Workshop Practice Manual-11

Department of Mechanical Engineering Galgotias University Greater Noida, UP

Contents

Soldering and Desoldering

Soldering
Soldering is the process of joining similar or dissimilar metals by means of a fusible filler metal or alloy called solder applied in the molten stage The molting temperature of the soft solder is about 3500 C to 3700 C and that of the hard solder is about 6000 C to 9000 C. But the melting temperature of the solder is always lower than the melting temperature of joining metals . It is the process of joining electrical parts together to form an electrical connection using a molten mixture of lead and tin (solder) with a soldering iron.

Soldering process
First the joining surfaces are cleaned thoroughly. The joining portions of the metals are positioned to get the required type of joint. The flux is then applied over the joining portions.

The soldering portion of surface is heated to a temperature just above the melting temperature of solder
When the solder carrying the electric power supply is touched on the heated surface, the solder melts and flows into the cavities of the joining surfaces completely and gets solidified. Hence the required soldering is done.

Soldering accessories
Soldering iron: A soldering iron supplies sufficient heat to melt solder by heat transfer, when the iron tip is applied to a connection to be soldered. Soldering irons are available in different temperature ranges

Figure : Soldering Iron

Solder: Solder is one of the most widely used alloys in soldering process. It is an alloy of low melting metals like tin, lead, cadmium, bismuth, silver etc. The most commonly used alloy combination is 63% tin and 37% lead. Soldering flux: Soldering flux is a resin, specially designed to flow over the job and prevents contact with the atmosphere. Metals, particularly copper when heated, tend to oxidizing and prevent the alloying or good electrical bond between the copper and the solder. Applying flux can stop this oxidization process.

Types of soldering iron

Temperature-controlled soldering iron: It uses thermostatic control which maintains its temperature at a fixed level.

Soldering iron with soldering gun: It runs at 100 W, is not suitable for microelectronics and components.
Gas-powered soldering iron: It uses butane instead of electrical supply and can be used where electrical supply is not available.

Figure: Temperature-controlled Soldering Iron

Figure: Soldering with soldering gun

Safety precautions while soldering

Dos Donts

1.

All parts of the board must be cleaned including the 1. Dont use the table, which is already used for soldering and
work table. not cleaned. It may lead to short circuit.

1.

Clean the hot soldering tip with a damp sponge 2. Do not over heat the tip frequently

1.

Apply sufficient solder

3. Do not use excess solder. It may lead to short circuit with near by components

1.

Use an iron stand for safety

4. Do not pull the iron on the table, use a soldering iron stand

1.

The mains where the iron is connected should be earthed 5. Do not move the soldering iron until the solder has cooled properly

1.

Always wore protective clothing like gloves, apron, boots, etc.

Thank You