SAFETY WARNING:
POTENTIAL HAZARD WHICH COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

URGENT: REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION!

Research International has received two reports of clamshell lift failures, which cause the upper clamshell to slam suddenly. The oven models effected include all MicriFlo, ThermaFlo, ThermaCure and ChipFlo ovens produced since 1994. Specifically:

MicriFlo 5 MicriFlo 8 MicriFlo 11 (8 zone)

ThermaFlo 6 ThermaFlo 6N ThermaFlo 8 ThermaCure 8

ThermaFlo 8N ThermaFlo 10 ThermaFlo 10N

ChipFlo 5 Only

One of our customers has reported two instances of the cavity lift assembly (Research International part number 089930-002) failing during operation. This lift mechanism is used to raise and hold open the upper heater cavity of Research International reflow ovens. In both cases, as the clamshell was rising during lift operation, the heater cavity suddenly fell closed. Both ovens were model ThermaFlo8s manufactured between January and March, 1997. The above listed MicriFlo, ThermaFlo, ThermaCure and ChipFlo 5 oven models manufactured from 1994 to the present use these lift assemblies.

The failure as it was described to Research Inc. would require considerable wear in a "frictionless" environment. An on site inspection by Research Inc. engineering and field service technicians has not determined the cause of the failure nor is the problem repeatable in even circumstances well beyond normal operating conditions. Research Inc. worked with the lift motor manufacturer to analyze the failed assemblies and contracted with an independent testing services company to urgently identify any potential failure modes. Research Incorporated internal engineers, the lift motor manufacturer, and the independent testing company were unable to duplicate a similar failure mode. Click here for an excerpt of the report provided by the independent testing company. As would be expected, the testing revealed that the lubrication type and quantity impact the performance of the lift mechanism. In an effort to control this variable, Research has instituted a policy of requiring the lift mechanism never to be lubricated in the field.

Research International is firmly committed to the safety of our customers. Therefore, we are taking this matter seriously and recommend our customers do the same. Research International recommends posting the notice on the following page on every Research oven in your facility.

Research International recommends posting the notice on the following page on every Research oven in your facility.

Get Notice For Posting HERE and Print

For additional information, go to www.research-intl.com

Tel: +(631) 981-7081; Fax: +(631) 981-7095; E-mail: mailto:sales@research-intl.com