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Soldering is a process in which two or more metal items are joined together by melting and then flowing a filler metal into the joint—the filler metal having a relatively low melting point. It is used to form a permanent connection between electronic components.
The metal to be soldered is heated with a soldering iron and then solder is melted into the connection.
Only the solder melts, not the parts that are being soldered.
Solder is a metallic "glue" that holds the parts together and forms a connection that allows electrical current to flow.
You can use a solderless breadboard to make test circuits, but if you want your circuit to last for more than a few days, you will want to solder the components together.
MATERIALS USED IN SOLDERING:
Solder Lead - a filler metal alloy and when it cools it creates a strong electrical bond between the parts. An alloy of 60/40 (60% tin, 40% lead) is used for most electronics work, but lead-free solders are available as well.
Solder Paste/Flux - is corrosive like acid, it cleans the metal surfaces as the solder lead melts. Apply this paste/flux on the part/s you want to solder with.
Sponge - used to help keep the soldering iron tip clean by removing the oxidation that forms.
TOOLS USED IN SOLDERING:
The temperature of soldering iron can be controlled by means of a “Regulator” which has the internal regulatory electronic circuit to control the amount of current flowing through heating element. This is possible only in “Soldering Stations”.
The soldering gun is actually gun shape tool used for soldering purpose. It has a trigger when pressed to initiate soldering and when released to stop.
A soldering iron is device that is electrical 220/110V operated and is like pen and its tip/end is made of heating element. The soldering iron works simply. Plug into AC220V/110V outlet and starts to heat up. When you feel the heat and smoke starts then apply solder wire to “Tin” the tip.
Soldering iron varies depending on its power ratings express in watts. Most available wattage in the market are 25 watts, 30 watts, 40 watts, 60 watts, 80 watts and 100 watts. For electronic circuits, you should use a 25- to 40-watt (W) soldering iron. Higher wattage soldering irons are not necessarily hotter; they are just able to heat larger components. A 40-W soldering iron makes joints faster than a 25-W soldering iron does.
Surface mounted components requires lower wattage soldering iron in order to protect the components from overheating that leads to components change in value or breaking it up.
A soldering iron tip comes with different types depending on your comfort as to your soldering technique and applications. The thinner the tip the lesser the wattage and vice versa.
The soldering iron stand is the place where you can put your iron at rest when not in use.
The tweezers are specialized tool that can be used as a holding tool to remove/mount components from/to the PCB.
Preparing the Soldering Iron: Tinning the Tip
Place the soldering iron in its stand and plug it in.
Wait for the soldering iron to heat up.
Moisten the sponge.
Wipe the tip of the iron on the damp sponge. This will clean the tip.
Melt a little solder on the tip of the iron.
This is called tinning and it will help the heat flow from the iron's tip to the joint.
The solder should flow onto the tip, producing a bright shiny surface.
If the solder will not flow onto the tip, clean it by wiping it on the wet sponge.
When tinned, wipe excess solder off on the wet sponge.
You do not need to tin the tip before every joint, but you should re-tin it if it has gone dull when the soldering iron has not been used for a few minutes.
Check the manufacturer's instructions related to tinning the tip.
The tip of the soldering iron should be a shiny silver color. If it is black and pitted, replace it with a new one.
Simplest way to Solder:
Indicators of a good or bad soldering output:
Safety Precautions:
Caution: A soldering iron can heat to around 400°C, which can burn you or start a fire, so use it carefully.
Unplug the iron when it is not in use.
Keep the power cord away from spots where it can be tripped over.
Take great care to avoid touching the tip of the soldering iron on a power line. If a power cord is touched by a hot iron, there is a serious risk of burns and electric shock.
Always return the soldering iron to its stand when it is not in use.
Never put the soldering iron down on your work bench, even for a moment!
Work in a well-ventilated area.
The smoke that will form as you melt solder is mostly from the flux and can be quite irritating. Avoid breathing it by keeping your head to the side of, not above, your work.
Solder contains lead, which is a poisonous metal. Wash your hands after using solder.
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