The Right Approach: The End of an Era—DoD Proposes MIL-PRF-31032 Cancellation
Beyond the Board: How a Diminished Supplier Base Affects Complex PCB Manufacturing Readiness in Defense
Defense Speak Interpreted: Hypersonics Report Back After Six Years of Silence
Rehm Thermal Systems Mexico Wins the Mexico Technology Award 2024 in the Category Convection Soldering
November 13, 2024 | Rehm Thermal SystemsEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Rehm Thermal Systems Mexico has won the Mexico Technology Award in the category convection soldering with the patented mechatronic curtain for convection soldering systems. The award ceremony took place on 11 September 2024 before the start of SMTA Guadalajara in Mexico.
The Mexico Technology Awards, organized annually by Mexico EMS, recognize companies that drive technical innovation, increase productivity, improve manufacturing quality and deliver cost-effective solutions.
State of the art
Due to the variety of electronic component geometries, the assembly height varies from 5 to 30 mm. These differences lead to the requirement that the throughput height for a convection soldering system is specified as 30 mm upwards and 20 mm downwards.
In addition, e-mobility, for example, has also led to a recognizable need for throughput heights of 50 to 100 mm upwards. This requirement results in an increasing open area at the entrance and exit of the convection soldering system, thereby drastically increasing the consumption of nitrogen necessary for process inertization.
The histogram in figure 2 illustrates that there are assemblies with a total height of up to 30 mm. However, there are predominantly assemblies that are no higher than 7 mm and for which the throughput heights are oversized, resulting in more nitrogen escaping from the system than would be the case with a curtain design optimized to this height.
Solution approach
To achieve both the maximum required throughput height and the always optimal nitrogen consumption for lower assemblies, Rehm Thermal Systems has patented, developed and mass-produced the mechatronic curtain. In the process, movable curtains are installed at the inlet and outlet of the oven, which guarantee the optimal distance to the assembly depending on its height.
Figure 3 shows an example of the savings achieved for an assembly 244 mm wide, 305 mm long and 7 mm high: at 500 ppm residual oxygen, approx. 27 % and at 1000 ppm approx. 20 % of the nitrogen is saved.
The awards ceremony brought together industry leaders, innovators and professionals to celebrate the latest technological advances and achievements in electronics manufacturing. “We are honored to receive the Mexico Technology Award for our patented mechatronic curtain for convection soldering systems,” said Luis García, Managing Director of Rehm Thermal Systems Mexico. “This award is a testament to how hard our team has worked to develop a more efficient system for our customers.”
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
Mexico’s Wire Harness Pivot Point
04/22/2026 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineMexico is a major producer of wire harnesses, but recent U.S. economic policies and Mexico’s domestic issues have had a ripple effect on the industry. Jesus Duarte, vice president of Mexico Assembly Wire Technology and president of Expo Wire Tech, explains the issue in greater depth and how the wire harness industry should respond on its own, rather than just reflect what Tier 1s are doing.
Fuse Expands U.S. Radiation Testing Capacity with New Albuquerque Facility
04/13/2026 | PRNewswireFuse, a leading U.S.-based fusion company, announced the establishment of a new state-of-the-art facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico that will expand U.S. radiation effects testing capacity for critical defense, space, and semiconductor technologies.
From Panels to Post-its
04/07/2026 | Lorena Villanueva, Global Electronics Association MexicoLast January, I attended the Global Leadership Summit of the Wire Harness Manufacturer’s Association (WHMA) in Las Vegas, and there was a subtle shift in one of the events that everyone could feel. We still had the traditional conference rhythm: strong keynote, well-prepared panels, and smart people in the room. There were also, sometimes, some careful answers—useful, but not always candid. So, I was curious when WHMA introduced a new peer-to-peer format for one session.
Rehm Thermal Systems to Attend All Major SMTA Expos in Mexico Again in 2026
04/01/2026 | Rehm Thermal SystemsStrong presence in a dynamically growing electronics market: Rehm will accompany the most important SMTA Expos 2026 in Monterrey, Ciudad Juárez, Querétaro, Chihuahua, Reynosa and Guadalajara.
Mexico's Electronics Growth and Future With Lorena Villanueva
03/26/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPOLorena Villanueva, director of the Global Electronics Association Mexico, discusses the burgeoning role of the electronics industry in Mexico, highlighting significant membership growth and the "three helix" approach to sector development. The conversation with Marcy Laront also touches upon workforce training, global curriculum adoption, and initiatives to encourage female participation in electronics.