The Flex is the most accurate and adjustable tool Fancort manufactures but it does have limitations:
Standard adjustable cut length depending on the part/package size for the standard FLEX is 0.450 inches to 3.0 inches max.
Maximum lead thickness is 0.012 inches.
Large round leads cannot be handled.
Metal cased parts with Round leads and glass seals should not be processed. The Flex system cannot control the flatting of the round leads to the required 10% max crush per the Mil specs and cracks in the glass may occur.
Pre- tinned parts should not be processed in a Flex system or any tool for that matter . The tin / lead will migrate to the tool and will cause sticking, galling , mis-formed parts. Tool damage is also a possibility . If a tinned parts have to be processed in a Flex system or any other tool , regular cleaning and additional lead thickness clearance should be considered.
One sided parts cannot be handled.
Package thickness maximum 0.150 inches above and below the forming line. Standard clearance for side exit parts/packages up to 0.300 inches. (Special versions for thick parts are available. Contact your Fancort Industries representative for further information).
External centering nests are required to handle bottom brazed parts.
0.500 inches minimum cut setting in most cases.
Total lead length from body of part to trimmed leads has a maximum limit of 0.120 inches. This includes the sum of the shoulder plus foot length.
Minimum shoulder needs to be 0.035 inches and a minimum STD JEDEC foot of 0.025 inches.
Contact your Fancort representative when the foot is greater than 0.050 inches (see figure below)
Due to lead thickness and spring–back; “sticking” is sometimes an issue with a Flex system. This happens mainly because of gold, or solder, build-up on the tool members. When forming devices of this type frequent cleaning or use of dedicated tools is recommended.
Flex tools and systems can process most flat packs and some quad packs almost as reliably and consistently as in a dedicated tool with the exception of FPGA’s, These find pitch quad pack will always get better results using dedicated tools that can eliminate skewing and mis forming.
Note: The bars or tie bar corners need to be removed prior to using the tool. You can use Fancort P/N F-3A found under cutters in our catalog or a high quality scissors, although scissors are not recommended since it can introduce skew.
