THE ABILITY TO efficiently manufacture a product has driven the electronics industry toward automated processes and streamlined production facilities. Despite this, the need for hand-soldering operations remains an integral part of most manufacturing processes. Whether it is the need to attach a large connector, conduct a field modification, or to rework a noncompliant item, hand-soldering operations require personnel with the proper skills to complete the job. The use of proper, well-maintained equipment is paramount to completing the task in a timely manner, while maintaining a high level of quality.
[FIGURE 1 OMITTED]* First, wipe the tip on a clean, slightly damp sponge to remove oxidation and excess solder. A coiled brass wire pad can also be used to remove excess solder.* Use only sulfur-free sponges intended for electronics applications.* First, select a tip that is the proper size and geometry for the connection to be soldered. (Match the width of the tip to the diameter of the pad.) While this may seem like common sense, it is frequently the most overlooked practice. It is not uncommon that a technician will choose a tip that is too small and try to compensate for poor heat transfer by increasing the iron temperature. The problem then becomes twofold because the area is insufficient for adequate heat transfer, and oxidation increases with the higher tip temperature. Use the correct tip size and temperature to yield better results.* Select the lowest tip temperature needed to facilitate solder reflow. The correct temperature depends on the type of solder alloy being used. Pb-free alloys have higher melting points than SnPb alloys, and often have a frosted or grainy appearance (in the final connection). A grainy appearance on a SnPb connection is a clear indication that the tip temperature is too high. If a connection is being made on a multilayer board with an internal ground plane, the ground plane acts as a heat sink. Auxiliary heating is needed to overcome the heat sink effects.ACI TECHNOLOGIES INC. (aciusa.org) is the National Center of Excellence in Electronics Manufacturing, specializing in manufacturing services, IPC standards and manufacturing training, failure analysis and other analytical services. This column appears monthly.* Replace sponges at regular intervals when they become dirty. Replacement sponges are inexpensive, and this simple practice will help avoid introducing contaminants.Proper maintenance of equipment is often the most overlooked problem in hand-soldering operations. A few easy and repeatable practices regarding soldering iron tip care can eliminate a wide variety of issues. Proper tip care will extend the life of the tip and cut down on the need to frequently replace oxidized or pitted tips that are no longer usable.* When soldering, do not apply downward pressure on the joint being soldered. Simply rest the tip of the iron on the joint to help establish a heat bridge. (A small bead of solder on the tip will also aid in forming a heat bridge.) Downward pressure will not aid in solder reflow. It will, however, cause undesired mechanical stress on the connection area and may result in lifting the pad.* Finally, always turn off equipment when not in use, and never use tips for purposes other than intended. Breaks or cracks in the plating that result from improper tip use will drastically reduce its lifespan, or at the very least, interfere with its heat transfer capabilities.* "Idle the tip!" This term refers to the practice of coating the tip with a thin film of solder before returning it to its holder. This thin film of solder will be oxidized instead of the surface of the tip, dramatically extending the life of the tip.* The solder should be fed to the connection, not to the tip. Once a heat bridge is established, the connection will melt the solder and the solder wire should be moved around the connection to ensure adequate coverage.The goal of any high-quality soldered joint is the formation of a good intermetallic bond (FIGURE 1) between the solder alloy and connection contact area (e.g., the wire or component lead, and the land, pad, or terminal). The following practices will help ensure acceptable soldered connections and prolong the life of the equipment used in common hand-soldering operations:
ACI TECHNOLOGIES INC. (aciusa.org) is the National Center of Excellence in Electronics Manufacturing, specializing in manufacturing services, IPC standards and manufacturing training, failure analysis and other analytical services. This column appears monthly.
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