Wave Solder- Some Of Its Features And Issues And How To Handle Them

By Author: Stratton Mark
Total Articles: 4
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As the RoHS legislation come into existence, the nature of manufacturing electronics and soldering specifically has changed forever. RoHS compliance and wave solder presents various new challenges to business entities associated with PCB manufacturing.

Nobody seriously disputes that wave solder is healthier for everyone involved in PCB assembly, but the other type of solder does present specific problems. This type of solder doesn’t flow as conveniently as leaded solder and the soldered joints on a PCB board look different on a leaded board, in respect to a board built utilizing this type of solder.

The first thing you will notice is the lack of the top fill on your plated PCB boards. You will rarely find 75% fill on the PCB boards.

The second thing you will notice is that your solder joints are not as lustrous as the good old leaded joints that you are accustomed to. This is just down to the actual blend of the solder and should not cause any concern regarding the pick and place equipment.

Does the solder melt at the same temperature as the leaded solder?

No, the solder ...
... will melt at a higher temperature; the precise temperature will vary depending on the solder blend you select to utilize. The common blend is 99% Tin, Copper 0.7%, and Silver 0.3%. This melts and flows without much hassle at 275 degrees.

Who should utilize this solder?

Most of the electronics assembly and stencil washer equipments will require either adjustment or replacement to get it ready for lead free service.

At least, soldering irons will need new tips to avoid pollution problems, and you may find that you have to replace the whole soldering iron if you find that it has trouble reaching the new higher temperature that is necessary for this kind of soldering.

Bigger soldering equipment like a wave solder equipment will possibly should have their soldering baths replaced and you might want to consider replacing the flux you utilize, as the PCB boards that will now be soldering will be lead free also.

Solder pots and other types of hand operated solder equipment can either have their baths replaced, or for an inexpensive option you can try emptying them into the solder, clearing the bath, and surfacing it with a layer of oxide paint. Once it is dry, you can fill your bath with new solder and you are ready to commence soldering again.

Inorganic acid Flux

This choice is stronger than organic acid flux and utilizes stronger acids such as zinc chloride, hydrochloric acid, and ammonium chloride. Its utilization is more targeted towards metals such as stainless steel, copper and brass, but it should be mindfully cleaned quickly before the surfaces can be utilized as the flux residue may end up being seriously corrosive.

About the Author:-

Qcare Electronics is a leading company offering wave solder, pick and place equipment, stencil washer. Visit us now for more information about our products.