Robotic Soldering by Japan Unix › Laser Soldering › Desktop Laser Soldering Cells
Desktop Laser Soldering Cells
Laser soldering cells are advanced automated systems designed for precise, non-contact soldering of electronic components. Using focused laser energy, they deliver highly controlled heat directly to the solder joint, minimizing thermal impact on surrounding areas. These systems support high-repeatability processes, making them ideal for fine, sensitive, and high-reliability applications. With integrated vision, programmable energy profiles, and flexible configurations, laser soldering cells enhance product quality while reducing defects. They can be implemented in stand-alone, twin-table, or inline formats to match varying production requirements and throughput demands.
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- Stand-Alone
Stand-Alone Cell Gantry
- General
- Sample Video
STAND-ALONE CELL
A stand-alone soldering cell is a compact robotic system designed for automated soldering processes in a single workstation. It typically integrates a desktop soldering robot or SCARA robot to precisely solder electronic components onto PCBs or assemblies. This solution is ideal for flexible production, offering high accuracy, repeatability, and ease of integration without requiring a conveyor system.
FEATURES
- Compact stand-alone workstation design
Equipped with desktop or SCARA soldering robot - User-friendly teaching program optimized for soldering applications
- Supports laser soldering technology
- Flexible configuration with options such as vision systems, temperature control, and traceability
- Ideal for low-to-medium volume production and high-mix applications
FEATURES
-
Laser diode with output of 45W, 75W or 130W
- Coaxial CCD camera integrated into laser head for precise targeting and programming
Ideal for extremely fine point soldering - Programming via teach pendant or dedicated software with control box
- Laser lens protected with external glass shielding
- Custom lens options: round, doughnut, oval, square
- Air jet system removes flux smoke during soldering
-
Optional nitrogen flow for improved solder quality
- Visible shooting position*
- Level 4 laser classification, requires safety cover.
Patented
- Desktop models with working area of 300x300mm or 400x400mm
- Program up to 63 waveform patterns
- Eight levels of energy power per waveform
- Compatible with precision solder feeders or solder paste applications
- Laser spot diameter: 0.1–0.6 mm (0.25 mm optional)
- Multiple focal length options: 30, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120
- Wavelength options: 808 or 940 nm
- Software-operated shutter
- Laser lifespan up to 20,000 hours
LASER SOLDERING PROCESS
1. The laser illuminates the soldering point.
2. The illuminated area emits heat (surface heat emission).
3. The heat transfers into the surrounding area and is raised to the melting temperature.
4. Solder is supplied
Stand-Alone Cell
Introducing the Future of Soldering: A stand-alone soldering cell is a compact robotic system designed for automated soldering processes in a single workstation. It typically integrates a desktop soldering robot or SCARA robot to precisely solder electronic components onto PCBs or assemblies. This solution is ideal for flexible production, offering high accuracy, repeatability, and ease of integration without requiring a conveyor system. Japan Unix Automated by Fancort Industries.
Laser Soldering Process
Pre-Heat
In both processes, the temperature is gradually raised to prevent thermal shock to sensitive components. Flux is applied to clean the surfaces and promote better bonding.
Heating
For contact soldering, a heated iron tip is used to transfer heat to the joint, melting the solder. In laser soldering, a focused laser beam is activated to rapidly heat the solder and components, ensuring precise control over the temperature to avoid damage.
Post Heat
Solder is applied to the joint in both methods. In contact soldering, the molten solder fills gaps and forms a solid connection. In laser soldering, the solder melts and flows into place, creating a strong bond without overheating surrounding areas.
Cool-Down
The iron tip or laser is removed, and the joint is allowed to cool, solidifying the solder and ensuring a reliable electrical and mechanical connection.
- Laser Soldering Specifications & Capabilities
Specifications
PAD SIZE COMPATIBILITY
- Minimum Pad Size: 0.7mm square or 1.4mm x 0.7mm rectangular
- Maximum Pad Size: 11mm square or 13.8mm x 3.5mm rectangular
SPOT SIZE ADJUSTMENT
- Minimum Spot Size: 0.2mm diameter
- Maximum Spot Size: 3.5mm diameter
- Spot Size Adjustment: Programmable with multi-step control (up to 10 steps per laser shot)
- Dynamic Spot Size: Multi-phi spot size can adjust between 1mm and 3mm on the fly (custom heads are not available for other spot ranges at this time).
LASER TYPE & OUTPUT
- Type: Laser Diode (Lasider, 940nm wavelength)
- Available Power Options: 45W / 75W / 130W
- Effect on Solder Materials: No adverse effects; compatible with most solder materials
MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY
- Ideal for FR4, tinned, pre-fluxed, and gold-plated pads
- Solder Types: Supports all solder alloys, including lead-free
- Thermal Sensitivity: For heat-sensitive components, masking or lighter-colored materials is recommended to reduce absorption (as the laser targets dark surfaces).
THERMAL CONTROL & SOLDERING PROCESS
- Localized Heating: Reduces thermal shock compared to contact methods
- Maximum Temperature: 380°C localized heat (optimal for FR4 substrates)
- Ramp-up and Cool-down Rates: Approximately 5mm/sec for both heating and cooling phases, ensuring minimal impact on joint integrity
- Programmable Thermal Control: Preprogrammable with up to 10 temperature steps per cycle
OPTICAL SYSTEM
- Optics: Focused and shaped via high-precision optical lenses
- Energy Distribution: Factory-profiled to ensure uniform heating; regular power meter checks recommended
PRECISION & CALLIBRATION
- Positioning Accuracy: Dependent on the robot platform used with the laser system
- Recalibration: Requires recalibration approximately once a year; features an automated tuning function
MONITORING & FEEDBACK
- In-process Monitoring: Equipped with both pyrometer-based thermal feedback and soldering manager tools for quality control
- Inspection Options: Supports real-time inspection for thermal and solder joint integrity through external monitoring tools
COMPONENT LIFESPAN & MAINTENANCE
- Laser Diode Lifespan: Approximately 25,000 hours of irradiation time
- Maintenance: Annual recalibration with automated diagnostics for consistent performance
Laser Soldering
Laser Soldering Process
Laser Soldering Advantages
Advantages
• High yield rate available
• High affinity for automation
• Perfect for high density board
• Easy maintenance
• Minimum strain to board
Process
Laser Soldering Process
Laser soldering offers several benefits, including rapid soldering, minimal heat dispersion, and the ability to work with delicate components.
Laser soldering ensures high-quality connections, reduces the risk of damage to sensitive electronic parts, and enhances overall manufacturing efficiency. It's the go-to solution for achieving top-notch soldering results in modern electronics assembly.
Advantages of Laser Soldering
Contact Soldering
Possible Stress
- Physical contact to the substrate
- Flux residue (carbide)
Dead Space
- It is necessary to secure space for the tip and solder wire feed.
Solder Amount
- There is a certain amount of solder that is brought to the wet surface of the tip.
Laser Soldering
Possible Stress
- No physical contact
- No carbide
Dead Space
- It is necessary to secure just solder wire feeding space
- Solder paste
- Any type of preform are approachable
Solder Amount
- Fed solder properly amounts
Running cost comparison table
Contact
Iron tip
Heater element
Heater cable
Tube set
Needle
Laser
Tube set
Needle
Laser Spot Sizes
Laser Spot Shapes
Laser Diode Power Available
Laser diode with output of 45W, 75W or 130W (Dual head laser power up to 200W)
Saving maintenance time
New Laser Slim Head ULD-H4
ULD-H4 Slim Laser Head
For articulated robot/space saving, our new laser head comes with downsizing and lightening. Adaptable for UNIX-FR Series and Thermo Pro™
ULD-H4 (With ThermoPro) Straight Shape
Features
・With the slim laser head, the fiber can be extended sideways.
・Approximately 50% less volume and weight than the ULD-H3 laser head.
ULD-H4L (Without ThermoPro) L-Shape
ULD-H4 Application Examples
UNIX-FR Series
Scara Robot
With Coaxial non-contact Thermometer
UNIX-FR Series
Vertical articulated Robot
Laser Irradiation for any angle
Fancort GF Gantry
Gantry Robot
With space saving in-line layout design
ULD-H4 Laser Head to chose from
Laser head can be selected according to customer's line design and requirements.
ULD-H3-Z Laser Head
ULD-H3-Z
Variable beam spot size area laser. With zoom lens. Variable area laser spot size without changing working distance.
Variable beam size with area laser to match the target product. Preset Beam Size: 10 programs Available
Specs.
ULD-H3Z Application Examples
To Use Area Lasers for a Wide Variety of Applications.
To Change Beam Size Depending on the Location
Certified Robots & Platforms
Certified Robots - Available in Contact and Laser
Benchtop
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Gantry
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SCARA
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6-Axis
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Modules
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Benchtop
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Gantry
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SCARA
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6-Axis
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Modules
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Certified Platforms - Available in Contact and Laser
Twin-Table Benchtop
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Stand-Alone Gantry
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Twin-Table Gantry
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SCARA Cell
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Stand-Alone Cell
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Inline Cell
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AutoBlocks
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Browse Our Add-Ons
Standard Feeder
The "Standard Feeder" from Japan Unix is typically used in robotic soldering systems to automate the process of feeding solder wire to the soldering tip. Available in High-Precision Version.
Clean Cut Feeder
The feeder’s notching technology reduces flux dispersal and solder balls, preventing manufacturing issues like flux splatter. Available in High-Precision Version.
Thermo Pro
Non-contact thermometer to control temperature. In addition to the traditional management items for laser soldering (output, time, etc.), the incorporation of Thermo Pro™ makes it possible to manage and control the temperature during soldering.
Twin Spot
Enables simultaneous soldering of two joints.
Multi-phi
Variable laser beam spot diameter soldering system. Laser beam spot diameters are adjustable without moving. The variable spot diameters allow ideal soldering outcomes for diverse component shapes or various land patterns.
Area Laser
This laser can irradiate a wide area with uniform energy density. This enables selective SMT processes and simultaneous multi-point soldering.
Solder Wire Preheater
Preheats solder wire to minimize solder balls and flux dispersion caused by sudden heat shock during soldering. It is also effective at reducing cycle time.
Fiducial Correction
Revolutionize your robotic soldering with our cutting-edge Fiducial Correction Vision System, ensuring pinpoint accuracy and seamless precision based on fiducial marks.
Traceability
Enhance traceability in manufacturing and logistics by providing accurate and reliable data capture, ensuring that each product or component can be tracked through every stage of the production process.
AOI Vision Sensor
High-Performance Vision Sensor with AI capabilities.
1. Presence/Absence detection of features, patterns, edges, and circles.
2. Ethernet communication with TCP/IP, Profinet, ethernet/IP, SLMP, and FTP for saving data.
Airgun Preheater
Serves an essential role in preparing components and surfaces before soldering. Reducing thermal shock, improving solder flow, preventing cold solder joints, enhancing flux activation, and protecting sensitive components.
SVX Solder Paste Dispenser
Ideal for dispensing all medium to high viscosity pastes, epoxies, and abrasive compounds in dot and bead patters. The SVX can dispense dots as small as 0.005in in diameter.
PMX 1212 Preheater
Used to heat parts or materials to a specific temperature before further processing, such as soldering, coating, or assembly. This preheating process helps improve the efficiency and quality of subsequent manufacturing steps.
Custom Fixturing
Specifically designed to hold, support, and position parts or assemblies during operations like machining, soldering, or inspection. Tailor made fixturing to ensure repeatability for your process.
Enhance Your Soldering Operations with Premium Add-Ons!
Unlock the full potential of your robotic soldering systems with our advanced Contact Soldering Add-Ons and Laser Soldering Add-Ons. Designed to elevate precision, efficiency, and reliability, these accessories seamlessly integrate into your workflow to meet even the most demanding production requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common reasons to select laser soldering technologies?
Micro Soldering (0.02mm spot), non-contact (allows for reflow only), no iron tip consumables, automatic spot size change.
Is laser soldering faster than contact soldering?
Laser soldering can be slightly faster because it eliminates some mechanical movement or when used only to reflow.
Does Japan Unix maintain FDA safety approval to sell laser machines in the US?
Absolutely.
How are the laser positions programmed?
Japan Unix was the first company to develop laser soldering more than a decade ago with the patented direct line-of-sight teaching camera that allows you to look directly through the laser beam. This makes teaching easy and avoid inaccuratie due to angle distortion.
Does Japan Unix offer pyrometer modulated power controls (power cruse control)?
Yes, Japan Unix is the leader in direct temperature measured laser control.
Laser Soldering
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