High-Purity Nitrogen for SMT Processes – Maximum On-Site Efficiency

NPM-20P Nitrogen Generator (N₂-Generator) – Efficiency and Quality for Modern Electronics Manufacturing

N₂-Generator is an indispensable component in SMT manufacturing processes. By providing a continuous supply of pure nitrogen gas on-site, an N₂-Generator enhances production quality, reduces operating costs, and optimizes the entire manufacturing chain.

Nitrogen is used to create an inert atmosphere that prevents oxidation, improves the quality of solder joints, and ensures a stable production environment. Compared to the traditional use of nitrogen in bottles or tanks, a nitrogen generator offers numerous advantages.

With NPM nitrogen generator, you are investing in an efficient, reliable, and sustainable solution to meet the demands of modern electronics manufacturing.

Smartlink-SMT is happy to assist you in selecting the optimal size and model tailored to your specific consumption needs.

Nitrogen Generator for SMT Soldering Processes in Electronics Production
Nitrogen Generator for Sustainable and Cost-Efficient SMT Manufacturing

Nitrogen – an indispensable element in industry

Nitrogen is a colorless and odorless gas with a density of 1.251 g/L, which is lower than that of air. It constitutes 78.08% of the Earth’s atmosphere and is one of the primary components of air. Thanks to its chemical inertness, nitrogen reacts minimally with other substances at room temperature. This property makes it an ideal inert shielding gas, protecting sensitive processes and materials from unwanted chemical reactions.

PSA Nitrogen Generator: how does it work?

Composition of Air: 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen. The foundation for PSA generators in SMT assembly

PSA nitrogen generator (Pressure Swing Adsorption) separates oxygen and nitrogen from ambient air through a physical process to produce high-purity nitrogen. The process relies on the differing adsorption capacities of oxygen and nitrogen on carbon molecular sieves.

  • Under pressure, the carbon molecular sieve preferentially adsorbs oxygen.

  • During pressure release, the oxygen is desorbed, leaving behind nitrogen.

  • By alternating between adsorption and desorption in a precisely timed sequence, the continuous separation of nitrogen and oxygen is achieved.

Operating Process of a PSA Nitrogen Generator

  • Air Compression: Ambient air is compressed using a compressor.

  • Air Drying: The compressed air is cooled and dried before entering the system.

  • Adsorption: Oxygen is adsorbed by a carbon molecular sieve, leaving nitrogen behind.

  • Desorption and Regeneration: Saturated molecular sieves are regenerated by releasing the adsorbed oxygen through pressure release.

PSA nitrogen generators typically utilize two parallel adsorption towers. While one tower adsorbs oxygen, the other regenerates. This alternating operation ensures a continuous supply of high-purity nitrogen.

Thanks to this technology, PSA nitrogen generators are a practical and widely used solution for gas separation processes, especially in industries requiring high-purity nitrogen.

Flow diagram of the working process of a PSA nitrogen generator for SMT assembly: Air compressor, air tank, filters, refrigerated air dryer, nitrogen generator

Technical Advantages of Nitrogen Generators:

Nitrogen generator with high-quality materials, compact design, noise reduction, and intelligent control for SMT assembly

  • High-Quality Adsorber: Made from an aerospace magnesium-aluminum alloy, it is not classified as a pressure vessel and therefore requires no special inspections.

  • Durable and Aesthetic: Corrosion-resistant materials ensure an attractive design and long service life.

  • Compact Design: Requires minimal floor space and is easy to integrate.

  • Low Noise: Noise reduction treatments minimize exhaust sound.

  • Intelligent Control: High automation level ensures easy operation and efficient performance.

Why an N₂-Generator is your best solution:

  • Prevention of Oxidation: Nitrogen displaces oxygen, protecting sensitive electronic components and PCBs from oxidation.

  • Improved Soldering Quality: Reduces air inclusions and ensures homogeneous, stable solder joints with optimal integrity.

  • Cost Efficiency: Eliminates the need for purchasing nitrogen cylinders or tanks, reducing transportation, storage, and refilling costs

  • Consistent Nitrogen Supply: Continuous production of nitrogen with oxygen content below 100 ppm, regardless of supply chain disruptions.

  • Environmentally Friendly: Reduces CO₂ footprint by eliminating transportation and storage needs.

  • Extended Equipment Lifespan: Prevents corrosion and reduces maintenance costs.

  • Increased Product Yield: Enhanced soldering quality and fewer defects lead to a higher number of flawless products.

Applications in SMT Production

  • Reflow Soldering Ovens
    Purpose: Creates an oxygen-free atmosphere to prevent oxidation during the soldering process.
    Benefit: Ensures clean joints, reduces soldering defects like cold joints, and improves mechanical and electrical stability.

  • Selective Soldering Machines
    Purpose: Provides a precisely controlled atmosphere to protect sensitive components and PCBs.
    Benefit: Minimizes oxidation of molten solder and ensures reliable, high-quality solder joints, especially for complex assemblies.

  • Wave Soldering Systems
    Purpose: Nitrogen is introduced over the solder wave to create a protective atmosphere and prevent oxidation.
    Benefit: Saves solder material, reduces solder oxide formation, and guarantees uniform, stable solder joints.

  • Conformal Coating Machines
    Purpose: Protects assemblies during the coating process from contamination and moisture.
    Benefit: Allows for uniform and high-quality protective coating, increasing the lifespan of assemblies.

  • Coating Systems (PVD, CVD)
    Purpose: Used as a protective and carrier gas in physical (PVD) and chemical (CVD) deposition processes.
    Benefit: Prevents contamination, ensures uniform coatings, and improves surface quality for specialized SMT requirements.

Specifications

Technical Requirements
To ensure optimal performance, the nitrogen generator requires the following working conditions:

  • Input Air Pressure: 0.7 MPa

  • Ambient Temperature: 20 °C (68 °F)

  • Altitude: 0 meters above sea level

  • Input Compressed Air Quality:Compliant with ISO 8573-1:2010 1-4-1

  • Output Nitrogen Quality: Compliant with ISO 8573-1:2010 1-2-1

  • Power Supply: 110-220V, single-phase, 50-60 Hz, 100W

Nitrogen output and technical specifications of the N₂ generator models for SMT assembly.

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