Tips for Soldering PCBs
Soldering circuit board components is a precise mechanical skill that is necessary to have if you plan on constructing your own PCB. In the PCB design phase there are holes made in strategic places on the board. Each component will be attached to the board by soldering the leads into those holes. If the soldering is done poorly or incorrectly, it will interfere with the proper function of the board.
Better Soldering Results in Better PCB Design
Use the following soldering tips to ensure success in creating a fully functional circuit board:
Using a soldering iron with temperature control
Non-temperature controlled irons can’t maintain the heat necessary for proper soldering. Proper soldering irons will have tips that have specs of six to seven hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
Tip cleaning
Steel wool pads and damp sponges are things you can use to clean extra solder from the tip of the iron. Any contact with moisture will cool the tip of the iron so be sure to not leave the sponge on too long when cleaning. If the tip cools too much the soldering quality will suffer.
All components should lay flat and even with the board
Every board component must be even and flush with a board unless you are instructed otherwise. This is a PCB design practice that must be followed to properly create a PCB and ensure that each component lead is making optimal contact.
Don’t use excessive amounts of solder
Only small amounts of solder are required to hold components in place. Too much solder runs the risk of making contact with other tracks and components on your board.
Be sure to heat the component leads and copper pads
You must heat your soldering surfaces to ensure the proper flow of solder in your connections. The extra surface heat helps the solder flow into all parts of your connection in both through hole and surface mount boards. If you don’t give the proper heat, you will get clumps of solder and rosin joints.
Clip the ends of leads
Diagonal cutters should be used to cut the extra leads from the back side of the PCB. If the extra leads are not clipped, you run the risk of those ends making undesired contact with other wires or board components. Keep your PCB looking neat from design to build.
