1006_WT_#SolderJoint_Zeitschrift_USletter_48p_2025-02-07_prev - Flipbook - Page 27
Finally, does the WT1M concept promote circular
economy principles, such as reuse, repair and
recycling? Another important issue here was the
energy efficiency of the soldering stations & tools,
since sustainability in technology and design often
emphasizes energy use and so the WT1M concept
should reduce energy consumption compared to
previous models.
From both perspectives Ralf sees the WT1M as an
all-round successful innovation that brings many
benefits to a broad market and he is already looking
forward to the customer feedback. He knows about
the importance of every feedback, whether positive
or negative, so that the R&D team can continue to do
the best for the Weller customers in the future.
In terms of technological and market developments
in the soldering sector, Ralf believes that the hand
soldering will remain an important aspect in the
future. PCBs are becoming more expensive, and raw
materials are limited so that the repair of circuit boards
will play more important role. AI will take center stage,
introducing intelligent, AI-driven soldering solutions.
In the future, there will be AI-driven smart soldering
units. With the high-level WXsmart station, Weller
Tools is are already well positioned for the integration
of AI. These machines could independently handle the
entire process – from identifying the components and
selecting the appropriate process parameters,
to applying the right solder temperature, selecting
the right tip, and verifying solder joint quality.
He recognizes the need Data-driven optimizations for
faster innovation and process improvements. This is
where AI will certainly have a major impact on our R&D
work. Product development times are getting shorter
and shorter and AI is already standard in the
research work.
New WT1M Soldering Station and new soldering tools
with active tip technology to support smallest high
precision soldering tasks.
“My time at Weller has been very exciting. We were always able to develop what we
thought was innovative and good. I am proud of everything what the team has developed
during my time with Weller. Our R&D is an experienced but at the same time very innovative
team, thanks to the mix of younger and more experienced employees. I don’t think that
they need any advice from me. I see Weller R&D as being well prepared for the future and
I am firmly convinced that Weller will continue to be the benchmark in the future.”
#SOLDERjoint
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