A BGA rework station is a machine that can be used to refinish or repair printed circuit boards (PCBs) with ball grid array (BGA) packaging and surface-mounted devices (SMDs). These rework stations allow the technicians to remove defected parts, reinstall incorrectly placed parts or replace any missing part in the PCBs. Rework stations can also be used to work on PCBs with column grid array packaging, chip scale packages, quad flat packages, land grid arrays or other SMDs. Thus, BGA rework stations are frequently named SMD rework stations or surface-mounted technology (SMT) rework stations.
The features of each BGA rework station dictates the size of the PCBs that can be reworked and the types and volume of jobs that can be performed. For example, BGA rework stations without the split-vision functionality are best for entry-level jobs, while BGA rework stations with it are suitable for more complex jobs. Additionally, some rework stations have automated functions, while other require full manual work.
All machines come fully self contained with their own internal air and vacuum unless otherwise specified.
All of the Shuttle Star Models from the SV530 and up are equipped with industrial PLC control and can be upgraded to come with a cabinet base on wheels. The cabinet base on wheels is ideal if you need a mobile capability to move the unit for use in different labs or work areas.
Models SV560 and up can be upgraded to come with a side view camera. This allows you the ability to see the solder reflow on a video screen.
BGA rework stations represent a significant investment, but they offer many benefits.
Accuracy: When doing a rework in a PCB the technicians need skill and attention to avoid damage. BGA rework stations provide the necessary tools to achieve the required precision, allowing the job to be completed with accuracy and safety, without damaging the entire device.
Efficiency: BGA rework stations include highly specialized tools, such as nozzles, solder balls and component pickup tubes, that ensure technicians to efficiently tackle the rework job.
Volume: With the right BGA rework station companies can handle a high volume of rework jobs on a variety of different-sized PCBs.
Cost: BGA rework stations are costly but an investment that pays off. Reworking PCBs can significantly extend their lifetime, which reduces costs on reassembling or new purchases.
BGA rework stations have several different applications in the world of PCB repair and alteration.
Upgrades: BGA rework stations are very often used for upgrade works in which technicians need to swap out parts or add upgraded pieces to a PCB.
Faulty parts: Faulty parts frequently can be repaired with BGA rework stations. For example, pads damaged during BGA removal, heat-damage or too much solder joint voiding.
Faulty assembly: Several mistakes can occur during assembly which could be repaired with the help of a BGA rework station. For example, the PCB may have incorrect BGA orientation or a poorly developed BGA rework thermal profile.
BGA rework stations can integrate two types of systems to heat up the PCB components: hot air or infrared (IR) radiation.
Hot air BGA rework stations have several nozzles to guide and circulate the hot air, in order to ensure an even heat distribution. The technicians can direct the air by moving the nozzles, allowing a quick, dedicated work on small components. These machines require the use of air pumps, which brings some level of noise to the workspace. This is an older technology, thus many technicians are trained to use hot air BGA rework station as opposed to IR BGA rework stations.
IR BGA rework stations use IR radiation and a fixed ceramic heater to heat the PCB components. These machines are totally silent and involve fewer pieces. Depending on the quality of the BGA rework station, frequent maintenance and additional tools may be required to accomplish the desired jobs. Because this is a new technology, fewer technicians are trained to use these BGA rework stations.
