SST 1200 User manual

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MODEL 1200
TABLE-TOP
FURNACE SYSTEM
USER MANUAL
Document Number – 35247-01 Rev D
September 2007
Printed In USA
Copyright 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
SST International
9801 Everest Street
Downey, CA 90242-3113
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: 562-803-4043
E-mail: [email protected]
Although SST International has tested the material in this manual, SST International shall
not be held liable for technical or editorial errors and omissions made herein; or for
incidental or consequential damages that may result from furnishing, performance, or use
of this manual.

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NOTE
The information in this document is provided for reference only. SST International does
not assume any liability arising out of the application or use of the information or
products described herein. This document may contain or reference information and
products protected by copyrights or patents and does not convey any license under the
patent rights of SST International, nor the rights of others.
Copyright © 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 by SST International, Division of EDM
Supplies, Inc., a California Corporation, 9801 Everest Street, Downey, CA 90242-3113.
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of the publisher.

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OPERATORS SAFETY SUMMARY
The general safety information in this part of the manual is for both operating and servicing personnel. Specific
warnings and cautions will be found throughout the manual where they apply and do not appear in this summary.
Terms in This Manual
CAUTION! statements identify conditions or
practices that could result in damage to the
equipment or other property.
WARNING! statements identify conditions or
practices that could result in personal injury.
DANGER! statements identify conditions or
practices that could result in serious personal
injury including loss of life.
Symbols in This Manual
This symbol indicates where
cautionary or hazard information is to
be found.
This symbol indicates where electrical
shock hazard information is to be
found.
This symbol indicates where hot
surface burn hazard information is to
be found.
This symbol indicates information on
when heat resistant gloves should be
worn.
This symbol indicates information on
when safety glasses should be worn.
This symbol indicates where explosive
hazard information is to be found.
Power Source and Grounding
This product is intended to operate from a 120
or 220 volt rms single phase three wire system
with safety ground. In no case may the power
source apply more than 130, or 252 volts rms
between the supply conductors. The third
wire, or safety ground, must always be
connected and is essential for safe operation.
Danger Arising from Loss of Ground
Upon loss of the protective ground connection,
all accessible conductive parts (including knobs
and controls that may appear to be insulating)
can render an electrical shock.
Use the Proper Fuses
To avoid fire hazard, use only fuses of the
correct type, voltage rating and current rating as
specified in the fuse table.
Do Not Use Flammable or Toxic Process
Gases
The use of flammable process gases (including
hydrogen gas mixtures) with this product may
result in a fire or explosion leading to serious
personal injury and loss of life. Do not use toxic
process gases without properly operating
personal and equipment ventilation systems in
place.
Pressurized Gas Hazard
Do not disassemble any portion of the gas
plumbing system without first exhausting the
chamber to atmosphere and disconnecting all
pressurized gas lines to the product. A sudden
release of pressurized gas could lead to serious
personal injury.
Do Not Remove Covers or Panels
To avoid personal injury, do not remove the
product covers or panels without disconnecting
electrical power from the product. Always lock-
out and tag-out the electrical service disconnect
before removing covers or panels. Do not
operate the product without the covers and
panels properly installed.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Manual Contents Organization
1.2 Machine Description
1.3 Specifications
1.4 Safety Information
1.5 Warranty
1.6 Contact Information
2.0 INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
2.1 Customer Service Start-Up (Optional)
2.2 Machine Installation
3.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 Controls and Indicators
3.2 ¼ DIN Ramping Controller
3.3 Functional Checkout
3.4 Machine Operations
4.0 PROFILE PROGRAMMING
4.1 Overview
4.2 What is a Ramping Profile?
4.3 Step Types – Building Blocks of Profiles
4.4 Creating / Programming a New Profile
4.5 Editing a Profile
5.0 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
5.1 Routine Maintenance
5.2 Troubleshooting Guide
5.3 Repairs and Adjustments
5.4 Illustrated Parts Manual
6.0 DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE
7.0 APPENDIX
7.1 Final Acceptance and Test Report

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Title
2.0 Machine Unpacking
2.1 Lift Handle Locations
2.2 Facility Connections
2.3 Furnace Elevation View
2.4 Furnace Plan View
3.0 Upper Control Panel
3.1 Lower Control Panel
3.2 Watlow F4 14 DIN Ramping Controller
5.4.1 Final Assembly
5.4.2 Control System Installation
5.4.3 Electrical System Installation
5.4.4 Chamber Installation
5.4.5 Thermocouple Installation
5.4.6 Cooling System Installation
5.4.7 Exhaust Circuit Installation
5.4.8 GAS 1 & GAS 2 Circuit Installation
5.4.9 Vacuum Circuit Installation
5.4.10 Compound Gage Installation
5.4.11 Front Panel Installation
5.4.12 Frame Installation
5.4.13 Lid Assembly
5.4.14 Chamber Assembly
5.4.15 Available Spare Parts Kits
Note: List of figures for section 5.4 is repeated on page 5-13 for quick reference.

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1. Introduction
1.1 Manual Contents Organization
This document is the operating, maintenance, and parts manual for the Model
1200 Table-Top soldering furnace built by SST International. The manual is
designed to assist operators, process engineers and service personnel in
understanding the machine’s capabilities, operation, and routine maintenance
requirements. A full description of the Model 1200 is contained in Section 1
together with specifications, safety information, and warranty statement.
Sections 2, 3, and 4 will be of specific interest to personnel who will set up,
program and operate the soldering system.
The service manual, beginning with Section 5, contains a trouble shooting guide
with detailed maintenance, repair, and parts identifying / ordering information.
Section 6 contains the documentation package with additional service information
where applicable.
The appendix, Section 7, contains the final acceptance report and operating
addenda for custom features or optional equipment.
1.2 Machine Description
The Model 1200 Table-Top soldering furnace is primarily intended for process
development work requiring highly repeatable control of vacuum, pressure, and
temperature. From vacuum levels of below 100 millitorr up to positive pressures
as high as 50 psig, the system operates automatically to evacuate, pressurize,
purge and exhaust on a time-based cycle. Two selectable gas inputs are available
and may be used throughout the entire temperature range with inert gas,
N2/formic acid mix, (optional), or with air at temperatures below 200 °C.
Process parameters are controlled via an embedded off-the-shelf programmable
control system that allows heating, soaking, cooling, and pressurization to be
initiated at specific points in the time-based cycle. An integrated proportional-
integral-differential (PID) temperature control algorithm provides 1 °C
repeatability throughout the operating range of the furnace, 100 to 450 °C.
1.2.1 Process Section
The process section of the Model 1200 Table-Top soldering furnace is housed in a
custom built aluminum chamber. A graphite plate or “target” is heated directly
from below with radiant flux emitted from a graphite element operating between
ambient and approximately 1000 °C. The element is machined from a single
sheet of graphite that is designed to overlap the target plate and to minimize
unheated areas resulting in an extremely uniform flux field. The target plate can
be used directly as a hot plate or can be custom machined with features for
positioning components, inserts, and weights. Together with provisions in the

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chamber for vacuum, pressure, instrumentation, and cooling, the individual
components function as a system to control temperature, pressure, and process
atmosphere.
•The chamber is designed for vacuum or pressure and incorporates a lid
latching mechanism for rapid entry and automatic sealing. Both the lid and
chamber are machined from solid 6061-T6 aluminum billet and are rated for
operation from less than 100 millitorr vacuum to a maximum positive pressure
of 50 psig. All internal surfaces and components are finely machined to
enhance vacuum performance and reduce evacuation time. With the lid in the
open position the working surface of the target plate is flush with the chamber
sealing flange and machine enclosure to facilitate fine hand manipulation and
viewing of components and tooling.
•Directly below the target plate and heating element, hermetically sealed
electrodes enter the chamber through the bottom wall. Although the element
is connected directly to the electrodes and suspended on ceramic rods, heat
losses are kept to a minimum because the contacting areas are very small and
the ceramic rods and electrodes are thermally isolated from the chamber.
Additional thermal isolation is provided by surrounding the heating element
with a highly polished radiation shield to prevent direct radiation from
reaching the chamber, lid, or view port. Directly below the lower radiation
shield a centrally located port provides diffused gas flow for cooling, purging,
or for introduction of N2/formic acid, (optional), when required by the
process.
•The lid assembly incorporates a 3.5 in. (8.9 cm) diameter water-cooled view
port assembly located directly over the target; clearance between target plate
and window is fixed at 4.0 in. (10.2 cm). The view port is mounted in a dual-
walled housing that is bolted directly to the lid; radiated energy from the
target plate, being of relatively long wave length, is readily absorbed by the
borosilicate sight glass which necessitates cooling, particularly when
operating the furnace for prolonged periods above 300 °C. Directly above the
target plate the lid incorporates a milled pocket providing .80 in (2.0 cm)
clearance above the target plate in areas that are not directly below the view
port. An array of angled holes, drilled directly into the lid along the edges of
the milled pocket, are connected together with internally drilled passages to
the gas distribution system which generates turbulent flow across the entire
work area for rapidly cooling parts and fixtures to safe handling temperatures.
•To dissipate heat generated from potentially high process temperatures, the
lid, chamber, and view port housing are continuously water-cooled. Both the
chamber and lid are manufactured with integral coolant passages formed using
deep-drilled holes. The high thermal conductivity of the base material,
together with the size and placement of the passages, keeps the lid and
chamber within a few degrees of each other throughout the operating range of

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the furnace. Internal passages in the lid feed coolant between the inner and
outer sleeve of the view port housing where it is forced to flow around the
housing directly below the viewing glass. This technique keeps the housing
cool and prevents the sight glass from becoming excessively hot; because
borosilicate glass is a poor thermal conductor, the center of the glass will
remain hot even though the edges are cooled.
•Typically the tooling supplied by SST International for the Model 1200
contains a target plate or “boat” and a heat plate. Component locating features
machined directly into the boat together with pins or, in some applications,
inserts allows parts to be positioned and held in precise alignment during the
processing cycle. The plate is suspended above the heating element at each
corner on small sheet metal tabs that are welded directly to the radiation
shield. This unique arrangement allows radiant energy developed by the
heating element to act directly on the boat and at the same time keeps losses to
a minimum. A single thermocouple inserted directly into a hole on the edge
of the target plate monitors the process temperature and provides feedback to
the temperature control system.
1.2.2 Control System
The Model 1200 control system is intended to be used for basic process
development work and has been intentionally designed for simplicity with off-the-
shelf components and custom software. The system features a self-contained
intelligent ramping controller, two customized programmable logic controllers,
(PLCs), and discrete logic relays; this architecture supports and enhances fail-safe
/ fault tolerant operations.
System operation is accomplished with simple time-based incremental programs
that are keyed directly into the ramping controller. An array of panel lights
display the status of each function in real-time as the control system executes the
program. Three manual pushbuttons supply the necessary inputs for starting,
stopping, and operating the lid.
•Process profiles and temperatures are controlled directly with a Watlow Series
F4 ramping controller. This controller features a four-line high definition
LCD interface display with an internal 16 bit microprocessor. The system is
capable of storing 40 nameable profiles with a total of 256 steps.
•Two manually adjusted gas inputs are used together with programmable
selection valves for back-fill, pressurization, and cooling. Both inputs route
through pressure regulators and then through flowmeters for distribution to
either the cooling/pressurization jets located in the lid, or to the centrally
located purging/exhaust port located below the radiation shield.

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1.3 Specifications
1.3.1 Physical Specifications
Width: 34.0 in. (86.4 cm)
Depth: 28.0 in. (71.1 cm)
Height: 20.3 in. (51.6 cm)
Weight: 180 lb. (80 kg)
1.3.2 Electrical Specifications
Input Voltage: 110-120V, 208-240 V, 60-50 Hz, Single-Phase
Input Power: Peak Average
2.8 kW .80 kW
1.3.3 Process Area Dimensions
Heated Area: 5.0 x 4.0 in. (12.5 x 10.0 cm)
Recommended Maximum Working Area: 3.5 x 3.5 in. (8.9 x 8.9 cm)
Clearance Between Target Plate and View Port: 4.0 in. (10.2 cm)
Clearance Between Target Plate and Lid Outside of Process Area: .80 in (2.0 cm)
View Port: 3.5 in. (8.9 cm) Diameter, Polished Both Sides
1.3.4 Thermal Performance
Note: The following thermal performance specifications are typical for a standard
.25 in. (.64 cm) thick, blank target plate. Actual performance will vary depending
on tool design and product configuration.
Maximum Heating Rate in Vacuum: 4.0 °C/sec.
Thermal Uniformity Across Work Area: 5 °C.
Typical Forced Cooling Rate: 2 °C/sec.
Maximum Operating Temperature: 450 °C.
Maximum Continuous Operating Temperature: 450 °C.
1.3.5 Control System
Self-contained intelligent ramping controller linked with programmable logic
controller, (PLC), and custom software.
Features:
•Simple time-based programming scheme based on one-second increments.
•Maximum program time: 100 hours.
•Built in facility to store up to 40 programs.
•Program length of up to 256 steps total.
•Built-in program editor.
•Multiple temperature ramp and hold segments.
•Multiple gas / vacuum valve actuation.
•Multiple PID settings.

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•Intelligent vacuum / vent cycle to assist lid operations.
•Solid state relay / burst-fire heater control.
•CE certified control components.
•Dual universal analog inputs (used with MT-2 options).
1.3.6 Chamber Operating Parameters
Maximum Operating Pressure: 50 psig (4.5 bar).
Rated Vacuum Level: 100 millitorr or less.
Maximum Allowable Case Temperature Excluding Sight Glass: 110 °F (43 °C).
1.3.7 Facilities Requirements
Process Gas:
•Two separate programmable inputs.
•Minimum recommended supply line: ¼ in., (.64 cm) inside diameter.
•Maximum recommended dew point: -100 °F, (-73 °C).
•Minimum operating pressure: 75 psig, (5.3 kg/cm2).
•Maximum operating pressure: 90 psig, (6.3 kg/cm2).
•Acceptable process gases at either port: air, (@ temperatures ≤200 °C),
nitrogen, argon, helium, forming gas with 5% hydrogen maximum; consult
factory for gases not listed.
•N2/formic acid introduced at GAS 2 port only, (optional):
Recommended operating pressure: 15 psig maximum, (1.06 kg/cm2).
Recommended flowrate: 10-20 scfh, (4.7-9.4 liter/min.) to atmosphere.
Cooling Water:
•1.0 gpm, (3.8 lpm), @ 30.0 psig, (2.11 kg/cm2) minimum recommended.
•Coolant temperature: 68-77 °F (20-25 °C).
•Drain Requirement: Gravity drain, or 30 psig, (2.11 kg/cm2), minimum
differential pressure from inlet to outlet with 60 psig, (4.22 kg/cm2)
maximum at inlet port.
Exhaust:
•Chamber exhaust: 6.3 ft3/min, (178.4 l3/min), average when exhausting
chamber from full pressure.
•Vacuum pump exhaust: .20 ft3/min, (5.6 l3/min), average when evacuating
chamber from atmospheric pressure with recommended pump.
•Process exhaust, fume hood: No established requirement, completely process
related.

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CAUTION! If the machine will be used with the N2/formic acid option,
all national, local, and in-house regulations concerning the proper exhaust
and ventilation of acid vapor must be observed.
CAUTION! The exhaust line must not be valved off or blocked at any
time to prevent the build-up of gas pressure in the system.
1.3.8 Optional Equipment Specifications
Vacuum Pumps:
•The VP-5 Option provides a two-stage, oil-sealed, rotary vane pump with an
integral single phase motor, exhaust filter, and separate foreline trap. An
included installation kit provides the necessary fittings, power cord and
vacuum hoses to complete the installation.
Weight: 41 lbs. (18.6 kg).
Size: (L x W x H) 20.0 x 12.0 x 10.5 in. (50.8 x 30.5 x 26.7 cm).
Additional Power Requirement: 30 kW @ 115/200-230 V 60 Hz single
phase.
30 kW @ 110/200-220 V 50 Hz single
phase.
Nominal Pumping Speed: @ 60 Hz, 3.0 cfm; @ 50 Hz, 2.5 cfm.
Ultimate Total Pressure: < 4 x 10-3 Torr.
•The DP-5 Option provides a dry, multiple-stage, roots type vacuum pump
with an integral single phase motor, exhaust silencer, and vibration isolation
pads. This system completely eliminates the possibility of hydrocarbons
migrating into the process chamber from the vacuum pump. An included
installation kit provides the necessary fittings, power cord, and hose to
complete the installation.
Weight: 51 lbs. (23 kg)
Size: (L x W x H) 19.7 x 7.5 x 10.6 in. (49.9 x 19.0 x 27.0 cm)
Additional Power Requirement: 750VA @ 110/230 V 60/50 Hz single phase
Nominal Pumping Speed: 8.2 cfm
Ultimate Total Pressure: < 38 x 10-3 Torr
Instrumentation:
•The DVG-1 Option adds a panel mounted digital vacuum level display
together with a Pirani type vacuum transducer that is plumbed to the furnace
chamber. The system is calibrated for nitrogen gas and will automatically
display vacuum level in either torr or millitorr units, from 999 torr to 1
millitorr. Note: Required option on 220-240 volt models.
•The MT-2 Option adds two thermocouples to the process chamber for
research and process development work. Type K, .040” diameter x 18” long
sheathed thermocouples are provided for durability and vacuum integrity.

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Temperatures are displayed in real time with the built-in ¼ DIN ramping
controller.
•The MA-5 Option provides a stand-alone moisture monitoring system for
evaluating the process atmosphere. An aluminum oxide sensing unit is
plumbed directly to the process chamber and is fully operational throughout
the process. A valve and check downstream of the transducer is provided for
purging and improving cell response.
Measurement Range: –100 °C to +20 °C.
Accuracy: ± 2 °C dew point over full range.
•The SW-1 Option provides PC software for use with a portable or standard
Windows-based computer. The software provides the means to create and
edit control profiles offline, and to upload/download profiles from the Table-
Top soldering system via an included serial interface port. The software also
provides real time viewing and data logging of profile runs, including two
additional thermocouples if MT-2 Option is included.
Cooling Water Circulator and Pump:
•The CW-5 Accessory provides a closed-loop, self-contained cooling system
for operations where facility supplied cooling water is not available, not
adequate, or contaminated.
Weight: 75 lbs. (34.1 kg)
Size: (L x W x H) 12 x 12 x 24 in. (30.5 x 30.5 x 61.0 cm).
Additional Power Requirement: .30 kW @ 115/230 V 60/50 Hz
Cooling Capacity: 3.48 kW @ 60 Hz.
Formic Acid Operation:
•This option replaces the standard plumbing system with corrosion resistant
components, fittings, and tubing allowing the use of nitrogen bound with 1-
4% formic acid by weight for use as an active soldering atmosphere.
1.3.9 Specification Limitation
The specifications in this manual are for standard production models only, and
may not apply if the machine was ordered with custom features or non-standard
options.
1.4 Safety Information
The Model 1200 has been designed with many features to help prevent accidents
and to warn operators of dangerous conditions. In spite of these built-in safety
features it is virtually impossible to anticipate every hazard involved with daily
operations, routine maintenance, and repair work. The only “foolproof” way to

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avoid accidents is to develop safe working habits while taking every reasonable
precaution.
•Thoroughly review and understand your process. In some applications it
may be necessary to install a fume hood, wear protective glasses and
clothing, and possibly be within easy reach of a safety shower, eyewash
station, and fire extinguisher.
•DANGER! Never operate the furnace with the enclosures removed.
Lethal voltages are present when the machine is in operation.
•WARNING! Never operate the furnace without adequate ventilation or
with an improperly installed exhaust line. Please refer to Section 2.2.3.
•DANGER! Do not allow inexperienced technicians to work on the
furnace. The main switch on the rear electrical enclosure has to be in the
“OFF” position to disconnect all power. The disconnect switch should be
locked and tagged “OFF” when working on the machine with the main
enclosure, lid cover, electrode access plate, or aluminum filler plates
surrounding the chamber removed.
•DANGER! Do not modify or adjust the chamber pressure-relief valve to a
pressure setting higher than 50 psig (3.52 kg/cm2). Pressures in excess of
the design rating of the pressure vessel and latching mechanism may cause
an explosion that could cause serious injury or death.
•WARNING! Do not attempt to disassemble parts of the gas distribution
system without shutting off or disconnecting the gas supply.
•WARNING! The furnace must be located in a sufficiently large room
with adequate ventilation to avoid the possibility of asphyxiation from
leaking process gas.
•WARNING! If the process produces toxic gases, or uses an active
atmosphere containing formic acid, the chamber must be adequately
purged and evacuated before opening the lid.
•WARNING! Tooling, product, sight glass, and radiation shield can
get hot enough to cause severe burns. Always wear protective heat-
resistant gloves or allow the furnace and tooling to sufficiently cool
before removing the boat assembly from the process chamber.

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1.5 Warranty
SST International (hereinafter “SST”) warrants to the original purchaser of
products that the products will be free of manufacturing defects for a period of
one year following date of shipment by SST. SST shall provide on-site parts
repair and replacement for the first 90 days after shipment. For the remainder of
the warranty period, defective part cost is covered under warranty, but labor
charges for diagnosis, repair services and travel expenses will be invoiced to the
customer.
This warranty excludes damage to the product resulting from accident, misuse,
contaminated in-house water supply, poor water filtration system, liquid formic
acid, modification or servicing by any facility other that an SST authorized
facility. Should a product fail within the warranty period, SST’s sole obligation
shall be to repair or replace the product or any part of it, at SST’s sole discretion.
Products subject to warranty claim shall be shipped postage prepaid to SST,
accompanied by a return freight authorization or voucher. SST IS NOT LIABLE
FOR ANY SPECIAL, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Please call SST’s Customer Service
Department at 562-803-3361 for a Return Materials Authorization Number.
Other than as specified herein, there are no warranties expressed or implied,
including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
of the products, applicable to the product.
1.6 Contact Information
SST International
9801 Everest Street
Downey, CA 90242-3113
USA
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.sstinternational.com

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2. Installation Requirements
2.1 Customer Service Start-Up (Optional)
When the Customer Service Start-Up Option is purchased it is the customer’s
responsibility to accomplish the tasks described in Sections 2.2.1 through 2.2.3
before scheduling a visit by an SST International Customer Service Engineer.
When the Customer Service Engineer visits the user’s facility the engineer will
require the full-time attention (8 hours) of at least one customer representative
who will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the furnace system.
Tasks to be performed by the Customer Service Engineer include:
•Remove the machine enclosures, open the rear electrical compartment and
check that all mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic components are properly
tightened, correctly installed, and that nothing has been damaged during
shipment.
•Check that all facility connections to the furnace are correct and report to the
customer representative any deficiencies noted in the installation.
•Run through the installation test procedure, apply power, and bring the
furnace up to a fully operational state.
•Teach the appropriate people in the customer’s plant how to set up, program
and run the furnace system.
•Teach the appropriate people in the customer’s plant how to perform the
necessary preventative maintenance.
•Review and turn over the machine documentation and manual to the
customer representative.
Note: The Startup Option is subject to the limitations as defined at the time of
order. Please review the furnace purchase agreement for details.
2.2 Machine Installation
2.2.1 Machine Placement
The Model 1200 Table-Top soldering furnace can be placed on a work bench or
table that is rated for a load of 300 lbs. (136 kg) or more. A standard height
workbench with a height of 33-35 in. (83.8-88.9 cm) is preferred and will allow
the operator to work comfortably while standing or sitting. Workbenches
manufactured in the US are generally available in widths from 36 to 72 in. (91.4-
182.9 cm), and depths from 24 to 36 in. (60.9-91.4 cm). As a minimum
requirement the work surface must be at least 30 in. (76.2 cm) deep and 36 in.
(91.4 cm) long. Obviously there are many considerations in selecting an

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appropriate workbench, however if the intended facility can accommodate a
standard workbench with a height of 34 in. (86.4 cm), depth of 30 in. (76.2 cm)
and a length of 72 in. it will provide a more than adequate work area. Please
refer to Figures 2.3 and 2.4 at the end of this section for a plan and elevation
view of the Model 1200.
•Move the furnace close to the final installation position and carefully remove
the shipping container. Referring to Figure 2.0, locate and remove four 3/8-
16 hex head bolts that attach the furnace to the shipping pallet.
•When lifting the furnace from the shipping pallet to the workbench two
people will be required. Ideally, one person will be positioned in front of the
furnace and will grip the lift handles located directly underneath adjacent to
the leveling pads; the second person, standing behind the rear electrical
enclosure, will grip the rear lifting bar while keeping his/her hands spread far
enough apart to help control the furnace horizontally. Depending on
installation requirements the furnace can be picked up from the sides with
additional lifting handles located adjacent to the rear leveling pads. Please
refer to Figure 2.0 and 2.1 for an illustration of the lifting bar and lifting
handles. Install the four leveling feet into the tapped holes on the bottom of
the furnace.
CAUTION! The furnace is heavy. Each person lifting the furnace must
be able to lift and control 100 lbs. (45.5 kg) comfortably. Do not attempt
to lift the furnace from the enclosure, instrument housing, rear electrical
enclosure, etc.; when other lifting techniques are used the furnace must
be lifted from below so that the load is carried by the steel chassis.
Failure to comply with these instructions can damage the plastic
enclosures and will void the warranty.
2.2.2 Machine Inspection
Unlock the rear electrical compartment by turning the four slotted head ¼ turn
fasteners in a counterclockwise direction. Carefully inspect the furnace for
shipping damage or loose components that may have dislodged during shipment.
Report any shipping damage immediately to the SST Customer Service
Department at [phone].
2.2.3 Facilities Connections
Note: Please refer to Figure 2.2 at the end of this section to locate the facility
connections described in the following paragraphs.
Electrical
The furnace was built and tested to the voltage/power specified on the nameplate
located on the rear electrical enclosure below the main disconnect switch. An
electrical plug, matching the appropriate facility power outlet, is to be connected

2-3
to the supplied power cord. For 220 volt operation the plug must have at least a
250 V, 20 Ampere rating; for 120 volt operation the plug must have at least a
120V, 30 Ampere rating. As a minimum plugs will be UL listed for use in the
US, or CE marked for use in Europe.
Cooling Water
Cooling water is not necessary for some applications. If the furnace will be used
for medium temperature soldering applications such as gold/tin, (peak
temperature typically 330 °C), and enough time is available between runs for the
furnace to sufficiently cool off, cooling water will not be needed.
•There are two criteria that must be met for operation without cooling water:
1. The outer temperature of the chamber and view port housing must not be
allowed to operate above 110 °F (43 °C).
2. The sight glass must not be allowed to exceed a temperature of 200 °F
(93 °C). The sight glass is designed to operate at higher temperatures but
the O-rings that seal the sight glass to the vacuum chamber will
eventually fail.
•When cooling water is required it is to be connected to the furnace through
the 3/8-NPT female connectors marked “Water In” and “Water Out.” A flow
rate of one gallon-per-minute is required for maximum temperature
operations. The water temperature should be controlled within 5 °F (3 °C)
for best results and should be sufficiently above the dew point in the facility
to prevent condensation from forming on the lid, chamber, exhaust heat
exchanger, and piping. The suggested cooling water temperature to avoid
excessive thermal gradients is 68 °F (20 °C).
•If cooling water is not used the low flow switch must be disabled. Turn off
the power to the furnace, remove the furnace enclosure and open the rear
electrical panel. Locate a pair of wires from the flow switch, item 7, shown
on pictorial drawing “Cooling System Installation,” and disconnect it from
the furnace electrical system. Locate the supplied jumper (P/N 35804) and
connect it to the wires leading to the electrical panel. This procedure
bypasses the flow switch allowing the furnace to run without cooling water.
•If the optional CW-5 cooling system was purchased for this installation there
will be specific instructions included with the unit. Generally these self-
contained cooling units require little more than connecting the supply and
return lines to the furnace, filling with coolant, and connecting to an
electrical outlet.
•Note: It is important to understand that the cooling system contains
aluminum, copper, brass, and stainless steel components that must be

2-4
protected from corrosion with a suitable corrosion inhibitor added
periodically to the cooling water supply. It is the Customer’s responsibility
to maintain their cooling system based on analysis performed in their plant
with their test equipment. SST has no control over cooling water quality and
in particular PH and therefore cannot extend warranty protection for damage
caused by corrosion.
Chamber Exhaust
Warning! In all applications, process exhaust must be vented to the
outside atmosphere. It is the customer’s responsibility to review their
process, local laws, and facility when specifying an exhaust system
because some processes can produce poisonous or acidic gases. No valve
shall be installed in the exhaust line; the exhaust line must always vent to
free atmosphere with zero backpressure. The connection to the machine
is 3/8”-NPT, (1/2”-NPT with formic acid option).
•In installations where cooling water is available meeting the required
specifications, re-enforced polyurethane tubing with an inside diameter of
½-inch (12.7 mm) minimum is routinely used. It is not necessary to use
high temperature tubing because process exhaust is forced through a
water-cooled heat exchanger before exiting the furnace.
•In installations where the process envelope will not exceed the operating
parameters specified for operations without cooling water, Hypalon
rubber tubing, meeting ASTM D2000 CE-815, should be used instead of
re-enforced polyurethane because of its higher temperature rating.
•In all installations where N2/formic acid gas will be used it is highly
recommended that all connections and fittings be corrosion resistant.
Vacuum Pump Exhaust
Caution! Vacuum pump exhaust must be vented to the outside
atmosphere to prevent process-induced vapors from entering the facility.
Please review the paragraph for Chamber Exhaust and follow the same
general guidelines using ½ inch (12.7 mm) inside diameter re-enforced
polyurethane tubing, the connection to the machine is ½” NPT. Note:
Vacuum and chamber exhaust lines are to be kept separate to prevent
chamber exhaust from flowing into the vacuum pump.
Process Gas
The 1200 Table-Top soldering furnace has two separate gas inputs
identified as “GAS 1,” and “GAS 2.” Please refer to Paragraph 1.3.7 for
a listing of gases that may be used with the furnace.
DANGER! Do not use flammable gases! Forming gas mixtures may
be used with 5% hydrogen maximum.