I. General Standard Operating Procedures (Applicable to All Brands)

Pre-Test Preparation

• Thermocouple Fixing: Secure K-type thermocouples to key measurement points on PCBs or workpieces (such as component pins, board center/edge) using high-temperature solder wire or high-temperature tape.

• Instrument Connection: Insert thermocouples into the thermal profiler host according to channel numbers, ensuring firm insertion and correct polarity.

• Battery Check: Confirm battery power is ≥60% to avoid data loss due to power failure during testing.

• Clear Memory: Connect to a computer and use the supporting software to delete old data to prevent storage overflow.

Start-Up and Passing Through the Oven

• Power On: Press the power button of the instrument and set the sampling frequency (1–5 seconds per time for general processes, 1 second per time for precision processes).

• Start Recording: Press the "Start/Record" button. Once the indicator light flashes rapidly, immediately place the instrument into the thermal barrier box and seal it.

• Pass Through Oven: Send the thermal barrier box into the oven along with the products, running at the production line speed throughout the process.

Test Completion and Data Export

• After Oven: After the instrument cools down, press the "Stop" button. The recording stops when the indicator light returns to slow flashing.

• Connect to Computer: Connect the instrument to a PC via a data cable, open the software to download data.

• Generate Curve: The software automatically generates a thermal cycle curve. Check parameters such as peak temperature, slope, soaking time, and reflow zone duration.

II. Core Software Setting Tutorial (Taking Mainstream Thermal Profilers as Examples)

Oven Parameter Settings

• Input: number of temperature zones, set temperature of each zone, chain speed/conveying speed, oven length.

• Check: synchronization of upper and lower temperature zones, variable speed zones (if applicable).

Process Window (Profile) Setting

• Preheating Zone: Room temperature → 150℃, set heating ramp rate (usually 1–3℃/s).

• Soaking Zone: 150–180℃, set soaking time (60–120 seconds).

• Reflow Zone: peak temperature (217–260℃), time above liquidus (30–60 seconds).

• Cooling Zone: cooling ramp rate requirement (≤-3℃/s).

Data Interpretation

III. Practical Tips & Avoidance Guides

• Thermocouple Fixing: Probes must be tightly attached to the measured object; suspension causes inaccurate readings. Solder joints/tape must withstand high temperatures (≥300℃).

• Thermal Barrier Box Usage: Only intact thermal barrier boxes can be used; damage may burn the instrument. Multiple layers of thermal cotton are required for high-temperature ovens.

Extend Battery Life

• Lower screen brightness and disable always-on display.

• Disable unused channels and do not set an excessively high sampling frequency blindly.

• Use high-temperature resistant batteries in high-temperature environments to reduce capacity attenuation.

Common Problems

• Abnormal Data: Mostly caused by loose thermocouples, poor contact, or incorrect channel connection.

• Failure to Power On: Dead battery, oxidized contacts, or internal high-temperature protection.

• Curve Jitter: Damaged probes, strong electromagnetic interference, or excessively low sampling rate.

IV. Maintenance and Calibration (Extend Service Life)

• After Each Use: Clean flux/oil stains on thermocouples and inspect the thermal barrier box for damage.

• Regular Calibration: Calibrate thermocouples with a standard thermostat every 3–6 months to ensure accuracy.

• Battery Maintenance: Lithium batteries should be charged and discharged shallowly; store at 50% charge if not used for a long time. Do not mix old and new batteries or batteries of different brands.

V. Brand-Specific Tutorials (Quick Start)

VI. One-Sentence Quick Reminder