Control of a preheating process in a soldering machine

A method of controlling a preheating process for preheating a board in preparation for processing of the board in a soldering machine, the method comprising:

• providing a heating unit configured to heat a surface of the board, for example a calibration board or an electronics board;
• providing the board to the heating unit;
• providing electrical power to the heating unit such that the heating unit emits heat;
• obtaining a profile of heat output from the heating unit and/or a temperature profile of the board;
• and
• adjusting the electrical power provided to the heating unit to adjust the heat output from the heating unit to the board.

A method of maintaining a preheating system, the preheating system comprising a heating unit as used in the method of controlling a preheating process according to claim 1, the method comprising using a controller to store data relating to:

• the electrical power provided to the heating unit;
• at least one of the profile of heat output from the heating unit or the temperature profile of the board;
• and
• an adjustment made to the electrical power provided to the heating unit;
• wherein the controller monitors the data to identify trends which indicate a requirement for at least one of maintenance, repair, or replacement of any components of the heating unit.

A preheating apparatus for preheating a board in preparation for processing of the board in a soldering machine, the apparatus comprising:

• a heating unit configured to heat a surface of the board;
• a sensor configured to obtain at least one of a profile of heat output from the heating unit or a temperature profile of the board;
• power supply circuitry configured to provide electrical power to the heating unit such that the heating unit emits heat;
• control circuitry configured to adjust the electrical power provided to the heating unit to adjust the heat output from the heating unit to the board.