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.

7.89.1 FireReflow SafetyOven in SMTProtocols

• ReflowFlux Oven Risks:Management: ProtocolsFlux forvolatiles 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 inside the oven tunnels due to flux buildup.fires.
• Titanium Extinguishers: WhyStandard standarddry powder extinguishers mightcan destroy the machines,delicate optics and whatelectronics toof usean insteadSMT (machine.
  • Requirement: CO2 or Clean Agent).Agent (e.g., FM-200) extinguishers must be located at every thermal processing line.

Final Checklist

Risk Area	Preventive Action	Emergency Response
Oven Exhaust	Weekly cleaning of flux residue	CO2 Extinguisher (No Powder)
Wave Solder	Dross removal (fire risk)	Emergency Stop (Cut Power)
Spray Coating	Explosion-proof ventilation	Auto-suppression system