Flux Dispensing

Flux Dispensing

Flux dispensing is a critical process in robotic soldering that involves precisely applying 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. In robotic systems, this task is automated to ensure high accuracy, repeatability, and minimal waste, especially in high-volume or high-precision electronics manufacturing.

HOW FLUX DISPENSING WORKS IN AN AUTOMATED SYSTEM

In robotic soldering, flux is applied through a micro dispensing valve system controlled by a digital controller. The robot positions the dispensing nozzle exactly where flux is needed—usually on solder pads or component leads—before the soldering tool makes contact. Depending on the setup, the system can apply micro-dots or fine lines of flux with consistent pressure and volume.

The dispensing valve (like the FCM100) does the actual fluid delivery, while the controller (such as the ST100) regulates air pressure and timing to ensure accurate and consistent dispensing. This combination eliminates the variability found in manual soldering, enhances quality control, and supports high-speed production.

FLUX DISPENSING ESSENTIALS

1. ST100 Digital Benchtop Controller
A compact and user-friendly controller, the ST100 manages the timing, pressure, and operation of the dispensing valve. This controller is a smart solution for improving dispensing efficiency and reducing fluid waste in automated processes.

2. FCM100 Non-Contact Micro Dispensing Valve
This is the heart of the dispensing process. The FCM100 delivers ultra-precise amounts of flux without touching the PCB—perfect for high-speed soldering robots.

Flux Dispensing | Controller Specs. and Features

Specifications

TIMER RANGE

0.01 – 99.99 seconds

POWER

115/230V AC input, 24V DC internal

DIMENSIONS

241 mm x 168 mm x 70 mm

PRESSURE

1–100 psi adjustable output

CERTIFICATIONS

CE, RoHS

WEIGHT

2.27 kg (5 lbs)

Features

EASY MONITORING

Digital timer with LED display for easy monitoring

CONTROL AIR

Integrated 2-position, 4-way solenoid valve to control air to the dispense valve

CONSISTENT OUTPUT

Built-in pressure regulation and gauge for consistent output

SEAMLESS INTEGRATION

Serial port connection for integration with automation systems

FIT PRODUCTION NEEDS

Manual, timed, or teach modes to fit different production needs

MANUAL CONTROL IF NEEDED

Electric foot pedal operation for manual control if needed

Flux Dispensing | Valve Specs. and Features

Specifications

DISPENSE TYPE

Pneumatically actuated micro-needle valve (front-closing)

MINIMUM SHOT SIZE

0.83 µL

MINIMUM LINE WIDTH

0.25 mm (0.010 in)

MINIMUM ORIFICE I.D.

0.08 mm (0.003 in)

VISCOSITY RANGE

1 – 20,000 cps

OPERATING AIR PRESSURE

60 – 100 psi

OPERATING FLUID PRESSURE

1 – 100 psi

DIMENSIONS

152 mm x 19 mm x 19 mm (6 in x 0.75 in x 0.75 in)

CYCLE RATE

Up to 600 cycles per minute (depending on fluid and setup)

WEIGHT

Approx. 250 g

MOUNTING

Standard threaded holes for benchtop or robotic integration

WETTED MATERIALS

Stainless Steel, Teflon®, Kalrez®

MICRO MATERIALS

Manual adjustment with numeric dial and locking collar

NEEDLE ASSEMBLY

Stainless steel needle and seat for reliable sealing

Features

NON-CONTACT DISPENSING

Precisely “propels” fluid onto the target surface without physical contact—ideal for high-speed automation and consistent pattern placement.

INTEGRATED MICROMETER ADJUSTMENT

Allows fine control over needle retraction, enabling exact tuning of flow rate. A lock ring ensures settings stay secure during production.

Z-AXIS MOTION CAPABILITY

Enables dispensing without Z-axis motion, increasing cycle speed and consistency on automated systems.

SEAMLESS AUTOMATION INTEGRATION

Fully compatible with many automated dispensing platforms.

INTERCHANGEABLE NOZZLES

Supports 10 to 33 gauge stainless steel or ceramic nozzles, easily swapped to match your dot or line size requirements.

VERSATILE DISPENSING PROFILES

Capable of delivering both individual dots and continuous bead lines with high accuracy and minimal fluid waste.

MINIMAL FLUID VOLUME

Optimized for reduced nozzle fluid volume, helping achieve clean starts and stops with minimal stringing or dripping.

Needles

These disposable dispensing needles combine a sturdy stainless steel tip with a durable plastic hub for secure, accurate application. The threaded connection ensures a tight fit, while the polished blunt tip provides smooth, controlled flow. Each hub is color-coded for easy size recognition, making them practical for various tasks. Designed for precision and reliability, these needles are ideal for consistent fluid handling without clogging or mess.

Nozzles

Designed for smooth, controlled dispensing, these nozzles feature a tapered tip to reduce back pressure and ensure steady flow. Options include all-plastic models with color-coded hubs for easy size identification, and metal-core versions for added precision. Both styles offer a clean, consistent outlet ideal for detailed applications. A full metal variant is also available for reusable setups. Reliable and efficient, these nozzles suit a range of fluid handling needs without compromising flow or accuracy.

Sample Video

About

Industry: Aerospace/Electronics/Automotive/Medical
Application:
Lock-On Mechanism for Contact Soldering Robot. Japan Unix Locking Mechanism. This mechanism is used to lock on the wire solder feed position. This prevents a defect due to a feed position shift.
Design: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)
Integrated by: Fancort RAD (Robotic Automation Division)

Certified Robots & Platforms

Certified Robots - Available in Contact and Laser

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Desktop Top Enclosure

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Stand-Alone Cell Gantry

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Twin-Table Benchtop

Twin-Table Benchtop

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Gantry Soldering Robot

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Twin-Table Gantry

Twin-Table Gantry

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SCARA Cell

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Stand-Alone 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.

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.

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.

Uni-Tester

Accurately measure soldering iron tip temperature, tip-to-ground potential, and tip-to-ground resistance. Features a separate sensor unit, RS232C data output, and compliance with MIL-STD-2000A, IPC J-STD-001G, and IEC 61191-1 (Ed.3/2018).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fume Extractor

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

Lock-on Mechanism

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

Nitrogen Gas Generator

Nitrogen Gas Generator. Your go-to tool for cleaner, more reliable lead-free 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.

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 advantages of contact soldering?

Consistently high quality joints, lower operator skill, up to 2x productivity.

Is robotic soldering faster than hand soldering?

Yes, a robotic soldering process is typically faster because an operator can load while the robot is simultaneously soldering.

I have a high product mix. How do I address fixturing?

AFancort is an expert fixture designer with the ability to develop quick change and flexible fixturing options.

Does Japan Unix/Fancort offer in-line turn-key solutions?

Absolutely, Japan Unix and Fancort can both offer solutions for high volume processes including assembly, inspection and other ancillary processes.

What is the typical Japan Unix tip life? How much do tips costs?

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.

How do I determine if my application is a good candidate for robotic soldering?

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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