Thermode cleaning method

Abstract

A method for cleaning a thermode tip including applying an energy pulse to the thermode tip. The energy pulse involves raising the temperature of the thermode tip higher than the working temperature of the thermode tip. A method for cleaning a thermode tip may include periodically performing a predetermined number of soldering cycles at a working temperature; and applying an energy pulse to the thermode tip.

1 . A method for cleaning a thermode having a thermode tip, the method comprising:
 applying an energy pulse to the thermode tip such that the thermode tip reaches a predetermined temperature above the working temperature of the thermode tip.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the thermode tip is held at the predetermined temperature for a predetermined amount of time. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the energy pulse is externally applied. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the predetermined temperature is at least greater than 120% of the working temperature. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the predetermined temperature is at least greater than 200% of the working temperature. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the predetermined temperature is at least greater than 250% of the working temperature. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the predetermined amount of time the energy pulse is applied is determined by manufacturing parameters and a temperature range available given the material of the thermode tip. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the predetermined temperature is determined by manufacturing parameters and a temperature range available given the material of the thermode tip. 
     
     
         9 . A method for cleaning a thermode having a thermode tip, the method comprising periodically:
 performing a predetermined number of soldering cycles at a working temperature; and   applying an energy pulse to the thermode tip such that the thermode tip reaches a predetermined temperature above the working temperature of the thermode tip.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the thermode tip is held at the predetermined temperature for a predetermined amount of time. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the predetermined temperature is at least greater than 120% of the working temperature. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the predetermined temperature is at least greater than 200% of the working temperature. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the predetermined amount of time the energy pulse is applied is determined by manufacturing parameters and a temperature range available given the material of the thermode tip. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the energy pulse is externally applied. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the predetermined temperature is determined by manufacturing parameters and a temperature range available given the material of the thermode tip.