7.9 Fire Safety in Thermal Processes

Reflow ovens and Wave soldering machines contain heaters (up to 300°C), flammable flux residues, and forced air—the perfect fire triangle.

7.9.1 Reflow Oven Protocols

• Flux Management: Flux volatiles condense in the cooler zones of the oven/exhaust. This buildup is highly flammable.
  • Mandate: Weekly inspection and cleaning of exhaust vents and condensation traps is required to prevent "Flash-off" fires.
• Extinguishers: Standard dry powder extinguishers can destroy the delicate optics and electronics of an SMT machine.
  • Requirement: CO2 or Clean Agent (e.g., FM-200) extinguishers must be located at every thermal processing line.

Final Checklist