Desktop Soldering | Struggling with Space, Budget, or Low Volume?

💰 You know automation would help, but is it worth the investment?

        • Manual soldering is inconsistent, but a full production robot feels overkill.
        • You need better quality, but can’t justify a huge system.
        • You just want something easy that works.

💡 This is why desktop robotic soldering exists. It’s compact, cost-effective, and lets you remove human inconsistency without the big automation footprint.

Contact Soldering

Contact soldering, a fundamental technique in electronics manufacturing, involves joining two metal surfaces using a heated soldering iron and a filler metal known as solder. This method ensures reliable electrical connections and mechanical bonds between components.

Fancort Industries, a leader in high-quality tooling and automation equipment, offers advanced robotic soldering solutions tailored for modern manufacturing needs. Japan Unix' UNIX-DF Series desktop soldering robots are designed to meet the demands of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT). These robots feature enhanced network capabilities, improved robotic motion, and are optimized for both traditional iron soldering and laser soldering applications.

Contact Soldering Head
One of the primary aspects that differentiates Contact from Laser.

One of the primary aspects that differentiates contact soldering from laser soldering is the soldering head. The UMC-093 Contact Soldering Head from Japan Unix is a high-performance, compact soldering head designed primarily for automotive electronics applications. Key features include a 250W heating element with a temperature sensor positioned just 3mm from the tip, which allows for precise temperature control and efficient heat transfer. The soldering head has a fixed 75° angle and utilizes a Poka-Yoke system to ensure correct tip placement, enhancing operational reliability. This soldering head supports both point-to-point and linear soldering techniques, making it versatile for various soldering tasks. It is compatible with the Japan Unix USC-871 controller, and optional features include nitrogen gas supply and a needle mover for more specialized applications.

Soldering head with contact soldering tips

About our Soldering Tips

  • High-performance soldering tips designed exclusively for automatic soldering operations.
  • The soldering tips feature a black chromium plating, and the "tinned area" on the wetting surface is plated with lead-free solder.
  • Available in various standard tip shapes, including point soldering and linear soldering.
  • Custom tips can be designed and manufactured in multiples of 10 to meet customer specifications.
  • Tip life spans in the range of 20,000 - 25,000 hits, depending on the application.

*Special tips are built to order.

Soldering tip internal structure

Contact 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.

Cooling: 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.

Both techniques ensure a secure solder joint but differ in their heat application—contact soldering uses a heated iron, while laser soldering uses a focused beam of light.

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.

Cooling: 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.

Pre-Heat: Before soldering, it's important to gradually warm up the components to prevent thermal shock. With a soldering iron, the tip heats the area slowly, and flux is applied to clean the surfaces for better adhesion.

Heating: This is where the real action happens. In contact soldering, the heated iron tip touches the joint, transferring heat directly to melt the solder.

Post-Heat: Once the joint is hot enough, the solder melts and flows into place. With a soldering iron, the heat keeps the solder molten until it fills the gaps and bonds properly.

Cooling: After the solder is applied, it needs to cool and solidify. In contact soldering, removing the iron allows the solder to naturally harden into a strong connection.

Featured Platforms

Desktop Twin-Table Cell
Available in Contact and Laser.

Desktop Rotary Cell
Available in Contact and Laser.

Stand-Alone Rotary Cell
Available in Contact and Laser.

Japan Unix Platforms

Benchtop
Available in Contact and Laser.

Gantry
Available in Contact and Laser.

SCARA 5-Axis
Available in Contact and Laser.

Vertical 6-Axis
Available in Contact and Laser.

Modules
Available in Contact and Laser.

Popular Platforms

Desktop Robot with Enclosure
Available in Contact and Laser.

Stand-Alone Gantry
Available in Contact and Laser.

Twin-Table Gantry
Available in Contact and Laser.

SCARA 5-Axis Cell
Available in Contact and Laser.

Stand-Alone Cell
Available in Contact and Laser.

Inline Cell
Available in Contact and Laser.

Software

soldering teach pendant

AutoBlocks™ Operating System
AutoBlocks™ Operating System is Fancort’s software
platform for industrial automation technology.

Sample Videos

About

Industry: Aerospace/Electronics/Automotive/Medical
Application: Robotic Soldering.
Design: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)
Integrated by: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)

About

Industry: Aerospace/Electronics/Automotive/Medical
Application: Robotic Soldering.
Design: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)
Integrated by: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)

About

Industry: Aerospace/Electronics/Automotive/Medical
Application: Robotic Soldering.
Design: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)
Integrated by: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)

About

Industry: Aerospace/Electronics/Automotive/Medical
Application: Robotic Soldering.
Design: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)
Integrated by: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)

About

Industry: Aerospace/Electronics/Automotive/Medical
Application: Robotic Soldering.
Design: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)
Integrated by: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)

About

Industry: Aerospace/Electronics/Automotive/Medical
Application: Robotic Soldering.
Design: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)
Integrated by: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)

About

Industry: Aerospace/Electronics/Automotive/Medical
Application: Robotic Soldering.
Design: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)
Integrated by: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)

Soldering Manager Software

Discover the Soldering Manager software

Soldering Manager is the leading software app to control your soldering operation; synced with FOS. With Soldering Manager, you can monitor the soldering robot's status and automatically collect and store process data.

Robotic Soldering Add-ons

Fancort’s robotic soldering add-ons, including laser and contact soldering solutions, deliver unmatched precision and efficiency. Designed for seamless integration with robotic systems, these add-ons enhance soldering quality while increasing production speed. Ideal for diverse applications, they ensure reliability and adaptability to meet the evolving demands of modern automated manufacturing.

Contact Soldering Add-ons

Contact soldering add ons
standard feeder for robotic soldering

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. See features and specifications

CONTACT SOLDERING

brush cleaner for robotic soldering

Brush Cleaner

Automated cleaner for irons tip that removes carbides, stannous tin oxides, and other impurities caused from soldering operations. This ensures that the soldering tips maintain optimal thermal conductivity and performance. See features and specifications

CONTACT SOLDERING

Uni tester for robotic soldering

Uni-tester

This device is used for measuring soldering iron tip temperature, tip to ground potential, and tip to ground resistance. See features and specifications

  • Considering the installation of this device , the sensor unit comes separated from the main control unit.
  • Data transmission to external devices is possible by using RS232C connection.
  • Tip to ground potential and tip to ground resistance measurement complies with the following standards: MIL STD 2000 (2000A) / IPC J STD 001G / IEC 61191 1 (Ed3/2018)

CONTACT SOLDERING

Treaceability for robotic soldering

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. See features and specifications

CONTACT SOLDERING

Fixture for robotic soldering

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. See features and specifications

CONTACT SOLDERING

Flux dispensing for pcb soldering

Flux Dispensing

We precisely apply flux—a chemical cleaning agent—onto a printed circuit board (PCB) before soldering. Flux removes oxidation and prepares the metal surfaces for a stronger, more reliable solder bond. See features and specifications

CONTACT SOLDERING

Lock on mechanism japan unix locking

Lock-On Mechanism

Secure the wire solder feed in a fixed position and avoid common defects caused by feed misalignment. See features and specifications

CONTACT SOLDERING

Soldering tips for robotic soldering

Soldering Tips

Designed to transfer heat from the soldering iron to the components and solder, enabling the melting of solder to form electrical connections. Made with high-quality materials to ensure durability, and consistent performance. See features and specifications

CONTACT SOLDERING

clean cut feeder for robotic soldering

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. See features and specifications

CONTACT SOLDERING

tip position corrector for robotic soldering

Tip Position Corrector

Adjusts tip slippage caused from thermal expansion, burning out or others. It never requires resetting conditions or reconfiguration. Its fully automated. Managing unexpected slippage is essential for maintaining consistent quality. See features and specifications

CONTACT SOLDERING

Fiducial correction for robotic soldering

Fiducial Correction

Revolutionize your robotic soldering with our cutting-edge Fiducial Correction Vision System, ensuring pinpoint accuracy and seamless precision based on fiducial marks. See features and specifications

CONTACT SOLDERING

AOI Vision sensor for robotic soldering

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. See features and specifications

CONTACT SOLDERING

Airblow for robotic soldering

Airblow

Air blower, vacuum type. Reduces debris scattering. Built-in solenoid valve. It uses compressed air to blow away unwanted particles, which helps in maintaining a clean and efficient soldering process. See features and specifications

CONTACT SOLDERING

Fume extractor

Fume Extractor

Effectively remove harmful dust, smoke, and fumes right at the source, ensuring clean, safety-compliant air. See features and specifications

CONTACT SOLDERING

Nitrogen gas generator unx 100 unx 200 japan unix

Nitrogen Gas Generator

Nitrogen Gas Generator. Your go-to tool for cleaner, more reliable lead-free soldering. See features and specifications

CONTACT SOLDERING

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.

✅ CONTACT SOLDERING ADD-ONS
Achieve consistent solder quality with precision tools.
Enhance performance with optional feeders, preheaters, and soldering tip upgrades.

📞 Ready to get started? Contact us today!
Click the button below or call us now to learn how our add-ons can transform your operations.

FAQ

Q: What are the advantages of contact soldering?
A: Consistently high quality joints, lower operator skill, up to 2x productivity.

Q: Is robotic soldering faster than hand soldering?
A: Yes, a robotic soldering process is typically faster because an operator can load while the robot is simultaneously soldering.

Q: I have a high product mix. How do I address fixturing?
A: Fancort is an expert fixture designer with the ability to develop quick change and flexible fixturing options.

Q: Does Japan Unix/Fancort offer in-line turn-key solutions?
A: Absolutely, Japan Unix and Fancort can both offer solutions for high volume processes including assembly, dispense, screw driving, inspection and other ancillary processes.

Q: What is the typical Japan Unix tip life? How much do tips costs?
A: Japan Unix tips provide industry-leading tip life in the range of 20,000 — 25,000 hits depending on the application. Tips are typically half the cost of competitive offerings with integrated heating elements.

Q: How do I determine if my application is a good candidate for robotic soldering?
A: Fancort offers free application reviews. If the process meets our standards then we proceed to a consultative proof of concept phase where we may run samples and develop fixturing concepts.

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Some of our customers

Fancort customers include the following NASA engineering schools: MIT, John Hopkins, JPL, U of NH, MN, NM, TX and AZ. We are also a major supplier to the national labs system: Sandia, Draper, Fermi and Los Alamos.

Robotic Soldering Sitemap

SERVICES
Robotic Soldering Automation

CONTACT SOLDERING
Contact Soldering
Desktop Contact
UNIX-DF404S
UNIX-DF304S
UNIX-DF204S

VISION SYSTEMS
Teaching Aid
Fiducial Correction System
Max Machine Vision

SOTFWARE
Soldering Manager

INLINE SOLDERING
UNIX-VFR 6-Axis (Contact)
UNIX-HFR SCARA (Contact)
UNIX-VFR 6-Axis (Laser)
UNIX-HFR SCARA (Laser)

LASER SOLDERING
Laser Soldering
Desktop Laser
UNIX-DF303L

IRON SOLDERING
Iron Soldering

CONSUMABLES
Soldering Tips

SOLDERING KITS
Contact Soldering Kit USP5
Laser Soldering Kit ULD-02

• SUPPORT
Online Support
On-site Support

PLATFORMS (CONTACT)
AutoBlocks
Twin-Table Benchtop
Stand-Alone Gantry
Twin-Table Gantry
SCARA Cell
Stand-Alone Cell
Inline Cell

PLATFORMS (LASER)
AutoBlocks
Twin-Table Benchtop
Stand-Alone Gantry
Twin-Table Gantry
SCARA Cell
Stand-Alone Cell
Inline Cell

ADD-ONS (CONTACT)
Standard Feeder
Clean Cut Feeder
Brush Cleaner
Uni-tester
Soldering Tips
Tip Position Corrector
Airblow
Traceability
Fiducial Correction
AOI Vision Sensor
Fixturing
Fume Extractor
Lock-On Mechanism
Nitrogen Gas Generator
Flux Dispensing

ADD-ONS (LASER)
Standard Feeder
Clean Cut Feeder
Thermo Pro
Multi-phi
Solder Wire Preheater
Traceability
Airgun Preheater
PMX 1212 Preheater
Twin Spot
Area Laser
Fiducial Correction
AOI Vision Sensor
SVX Solder Paste Dispenser
Fixturing