Automated soldering

In the field of electrical engineering, soldering is one of the most commonly used joining processes. The production of photovoltaic modules is one example of an application involving automated soldering systems.

What is the technology behind the soldering process?

Soldering is a thermal process for the bonded joining of materials. With the help of a soldering iron or laser, the required heat is provided for solid soldered joints and for melting the solder. This allows various components and materials – such as those made of nickel, copper, metal, steel, iron and aluminum – to be bonded together. A metal alloy that melts easily (called the solder) serves as the bonding material for the soldered joint. Soldering process equipment includes an automatic, programmable solder feeder and a variety of sensors for process monitoring. One special application is soldering in a vacuum or shielding gas. These processes are used to ensure that stringent cleanliness requirements are met, e.g. for semiconductor assembly or in the production of high vacuum systems or electron tubes.

Distinction between two different soldering technologies:

In soft-soldering, the melting point of the solder is below a temperature of 450 °C – for example, in the electronics industry.
In hard-soldering, or brazing, the melting point of the solder is above a temperature of 450 °C – for example, for particularly strong joints in the automotive industry or in the photovoltaic and battery sectors.

What are the advantages of automated soldering with KUKA?

An automated soldering station makes your production system particularly cost-effective. The process can be consistently and reliably reproduced and provides you with high quality. Furthermore, the cycle time between soldering operations is shortened. This enables you to increase output.

Top performance
- Error minimization
- The joint conducts electricity and heat
- Shorter process times
Diversity
Stability
- Strong soldered joints between workpieces
- Low distortion due to less heat
- Corrosion resistance
Know-how & service
- Technical advice and support
- Tests and feasibility studies
- Custom-tailored process solutions

Selective soldering

Learn more about the selective soldering of components with the KR AGILUS robot.

Robotic solutions for automated soldering

We offer robots with different reaches (706.7 - 3904 mm), payloads (6 - 300 kg) and soldering point options to automate your soldering processes, providing you with additional flexibility. The robot-based soldering process is used in many industries in this manner for a wide variety of applications. Both large and small components can be optimally joined at specified soldering points in a short period of time with the high strength of the alloys.

KR AGILUS (6 - 10 kg payload capacity)

For smaller areas and soldering applications and thus for even more flexibility and application diversity. Handling and up to three soldered joints simultaneously by induction heating. Reach: 706.7 -

KR IONTEC (20 - 70 kg payload capacity)

With this robot variant, up to 12 soldered joints can be soldered simultaneously. This high number leads to an increase in productivity as well as profits. Reach: 2100 - 3100 mm.

KR QUANTEC (120 - 300 kg payload capacity)

The best solution for the soldering of large components. Soldering two induction points simultaneously or with multiple soldering heads serves to boost process output. Reach: 2671 - 3904 mm.

Suitable software for automation of your soldering station

With our software solutions, you can implement various robot-based soldering processes and achieve maximum flexibility. The aim is to reliably monitor all parameters during soldering through ideal communication between the soldering equipment and the robot controller.