Using WaveRIDER, I seem to get more solder wave variation than I would expect. What are some reasons for this?
Solder wave variation happens. It is by nature a dynamic process caused by the pumping of a liquid. Through various channels, weirs, rudders, and nozzles, all designed to balance flow across the surface of the wave, liquid solder makes its way to the surface and finally breaks one way or the other depending on the wave shape. Lacking the presence of a printed circuit board, this wave looks even and more or less smooth on typical wave solder machines. However, some ripples and eddies are visible as the flow of solder moves toward the spill point. These ripples are everywhere and only some of the bigger ones are pointed out in the picture below. Typical Ripples and Currents on smooth looking solder waves. Copyright © 1999 ECD Currents running throughout the wave take on a whole new manifestation when they run into the underside of a printed circuit board. They will cause the crest of the wave to very, much like ocean waves as run up a sandy beach. An ocean wave will never rush up the san
