Introduction

Solder is a nonferrous, fusible metallic alloy used to join metallic surfaces. Nonferrous metals are essentially metals that have no to very little iron content. Soldered electrical connections must perform reliably under its induced and exposed environments such conditions as vibration, vacuum, radiation, thermal cycling, and shock.


 

 

Soldering Procedure

1. Prepare Connection
2. Position Connection
3. Clean Connection
4. Cut and Clean Solder
5. Clean Iron
6. Position Iron
7. Solder the Connection
8. Tin Iron
9. Clean Connection
10. Examine Connection

 

1. Prepare, Position, and Clean Connection

  • Properly prepare the connection to be soldered
  • Position the connection in such a way that it may be soldered without being an inhibitor
  • Clean the connection based on established work area procedures which will vary and depend on the type of connection and material to be soldered

2. Cut and Clean Solder

  • Cut appropriate length of soldering wire
  • If solder is covered by a wiring sheath, then strip the wire using a thermal wire stripper set at the appropriate temperature based on the type of wire insulation. If a thermal wire stripper is not available, then use a pre-gauged wire stripper (not an adjustable stripper)
  • Inspect accordingly (ideally under 4x-10x magnification) to check for nicks, or cuts

 

  • Clean the wire with brush
  • Heat soldering pot to 500+/- 10 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Add flux type R or RMA to stripped wire
  • Remove dross from the solder surface
  • Tin the lead by dipping it to within .5mm of the wiring insulation (a soldering rod may also be used)

  • Clean the flux off the tinned part of the wire with brush and approved solvent and shopwipe
  • Inspect again (ideally under 4x-10x magnification)

3. Clean and Position Iron, Solder

  • Wipe iron with shopwipe
  • Wipe the iron tip with a moist sponge
  • Position the iron such that it is in the properly position to perform soldering
  • Perform soldering according to type of solder

4. Tin Iron, Clean and Inspect Connection

  • Tin the iron tip by placing a small amount of solder on the tip
  • Clean connection with brush and/or shopwipe
  • Inspect Connection (ideally under 4x – 10x magnification)

 

Safety:

Always remember to take proper ESD precautions. At a minimum follow these guidelines.

Minimum steps to protect ESD-sensitive devices are:

  • Always work at a grounded workstation
  • Use only ESD-approved materials
  • Handle ESD-sensitive devices only at static-safe workstations
  • Always use a conductive wrist strap before handling ESD-sensitive devices
  • Use an ESD bag or container to store or carry parts in