How to Read ID/AD and Height from a Nozzle Drawing

Reading a selective soldering nozzle drawing correctly is essential for ordering the right aftermarket compatible replacement. This guide walks you through how to identify and interpret the ID, AD, height, and base type dimensions from nozzle engineering drawings.

Key Takeaways

**ID is the inner diameter at the nozzle tip** — the opening where solder wave emerges

**AD is the outer diameter at the nozzle tip** — the overall tip width

**Height (H) is measured from the base seating surface to the tip top** — not from the bottom of the base

**Base type determines compatibility** — must match your solder pot exactly

**Drawings may use European notation** — comma instead of period (e.g. 3,0 instead of 3.0)

Understanding Nozzle Drawing Dimensions

A selective soldering nozzle drawing typically shows a cross-section or profile view of the nozzle with annotated dimensions. The three most critical dimensions for ordering a replacement are:

ID (Inner Diameter)

The ID is the diameter of the opening at the nozzle tip where the solder wave emerges. This dimension determines the width of solder contact on the PCB:

**Small ID** (1.8mm to 3.0mm) — Fine-pitch components, small pads

**Medium ID** (4.0mm to 8.0mm) — Standard through-hole, connectors

**Large ID** (10.0mm to 31.0mm) — Wide connectors, bus bars, power pads

On a drawing, the ID is typically annotated at the top of the nozzle profile with a diameter symbol and the value.

AD (Outer Diameter)

The AD is the outer dimension of the nozzle tip. This affects how closely the nozzle can approach adjacent components without interference. The AD is always larger than the ID, and the difference between them represents the nozzle wall thickness at the tip.

On a drawing, the AD is annotated as the overall width at the nozzle tip level.

Height (H)

The nozzle height is measured from the **base seating surface** (where the nozzle sits on the solder pot) to the **top of the nozzle tip**. This is NOT measured from the very bottom of the base, as the base extends below the seating surface into the solder pot.

Common heights and their applications:

HeightApplicationCommon ID/AD Range

|---|---|---|

H=47Standard, most widely used1.8/2.5 to 31.0/35.0 H=52Specific fixture requirementsLimited configurations H=57Thicker PCBs or taller components2.5/5.0 to 10.0/14.0 H=62Custom fixture heights2.0/4.5 to 8.0/12.0 H=75Extended reach, tall components2.4/5.0 to 10.0/14.0 H=80Deep wells, large stand-offs3.0/6.0 to 10.0/14.0 H=85Maximum standard extension2.6/5.6 to 6.0/10.0 H=90Extreme height requirements4.0/8.0, 6.0/10.0, 8.0/12.0

Reading Dimension Annotations on Drawings

Standard Notation

Most nozzle drawings use standard engineering dimension notation:

**Diameter symbol (circle with line)** followed by the value — indicates ID or AD

**Height arrows** from base seat to tip top — indicates H value

**Thread specifications** at the base — indicates base type compatibility

European Notation

Some drawings, particularly from European manufacturers, use:

**Comma instead of period** for decimal values — 3,0 means 3.0, 4,5 means 4.5

**mm unit implied** — dimensions are in millimeters unless otherwise noted

**B14,1 instead of B14.1** — comma notation for base type

Ersa, VERSAFLOW, ECOSELECT, SMARTFLOW and other brand names are used for compatibility reference only. All dimensions referenced in this guide apply to aftermarket compatible replacement nozzles.

Identifying Base Type from Drawings

The base type is shown in the drawing as the thread and seating interface at the bottom of the nozzle. Key identifiers:

Base TypeDrawing FeatureThread Pattern

|---|---|---|

B14.1/B22Smaller base diameter, standard threadSpecific Ersa B22 thread B16.1/B36Larger base diameter, different threadSpecific Ersa B36 thread Pillarhouse NJPillarhouse NJ mountNJ series thread Pillarhouse PPillarhouse P mountP series thread

**Critical**: The base type MUST match your solder pot. B14.1/B22 and B16.1/B36 are NOT interchangeable.

Common Drawing Formats

Drawing TypeWhat to Look ForTypical Use

|---|---|---|

Cross-section profileAll dimensions annotated clearlyStandard nozzle specifications Isometric view3D representation with key dimensionsVisual identification Assembly drawingNozzle in solder pot contextBase type verification Custom nozzle drawingTailored dimensions for specific needsNon-standard configurations

Step-by-Step: Reading a Nozzle Drawing

1. **Locate the tip dimensions** — Find the ID and AD values annotated at the nozzle tip area

2. **Find the height dimension** — Look for the arrow from base seat surface to tip top

3. **Identify the base type** — Check the thread specification and base diameter

4. **Note any special features** — Cross nozzle shape, special ID/AD ratios, wettable surface indicators

5. **Verify notation format** — Confirm decimal separator (period vs comma) and unit system (mm)

6. **Cross-reference with known part numbers** — Match the dimensions to part number tables

What to Do If You Have a Drawing But No Part Number

If your drawing shows dimensions but no part number:

1. Note the ID/AD and height values from the drawing

2. Identify the base type from the thread specification

3. Search the nozzle catalog by these three parameters

4. If no standard nozzle matches, request a custom nozzle manufactured to your drawing specifications

See our [Custom Nozzles Guide](/technical-guides/custom-selective-soldering-nozzles-by-drawing-or-sample) for details on ordering custom nozzles from drawings.

Related Products

[B14.1/B22 Nozzles](/products/b14-1-b22-nozzles) — Full catalog with dimensions

[B16.1/B36 Nozzles](/products/b16-1-b36-nozzles) — Full catalog with dimensions

[Custom Nozzles](/technical-guides/custom-selective-soldering-nozzles-by-drawing-or-sample) — Made from your drawing

[Part Number Lookup](/part-number-lookup) — Search by dimensions

Need Help Reading Your Drawing?

Send your nozzle drawing to us for interpretation and quotation. [WhatsApp](https://wa.me/8615706606161) for fast response, or [Request a Quote](/contact) through our online form.