new reflow oven - which model/brand/ to choose?

A few random thoughts:

Nitrogen in reflow is mostly cosmetic, to get shiny joints on lead free. If you are getting good results without nitrogen now, there's no need to add it on your new line.

Since power consumption is important, I would get spec sheets from each of your possible choices and use that to help zero in on a make and model. Keep in mind the max amp draw is when the oven heats up, it will drop to half or more when the oven temp is stable.

For number of Zones, more is better, but you will be constrained by space and cost. For lead free, normal PCBS (no massive heat sinks, 1.5mm thick, nothing else weird) you'll want at least 8 zones + at least one cooling zone at the end. Again, no one ever regretted having more zones.

Since you are already using Ersa and are happy with it, I would start with that. Heller is known for the motors going out. I think they are now offering lifetime warrantees on them, but its still a hassle to have them fixed if they go down during production.

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Some thoughts of GOLDLAND: We recommend that you choose Vitronics or Heller brands. They are the most popular machines in the world. According to the long-term plan, your equipment needs maintenance and replacement parts in the future, so their parts are very easy to get. Heller 1809MKIII, 1913MKIII or Vitronics Vitronics XPM III-1030, will be more suitable for you. In addition, if you know BTU, then it is also a good choice. After all, we have many customers who would choose them. Heller, Vitronics, and BTU have a very high proportion in the world. Will you consider new machines or second-hand refurbished machines? If you want more detailed information, please email me, thank you！ sales07@goldlandsmt.com

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I did work with most of these brands have some personal preferences like anyone here.I will just say that ovens I worked with, make it for 5-10 years with not a single fan failure, so stay away from the models that give this kind of trouble. If we are discussing a wish list items, I would recommend long oven at least 10zones with heaters and 3 zones cooling. Having Nitrogen as an option is good as well for certain applications - modern oven should be able to work with both air and nitrogen. Water cooling will be better.I personally had very good experience with Vitronics old and new models, but most of the other listed brands here are manufacturers with great reputation in the industry. Compare maintenance effort and warranty. Some brands are giving lifetime warranty for fans and other items.

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For what it's worth, we have 5 Vitronics ovens. XPM2, 2+, 3I, 3M. Our Oldest is an XPM2-1030 as mentioned. We have never replaced a fan motor. We've been running it for 3 shifts for 16 years. A couple of the gearboxes for the conveyor width have been swapped and rebuilt 2x, new seals and oil refill. All are equipped with N2, but we do not use it. Run leaded and lead free. 10 heat and 3 cooling.

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Hello did you tried reflow oven like this before ？ 6 heating zone and one cooling zone

https://youtu.be/9Jw3R4lbxNM

https://youtu.be/3Vn9n0wy2DM

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I've always had good experiences with BTU, without fail. I've also had fairly good experiences with Heller, although they do like to slowly die on you one part at a time (blowers, SSRs, etc).

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We have had alot of issue with REHM our BTU on the other hand very little issues

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I have (6) Vitronics ovens, models XPM1, XPM2 and XPM3, ranging in age from 7-21 years old and they just keep chugging along. Keep up on the maintenance and they'll be good to you. Just this week i had a presentation from them on their current model- the Centurion. Lot of enhancements and technological improvements. Many standard features. And the price is very attractive for the model I'd buy if replacing one of mine (1040). Can't recommend against any other manufacturers because we've been a Vitronics factory for my time here (33 years), and before that also, so i know no others. They should be on your list of manufacturers to consider. Good luck.

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