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- October 28, 2022
- PCB knowledge
- (0)
- 05 mins
PCB soldering – step by step guidance to help you solder printed circuit boards
Printed board circuits, or PCBs, are used in different electrical devices. They contain various components on the board with the help of PCB soldering.
Thus, to integrate these components and increase the electrical conductivity, different methods are adopted to solder the PCBs.
PCB soldering is explained in detail in the following guide.
So, start reading and explore some hidden facts.
What is PCB soldering?
PCB soldering is the process of attaching or soldering different PCB components on the electrical circuit boards. This process is considered as the basic process to perform for better functioning of all circuit boards.
However, the PCB soldering method corresponds with the use of a soldering iron, small quantity of solder and components that need to be soldered. You can also take this process as the simplest method of joining two electrical components with minimal effort.
Additionally, particular melting points depending on the type of solder metal are adjusted. This can make the better connection between two electrical components.
What is the purpose of PCB soldering?
The primary purpose of PCB soldering is to integrate durable electrical components on a printed circuit board. Both mechanical and electrical bonds can do it using a soldering iron device. Furthermore, solder or alloy having low melting points are used. They are first melted and then applied to the metal parts that need to be joined together. This bond ends up with different binding components together! Thus, PCB soldering can achieve perfect electrical conduction in the overall circuit.Types of solders
There are different types of solder used in PCB soldering. These soldiers are used depending upon the type of circuit board of PCB.
However, some common types of soldiers are given as under:
●Lead-alloy solder
It is considered the best solder in the electronics revolution. 60/40 (tin/lead) combination mixture is typical. Both these metals are melted at around 180-190 degree centigrade.
The concentration of tin in this solder is kept high as it increases the solder’s total tensile and shear strength.
●Lead-free solder
Here’s another essential solder type common in integrating the components on a PCB. This solder became common when the EU restricted the use of inclusion of lead in electronic solders.
It is made with the help of modern annealing techniques and incorporating different additives. This solder has a higher melting point as compared to typical solder.
●Flux core solder
Last but not least, flux core solder is also used in improving the wetting properties while attaching electrical components to the circuit board. The flux used in this type of solder is known as rosin.
Besides flux, acid cores are also applied as a flux for metal joining and piping.
Two different soldering techniques
Soldering can be done in two different ways:
●Soft soldering
Using this first soldering technique, delicate components can be fitted to the board. It is done by possessing low liquefying temperatures.
Soft soldering uses a high-quality tin-lead alloy as a space filler metal. Thus, the liquefying temperature of the space-filler metal is kept under 400-degree centigrade or 752 degrees Fahrenheit.
The process also includes a long-lasting gas torch as a heat source. Common examples of soft soldering include tin-zinc for attaching aluminum parts and tin-lead for general PCB parts.
Other examples include zinc-aluminum for complex aluminum parts and cadmium-silver for attaching parts at a high temperature.
●Hard soldering
The hard soldering process is known for creating a substantial bond between two components by spreading metal elements in the holes of components. This is done by exposing the components to higher temperatures.
Furthermore, hard soldering is further dependent on two different types. These include silver soldering and brazing. The first one is related to using silver alloys to connect two components.
But, the brazing technique in hard soldering is famous for connecting two terminals of base metals by using a liquid filler metal.
Both these processes of hard soldering are used for creating a strong joint in metal components.
What soldering equipment and materials for PCB soldering?
Necessary equipment for soldering includes:
●Soldering station
●Soldering gun
●Soldering iron
●Desoldering station
●Butane soldering iron
●Solder flux
●Solder
●Soldering wick
●Solder tips
●Solder paste
●Solder sucker
●Wire connectors
However, some PCB materials included in PCB soldering are:
●60/40 Sn/Pb
●63/37 Sn/Pb
●62/36/2 Sn/Pb/Ag
What are the steps of PCB soldering?
PCB soldering typically involves the following steps:
●The first step is to prepare the iron before soldering it. You can do this by coating the tip of the iron in solder.
●When you’re done preparing the iron, prepare the surface you need to solder on. You can use high-quality acetone cleaner to remove any dust and debris from the surface.
●After cleaning the surface, place the smaller components on the board. Start by soldering smaller parts; don’t weigh down the board with heavy components.
●It’s time to apply a considerable amount of heat on the tip of iron-containing solder. This heat will melt the solder.
●Once you have heated the solder on the iron, make sure to add solder to the joint. You can touch the iron tip with a solder pad and lead.
●Now let the joint cool down and trim the unnecessary lead from the joint.
●Make sure to clean the extra flux from the circuit board to produce a finished product.
What are the main PCB soldering defects?
Common defects that can occur during PCB soldering are:
●Cold solder joints
●Solder bridging
●Lifter pads in soldering
●Sunken joints
●Webbing and splashes of solder
●Solder balling
●Gaps in the integrated solder joints
●Component shift during soldering
Considerations for PCB soldering
Key considerations to focus on during PCB soldering include:
●Don’t touch the soldering iron when using it.
●Keep the wires attached with the help of tweezers or clamps.
●The sponge should be wet during the whole process.
●Place the soldering iron in its place after using it.
Conclusion
This guide explains every detail about PCB soldering. IBE PCB & PCBA can provide comprehensive insight into the process if you are still unclear about it. We are providing versatile types of soldering processes that you can use to connect components on the circuit board.
So, don’t waste further time finding the right PCB soldering. We can be your best match in this regard!
