen-shielded soldering is one of the most critical standards in modern electronics manufacturing services (EMS), directly translating into the reliability of the finished product. In zero-tolerance industries such as Automotive and Medical, choosing the right atmosphere during component assembly is not an option—it is a necessity. At Nordes, we use nitrogen as an “invisible shield” that protects your electronics against the negative effects of oxidation.
What is Nitrogen-Shielded Soldering and Why is Oxygen Harmful?
In a traditional assembly process, high temperatures combined with oxygen from the air cause the instantaneous oxidation of metal. The resulting oxides form a barrier that hinders the formation of a proper intermetallic bond.
Nitrogen soldering involves replacing the air in the soldering chamber with an inert gas. Consequently, the process takes place in an oxygen-free environment, which effectively eliminates most microscopic joint quality issues.
How Does a Nitrogen Atmosphere Work Across Different Soldering Processes?
At Nordes, we integrate nitrogen supply systems at every key stage of production, tailoring the technique to the specific requirements of each project.
Reflow Soldering for SMT In reflow ovens, nitrogen reflow soldering allows for better control of the thermal profile. The solder paste retains its properties throughout the entire cycle, and the solder joints become brighter and more perfectly formed.
Wave Soldering for THT Applying nitrogen over the solder wave drastically reduces the formation of dross (tin oxides). This translates into cleaner solder joints and raw material savings, which is crucial in mass production.
Selective Soldering Here, nitrogen protects precision nozzles from clogging and ensures ideal pad wetting, which is indispensable when assembling densely populated PCBA boards.
Key Benefits: Why is Nitrogen Soldering Superior?
Wondering what tangible benefits an investment in a protective atmosphere brings? Here are the top 3 reasons:
- Reduction of Voids in Soldering: Nitrogen improves the surface tension of the molten alloy, facilitating the release of flux fumes. As a result, the joints are denser and free of air bubbles, which enhances their electrical conductivity.
- Excellent Wettability: Without an oxide layer, the solder flows flawlessly, creating strong and durable joints that are highly resistant to vibration and thermal stress.
- Enhanced Mechanical Resistance: Solder joints made in nitrogen are less prone to fatigue cracking over the long-term operation of the device.
Why Do We Use Nitrogen in Production for the Automotive and Medical Industries?
In the medical and automotive sectors, the durability of electronics determines user safety. At Nordes, we do not compromise on technical gases, because we know that a protective soldering atmosphere is the most effective way to eliminate latent defects. Our clients receive a product manufactured to the highest engineering standards, thereby minimizing future service and warranty claim costs.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Is nitrogen soldering necessary for every project? Although standard consumer projects can be soldered in the air, nitrogen is highly recommended wherever high reliability is required (IPC Class 2 and 3).
How does nitrogen affect voids in soldering? Statistics show that using nitrogen can reduce void levels by more than ten percent compared to soldering in an ambient air atmosphere.
Does nitrogen soldering affect the aesthetics of the board? Yes, the joints are brighter and shinier, which facilitates AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) and improves the overall aesthetics of the module.
Want to learn more about how we ensure the quality of your products? Check out our other articles on electronics manufacturing technology or learn more about the SMT assembly process at Nordes. Contact us to receive a quote for top-tier PCBA manufacturing.
