Difference between revisions of "Digital technologies/Soldering/Soldering- Beginner"

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== What is Soldering? ==
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== [[Digital technologies/Soldering/Soldering- Beginner/What is Soldering?|What is Soldering?]] ==
 
Soldering is a process often used when working with electronics. It consists of melting one metal to connect two or more metal pieces. This connection not only creates an electrical connection, but it also secures a component in place.
 
Soldering is a process often used when working with electronics. It consists of melting one metal to connect two or more metal pieces. This connection not only creates an electrical connection, but it also secures a component in place.
  
We will be going over two different situations where soldering is used. The first being when soldering two different wires together and the second is when soldering a component to a perfboard or a PCB. A perfboard is a rigid board which has a grid of holes drilled into it. Each hole is surrounded by a copper pad onto which you can adhere solder. A PCB is a printed circuit board. They are similar to perfboards except that the components are connected using a conductive material built into the board.
+
When soldering components, be sure to '''heat the component to be hot enough to melt the solder and not the solder itself''' - this allows for better adhesion between the component and solder, the goal is to ensure that the connection between the two is as secure as it can be. The iron is not meant to be used to melt solder on to it and then wipe the solder onto the component and board.
  
=== Safety When Soldering  ===
+
*  
 
 
* When Soldering be sure to wet the sponge being used inorder to avoid burning it or ruining the tip of the iron
 
* Don’t leave the iron unsupervised and on
 
* Long exposure of the iron to the PCB and other electronic components will lead to them burning
 
* Don’t touch the tip or neck of the iron
 
* Allow the solder and board to cool before handling
 
  
 
=== Types of Soldering ===
 
=== Types of Soldering ===
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* Through-hole-technology (THT) soldering means to solder components that have leads that will go through holes inside a protoboard or PCB.
 
* Through-hole-technology (THT) soldering means to solder components that have leads that will go through holes inside a protoboard or PCB.
[[File:THT.png|none|thumb|375x375px|Cited From: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rYWwKe8f2kc/maxresdefault.jpg]]
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[[File:Tht diagram.png|thumb|Cited from: https://www.makerspaces.com/how-to-solder/|alt=|none]]
  
 
==== Surface mount device (SMD) ====
 
==== Surface mount device (SMD) ====
  
* Surface mount D soldering is when you will solder a component to the surface of a PCB. This type of soldering is typically used for smaller components and chips.
+
* Surface mount (SMD) soldering is when you will solder a component to the surface of a PCB. This type of soldering is typically used for smaller components and chips.
 
[[File:SMD.png|none|thumb|366x366px|Cited from: https://mansfield-devine.com/speculatrix/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SMD_soldering_part.jpg]]
 
[[File:SMD.png|none|thumb|366x366px|Cited from: https://mansfield-devine.com/speculatrix/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SMD_soldering_part.jpg]]
 +
 +
=== Safety When Soldering ===
 +
* Melting solder will produce fumes and so you must always solder in well ventilated areas, this goes especially for any solder that contains lead since it can lead to respiratory irritations after extended exposure
 +
* When Soldering be sure to wet the sponge being used in order to avoid burning it or ruining the tip of the iron
 +
* Don’t leave the iron unsupervised and on
 +
* Don’t touch the tip or neck of the iron
 +
* Allow the solder and board to cool before handling
 +
* Be sure to wait until the iron cools before storing it, in order to avoid burring or melting any thing else in its vicinity
  
 
<youtube>AI92e9TuCEY?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>
 
<youtube>AI92e9TuCEY?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>
 +
<youtube>ZfIHc64n2wU?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>
  
== Equipment and Materials ==
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== [[Digital technologies/Soldering/Soldering- Beginner/Equipment and Materials|Equipment and Materials]] ==
  
 
=== Types of boards ===
 
=== Types of boards ===
 
==== Breadboards ====
 
==== Breadboards ====
 
Breadboards are used to build temporary circuits, they allow you to plug wires into the board and prototype circuits. The holes in a breadboard are typically connected in 2 ways: the (+) bars running down the board are connected vertically and the (-) are connected in a similar way. Each horizontal row of 5 dots is connected together. The part in the middle of the board is where the connection breaks.  
 
Breadboards are used to build temporary circuits, they allow you to plug wires into the board and prototype circuits. The holes in a breadboard are typically connected in 2 ways: the (+) bars running down the board are connected vertically and the (-) are connected in a similar way. Each horizontal row of 5 dots is connected together. The part in the middle of the board is where the connection breaks.  
[[File:Breadboard3.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61p+QTbMf5L._SL1010_.jpg]]
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[[File:Bbd.png|none|thumb|679x679px|Cited from: https://learn.adafruit.com/breadboards-for-beginners?view=all]]  
 
 
 
==== Protoboards ====
 
==== Protoboards ====
A protoboard (also known as a perfboard or DOT PCB) is a PCB with pre-drilled holes that have square or circular copper pads. This board allows you to insert components into the holes to secure them and then the holes can be bridged together in order to connect them together and create a circuit.  
+
A protoboard (also known as a perfboard or stripboard or DOT PCB) is a PCB with pre-drilled holes that have square or circular copper pads. This board allows you to insert components into the holes to secure them and then the holes can be bridged together in order to connect them together and create a circuit. A protoboard typically has individual pads on the board and a stripboard will have many pads already connected together.  
 
[[File:Perf.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/970x728/2670-00.jpg]]
 
[[File:Perf.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/970x728/2670-00.jpg]]
  
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=== Tools ===
 
=== Tools ===
* Soldering Iron
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* Soldering Iron and stand
 
+
[[File:Soldering-stand.jpg|thumb|Cited from: https://www.makerspaces.com/how-to-solder/]]
This is the iron used to manipulate the solder onto the board or circuit.
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This is the iron used to manipulate the solder onto the board or circuit. A stand is very helpful to hold the iron while it's not in use to avoid touching and burning anything around the iron. They usually come with a sponge or brass wool to clean the tip of the iron.
 
[[File:Iron.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://www.twinschip.com/image/cache/catalog/Products%20Twins%20Chip%20Store%202020/Electronic%20Tools/Soldering%20Iron%2060W/SOLDERING%20IRON%2060W%201%20Twins%20Chip-550x550.jpg]]
 
[[File:Iron.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://www.twinschip.com/image/cache/catalog/Products%20Twins%20Chip%20Store%202020/Electronic%20Tools/Soldering%20Iron%2060W/SOLDERING%20IRON%2060W%201%20Twins%20Chip-550x550.jpg]]
 
* Exhaust  
 
* Exhaust  
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[[File:Fan.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71hrLapGHNL._SL1500_.jpg]]
 
[[File:Fan.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71hrLapGHNL._SL1500_.jpg]]
  
* Solder
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* Soldering Mat
  
The material used to create joints is called solder, this is often sold in rolls of wire, there are different forms of solder that can vary in dimension. Always be sure to use lead free solder as the alternative is toxic. When purchasing solder for circuits, ensure that it isn’t plumbing solder.
+
Soldering mats are great for protecting surfaces when soldering, it allows you to avoid burning the tables and damaging them. Furthermore, due to the material of most soldering mats they are also anti static and aid in component protection.
[[File:Solder.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://www.circuitspecialists.com/content/105918/4900-454g.jpg]]
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[[File:Soldering mat.png|thumb|Cited from: https://artistryinglass.on.ca/soldering-mat-by-hakko.html|alt=|none]]
* Flux
 
 
 
Flux is a material used to aid in soldering, this chemical removes the oxides on the surfaces of the metals being soldered and allows the solder to flow more uniformly on the joint and components.
 
[[File:Flux.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71xcL1o3zwL._AC_SY355_.jpg]]
 
* Tip tinner
 
 
 
This chemical aids in tinning the tip of the soldering iron, tinning allows for the iron to take up the solder and allows the solder with far greater ease. This material is great if the iron won’t tin with regular solder or sponge.
 
[[File:Tiptinner.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://d3dappj20mot0o.cloudfront.net/userfiles/images/products/rrlotion-41192_tip-t_dv_webxl.jpg]]
 
 
* Tweezers and helping hands
 
* Tweezers and helping hands
  
 
Often with smaller components and in the presence of a more complicated circuit, using additional equipment like helping hands or tweezers can help the process. These essentially aid in manipulating the components and keeping them in a specific position.
 
Often with smaller components and in the presence of a more complicated circuit, using additional equipment like helping hands or tweezers can help the process. These essentially aid in manipulating the components and keeping them in a specific position.
 +
[[File:Hh.png|thumb|Cited from: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/616R9Dx2ejL.jpg|alt=]]
 
[[File:Tweezer.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/970x728/422-03.jpg]]
 
[[File:Tweezer.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/970x728/422-03.jpg]]
[[File:Hh.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/616R9Dx2ejL.jpg]]
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* Wire Strippers[[File:AWG size chart.png|thumb|Cited from: https://www.digikey.ca/en/resources/conversion-calculators/conversion-calculator-wire-size]]
* Wire Strippers
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Wire strippers are used to expose the internal wire and remove the plastic insulation to allow you to create connections between different wires. They are rated for different diameters (or gauges) of wire which is indicated on the tool itself. The American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a standardized way of specifying the size of a wire. Digikey has a wire size conversion calculator for example: https://www.digikey.ca/en/resources/conversion-calculators/conversion-calculator-wire-size
Wire strippers are used to expose the internal wire to allow you to create connections between different wires.
 
 
[[File:Ws.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://www.elecrow.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/f8158826193ba5faa8b862a9bd1eb9e9/1/4/14426251290_1.jpg]]
 
[[File:Ws.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://www.elecrow.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/f8158826193ba5faa8b862a9bd1eb9e9/1/4/14426251290_1.jpg]]
  
 +
* Flush Cutter
 +
Flush Cutters are great for getting a close and neat cut to the soldered joint!
 +
[[File:Flush cutters.png|thumb|Cited from: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/klein-tools-flush-cutter-lightweight-5-inch/1001331556|alt=|none]]
 +
* Solder
 +
The material used to create joints is called solder, this is often sold in rolls of wire, there are different forms of solder that can vary in dimension. Always be sure to use lead free solder as the alternative is toxic. When purchasing solder for circuits, ensure that it isn’t plumbing solder. [[File:Solder.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://www.circuitspecialists.com/content/105918/4900-454g.jpg]]
 +
* Flux
 +
Flux is a material used to aid in soldering, this chemical removes the oxides on the surfaces of the metals being soldered and allows the solder to flow more uniformly on the joint and components. [[File:Flux.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71xcL1o3zwL._AC_SY355_.jpg]]
 +
* Tip tinner
 +
This chemical aids in cleaning the tip of the soldering iron when it is blackened or very oxidized and helps to solder with far greater ease. This material is great if the iron won’t clean with regular brass wool or sponge. [[File:Tiptinner.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://d3dappj20mot0o.cloudfront.net/userfiles/images/products/rrlotion-41192_tip-t_dv_webxl.jpg]]
 +
* Brass Wool and wet sponge
 +
 +
A brass wool can be use to help clean oxidization off of the soldering iron - this aids in adhesion between the soldering iron and the solder. A wet sponge can be used to help clean the iron while soldering. Wet paper towel can also be used.
 +
[[File:Wsp.png|thumb|Cited from: http://electropit.com/index.php/2016/06/11/how-do-you-keep-it-nice-and-shiny/|alt=]]
 +
[[File:Bw.png|none|thumb|Cited from: https://eleshop.eu/brass-wool-for-cleaning-a-soldering-tip.html]]
 
=== Tool Maintenance ===
 
=== Tool Maintenance ===
 +
*<u>''Cleaning the iron tip''</u>
 +
Either by using a wet sponge or brass wool clean the iron tip regularly in order to remove old solder and oxidization.
 +
* ''<u>Tin the tip when you are using the iron</u>''
 +
Add a small amount of solder to the iron to keep it from oxidizing when you place it in the holder. You can then wipe it off with the sponge/wool before starting to solder.
 +
*<u>''Select the correct temperature''</u>
 +
** 700F (370C) for through hole components and wires
 +
** 600F (315C) for surface mount components
 +
Higher temperatures can damage the iron and cause it to burn and oxidize faster. It is good practice to use the lowest temperature possible which will still melt the solder. As the tip gets more oxidized a higher temperature will be needed to use it efficiently.
 +
*<u>''Do not:''</u>
 +
# Do not leave the iron on. Leaving the iron can cause the tip to burn and will ruin in the iron over time.
 +
# Do not file the tip. The tips have a protective coating the will get ruined.
 +
# Don’t touch the mat or any plastics with the iron. A thin plastic film will form on the iron which will inhibit soldering, this includes heat shrink tubing.
  
==How to Solder==
 
  
=== Materials ===
 
''What is needed:''
 
*Soldering iron
 
*Solder (preferably lead free)
 
*Components you want to solder
 
*Vent fan
 
  
''Optional items:''
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<youtube>IzqeKR0l4PE?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>
  
*Solder wick
+
==[[Digital technologies/Soldering/Soldering- Beginner/How to Solder|How to Solder]]==
*De-soldering tool
 
*Soldering mat
 
  
 
=== Set up ===
 
=== Set up ===
To begin soldering gather all of the equipment and components necessary. And begin by determining which connection needs to be made and how you plan on making it. Next we will set up the Iron and station; Ensure you have a working soldering iron and stand, brass wool/wet sponge, solder, and (optional) flux and tip tinner. Turn on the iron and select the appropriate temperature for the iron:
+
To begin soldering gather all of the equipment and components necessary. And begin by determining which connection needs to be made and how you plan on making it. Next we will set up the Iron and station. Ensure you have a working soldering iron and stand, brass wool/wet sponge, solder, ventilation, and (optional) flux and tip tinner. Turn on the iron and select the appropriate temperature for the iron:
  
 
* 700F (370C) for through hole components and wires
 
* 700F (370C) for through hole components and wires
 
* 600F (315C) for surface mount components
 
* 600F (315C) for surface mount components
* Higher temperatures can damage
+
=== Soldering Wires ===
 +
[[File:Wss.png|thumb|528x528px|Cited from: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-strip-wire/|alt=]]Soldering two wires is the best way to practice soldering at the very beginning. There are two types of wire, either stranded or solid core. Both have a metal core wrapped in a plastic covering. To see the metal, you need to expose the core by removing the plastic. This can be done using wire strippers or wire cutters. When using wire strippers - place the wire in the slot written to be for the wire gauge you’re using and gently press around the tubing. You want to be sure to avoid cutting through the core of the wire since the goal is to expose the core. Once the perimeter of the covering has been cut through you will then remove it by slipping it off the core as seen below.
  
==== How to Strip a Wire ====
+
''How does the wire stripper work?''
Soldering two wires is the best way to practice soldering at the very beginning. There are two types of wire, either stranded or solid core. Both have a metal core wrapped in a plastic covering. To see the metal, you need to expose the core by removing the plastic. This can be done using wire strippers or wire cutters.
 
  
===== Wire Stripping: =====
+
The wire stripper works by having blades that are circular in shape and of different diameters that correspond to different wire gauges. The wire cutter is designed to cut through the sheath on a wire whilst not cutting through its core.
When using wire strippers - place the wire in the slot written to be for the wire gauge you’re using and gently press around the tubing. You want to be sure to avoid cutting through the core of the wire since the goal is to expose the core. Once the perimeter of the covering has been cut through you will then remove it by slipping it off the core as seen below.
 
  
'''INSERT VIDEOS AND PHOTO'''
+
#Grab a few wires, strip 1 cm off each end.
 
+
#Twist the two wires together with pliers or your fingers.
=== Procedure ===
+
#Hold the soldering iron like a pen. Heat the two wires for 1-2 seconds and then flow solder on the connection. The goal is to heat the connection not the solder. Once you see the solder flow evenly throughout the connection, remove the solder and soldering iron.
 
+
##Long exposure of the iron to the PCB and other electronic components will lead to them burning so make sure you don't leave the iron there for too long.
==== Principles of Soldering ====
+
#Allow the connection to cool, this usually takes 20-30 seconds. During this time, avoid moving the wires.
<u>''Tip Tinning''</u>
+
<youtube>YF0bqfVcmt4?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>
 
+
<youtube>VmE5KXr1juk?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>
Tip tinning is a process where you apply a layer of solder to the tip of a soldering iron - this allows for better heat transfer between the soldering iron and solder which improves adhesion and your ability to manipulate the solder.
+
<youtube>Z8lLFY7iBW8?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>
 
 
<u>''Heating the Components''</u>
 
 
 
When soldering components, be sure to heat the component to be hot enough to melt the solder and not the solder itself - this allows for better adhesion between the component and solder, the goal is to ensure that the connection between the two is as secure as it can be.
 
  
<u>''Using the Brass Wool''</u>
+
=== Soldering THT ===
  
Using the mesh sponge helps in removing oxide from the soldering iron and is far more efficient at cleaning the iron between uses than a wet sponge.
+
#Place the lead (metal stick coming from component) or wire through the hole in the protoboard or PCB. Bend the leads slightly to the outside so the component doesn't fall through.
 +
#Holding the soldering iron like a pen, heat the copper pad and lead with the soldering iron until the solder begins to flow and forms a strong connection. Remove solder, and then the soldering iron. This process should take only a few seconds.
 +
##Long exposure of the iron to the PCB and other electronic components will lead to them burning so make sure you don't leave the iron there for too long.
 +
#Allow for the connection to cool.
 +
#Snip off the excess lead as close as possible to the board with wire cutters or flush cutters.
  
<u>''Using a Wet Sponge''</u>
+
When soldering be sure that you don't use too much or too little solder - as seen below, ideally the joint should have a cone shape to it.
 +
[[File:Sj.png|center|thumb|539x539px|Cited from: https://www.reddit.com/r/consolerepair/comments/ie72ml/quick_soldering_guide_by_adafruit_make_sure_all/]]
  
Using a wet sponge while soldering helps in cleaning off excess solder off of the iron whilst soldering.
 
  
<u>''Ventilation''</u>
 
  
Melting solder will produce fumes and so you must always solder in well ventilated areas, this goes especially for any solder that contains lead.
+
<youtube>xEJUOodcHaI?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>
 
 
<u>''Lead Free Solder''</u>
 
 
 
Always try to use lead free solder as lead is toxic and its use can lead to health complications.
 
 
 
==== Soldering Wires ====
 
 
 
#Grab a few wires, strip 1 cm off each end and bend each end in a U shape.
 
#Crimp the two wires together with a pair of pliers.
 
#Hold the soldering iron like a pen. Heat the two wires for 1-2 seconds and then flow solder on the connection. The goal is to heat the connection not the solder. Once you see the solder flow evenly throughout the connection, remove the solder and soldering iron.
 
#Allow the connection to cool, this usually takes 20-30 seconds. During this time, avoid moving the wires
 
 
 
==== Soldering THT ====
 
 
 
#Place the lead (metal stick coming from component) or wire through the hole in the Protoboard or PCB.
 
#Holding the soldering iron like a pen, heat the copper pad and lead with soldering iron until the solder begins to flow and forms a strong connection. Remove solder, and then the soldering iro. This process should take only a few seconds.
 
#Allow for the connection to cool
 
 
 
<youtube>hxEJUOodcHaI?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>
 
 
<youtube>9LsAjjxb6fY?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>
 
<youtube>9LsAjjxb6fY?list=PLA-oTz8kRbrohnM_tMzgk4IfheRG29Fq5</youtube>
  
== Soldering Considerations ==
+
== [[Digital technologies/Soldering/Soldering- Beginner/Soldering Considerations|Soldering Considerations]] ==
  
==== Polarity ====
+
=== Polarity ===
 
When soldering different components be sure to consider their polarity! Often times certain components will only work when connected a certain way, and example of such a component is an LED. LEDs have a positive and negative end and the component will only work when connected in a certain manner.
 
When soldering different components be sure to consider their polarity! Often times certain components will only work when connected a certain way, and example of such a component is an LED. LEDs have a positive and negative end and the component will only work when connected in a certain manner.
 +
[[File:LED Polarity.png|center|thumb|Cited From: https://www.davidhaillant.com/how-to-determine-through-hole-led-polarity/]]
  
==== Heat Sensitivity ====
+
=== Heat Sensitivity ===
 
Due to various reasons such as material or size, certain components are only able to handle certain levels of heat when being soldered. If exposed to too much heat for too long, they are likely to burn out and become unusable.
 
Due to various reasons such as material or size, certain components are only able to handle certain levels of heat when being soldered. If exposed to too much heat for too long, they are likely to burn out and become unusable.
 +
[[File:Transistor.png|center|thumb|Cited from:https://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/how-transistors-work/]]
  
==== Static Electricity ====
+
=== Static Electricity ===
 
Certain components are incredibly sensitive to static electricity and thus require specific equipment when handling them. There are 4 types of ESD equipment used to aid in grounding you to avoid damaging the equipment.
 
Certain components are incredibly sensitive to static electricity and thus require specific equipment when handling them. There are 4 types of ESD equipment used to aid in grounding you to avoid damaging the equipment.
  
 
There are gloves, mats, a wrist strap, and a bag, learn more about ESD Equipment '''[https://www.antistat.com/blog/2017-11/esd-equipment-that-improves-safety-workplace-protection/#:~:text=In%20a%20more%20precise%20light,manufacturing%20facilities%20with%20computer%20parts. here]'''
 
There are gloves, mats, a wrist strap, and a bag, learn more about ESD Equipment '''[https://www.antistat.com/blog/2017-11/esd-equipment-that-improves-safety-workplace-protection/#:~:text=In%20a%20more%20precise%20light,manufacturing%20facilities%20with%20computer%20parts. here]'''
 
+
[[File:ESD.png|center|thumb|Cited from: https://www.tme.eu/en/news/library-articles/page/44771/esd-personal-protective-equipment/]]
== Do's and Don'ts of Soldering ==
 
 
 
=== Remember to: ===
 
 
 
# Select the correct temperature
 
#* 700F (370C) for through hole components and wires
 
#* 600F (315C) for surface mount components
 
#* Higher temperatures can damage
 
# Clean the tip between uses
 
#* It’s better to use the gold wool to clean the tips rather than the sponges
 
# Wet the sponges before use
 
#* If the sponges are used dry, they burn and leave residue on the tips
 
# Tin the tip when you are using the iron
 
#* Add a small amount of solder to the iron to keep it from oxidizing when you place it in the holder
 
 
 
=== Do not: ===
 
 
 
# Do not leave the iron on. Leaving the iron can cause the tip  to burn and will ruin in the iron over time
 
# Do not file the tip. The tips have a protective coating the will get ruined
 
# Don’t touch the mat or any plastics with the iron. A thin plastic film will form on the iron which will inhibit soldering. This includes heat shrink tubing.
 
  
 
<br />
 
<br />

Latest revision as of 14:28, 4 August 2022

What is Soldering?

Soldering is a process often used when working with electronics. It consists of melting one metal to connect two or more metal pieces. This connection not only creates an electrical connection, but it also secures a component in place.

When soldering components, be sure to heat the component to be hot enough to melt the solder and not the solder itself - this allows for better adhesion between the component and solder, the goal is to ensure that the connection between the two is as secure as it can be. The iron is not meant to be used to melt solder on to it and then wipe the solder onto the component and board.

Types of Soldering

Through-hole-technology (THT)

  • Through-hole-technology (THT) soldering means to solder components that have leads that will go through holes inside a protoboard or PCB.

Surface mount device (SMD)

  • Surface mount (SMD) soldering is when you will solder a component to the surface of a PCB. This type of soldering is typically used for smaller components and chips.

Safety When Soldering

  • Melting solder will produce fumes and so you must always solder in well ventilated areas, this goes especially for any solder that contains lead since it can lead to respiratory irritations after extended exposure
  • When Soldering be sure to wet the sponge being used in order to avoid burning it or ruining the tip of the iron
  • Don’t leave the iron unsupervised and on
  • Don’t touch the tip or neck of the iron
  • Allow the solder and board to cool before handling
  • Be sure to wait until the iron cools before storing it, in order to avoid burring or melting any thing else in its vicinity

Equipment and Materials

Types of boards

Breadboards

Breadboards are used to build temporary circuits, they allow you to plug wires into the board and prototype circuits. The holes in a breadboard are typically connected in 2 ways: the (+) bars running down the board are connected vertically and the (-) are connected in a similar way. Each horizontal row of 5 dots is connected together. The part in the middle of the board is where the connection breaks.

Protoboards

A protoboard (also known as a perfboard or stripboard or DOT PCB) is a PCB with pre-drilled holes that have square or circular copper pads. This board allows you to insert components into the holes to secure them and then the holes can be bridged together in order to connect them together and create a circuit. A protoboard typically has individual pads on the board and a stripboard will have many pads already connected together.

PCBs

PCBs or Printed Circuit Boards are boards with connection pathways printed into the board. These boards are typically used in later stages of prototyping as there isn’t as much flexibility once the board is printed.

Tools

  • Soldering Iron and stand

This is the iron used to manipulate the solder onto the board or circuit. A stand is very helpful to hold the iron while it's not in use to avoid touching and burning anything around the iron. They usually come with a sponge or brass wool to clean the tip of the iron.

  • Exhaust

Melting the solder often results in the production of fumes, these fumes can be toxic with extended exposure and so, soldering if often done in areas with good ventilation or in the presence of an exhaust system/fan.

  • Soldering Mat

Soldering mats are great for protecting surfaces when soldering, it allows you to avoid burning the tables and damaging them. Furthermore, due to the material of most soldering mats they are also anti static and aid in component protection.

  • Tweezers and helping hands

Often with smaller components and in the presence of a more complicated circuit, using additional equipment like helping hands or tweezers can help the process. These essentially aid in manipulating the components and keeping them in a specific position.

Wire strippers are used to expose the internal wire and remove the plastic insulation to allow you to create connections between different wires. They are rated for different diameters (or gauges) of wire which is indicated on the tool itself. The American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a standardized way of specifying the size of a wire. Digikey has a wire size conversion calculator for example: https://www.digikey.ca/en/resources/conversion-calculators/conversion-calculator-wire-size

  • Flush Cutter

Flush Cutters are great for getting a close and neat cut to the soldered joint!

  • Solder

The material used to create joints is called solder, this is often sold in rolls of wire, there are different forms of solder that can vary in dimension. Always be sure to use lead free solder as the alternative is toxic. When purchasing solder for circuits, ensure that it isn’t plumbing solder.

  • Flux

Flux is a material used to aid in soldering, this chemical removes the oxides on the surfaces of the metals being soldered and allows the solder to flow more uniformly on the joint and components.

  • Tip tinner

This chemical aids in cleaning the tip of the soldering iron when it is blackened or very oxidized and helps to solder with far greater ease. This material is great if the iron won’t clean with regular brass wool or sponge.

  • Brass Wool and wet sponge

A brass wool can be use to help clean oxidization off of the soldering iron - this aids in adhesion between the soldering iron and the solder. A wet sponge can be used to help clean the iron while soldering. Wet paper towel can also be used.

Tool Maintenance

  • Cleaning the iron tip

Either by using a wet sponge or brass wool clean the iron tip regularly in order to remove old solder and oxidization.

  • Tin the tip when you are using the iron

Add a small amount of solder to the iron to keep it from oxidizing when you place it in the holder. You can then wipe it off with the sponge/wool before starting to solder.

  • Select the correct temperature
    • 700F (370C) for through hole components and wires
    • 600F (315C) for surface mount components

Higher temperatures can damage the iron and cause it to burn and oxidize faster. It is good practice to use the lowest temperature possible which will still melt the solder. As the tip gets more oxidized a higher temperature will be needed to use it efficiently.

  • Do not:
  1. Do not leave the iron on. Leaving the iron can cause the tip to burn and will ruin in the iron over time.
  2. Do not file the tip. The tips have a protective coating the will get ruined.
  3. Don’t touch the mat or any plastics with the iron. A thin plastic film will form on the iron which will inhibit soldering, this includes heat shrink tubing.


How to Solder

Set up

To begin soldering gather all of the equipment and components necessary. And begin by determining which connection needs to be made and how you plan on making it. Next we will set up the Iron and station. Ensure you have a working soldering iron and stand, brass wool/wet sponge, solder, ventilation, and (optional) flux and tip tinner. Turn on the iron and select the appropriate temperature for the iron:

  • 700F (370C) for through hole components and wires
  • 600F (315C) for surface mount components

Soldering Wires

Soldering two wires is the best way to practice soldering at the very beginning. There are two types of wire, either stranded or solid core. Both have a metal core wrapped in a plastic covering. To see the metal, you need to expose the core by removing the plastic. This can be done using wire strippers or wire cutters. When using wire strippers - place the wire in the slot written to be for the wire gauge you’re using and gently press around the tubing. You want to be sure to avoid cutting through the core of the wire since the goal is to expose the core. Once the perimeter of the covering has been cut through you will then remove it by slipping it off the core as seen below.

How does the wire stripper work?

The wire stripper works by having blades that are circular in shape and of different diameters that correspond to different wire gauges. The wire cutter is designed to cut through the sheath on a wire whilst not cutting through its core.

  1. Grab a few wires, strip 1 cm off each end.
  2. Twist the two wires together with pliers or your fingers.
  3. Hold the soldering iron like a pen. Heat the two wires for 1-2 seconds and then flow solder on the connection. The goal is to heat the connection not the solder. Once you see the solder flow evenly throughout the connection, remove the solder and soldering iron.
    1. Long exposure of the iron to the PCB and other electronic components will lead to them burning so make sure you don't leave the iron there for too long.
  4. Allow the connection to cool, this usually takes 20-30 seconds. During this time, avoid moving the wires.

Soldering THT

  1. Place the lead (metal stick coming from component) or wire through the hole in the protoboard or PCB. Bend the leads slightly to the outside so the component doesn't fall through.
  2. Holding the soldering iron like a pen, heat the copper pad and lead with the soldering iron until the solder begins to flow and forms a strong connection. Remove solder, and then the soldering iron. This process should take only a few seconds.
    1. Long exposure of the iron to the PCB and other electronic components will lead to them burning so make sure you don't leave the iron there for too long.
  3. Allow for the connection to cool.
  4. Snip off the excess lead as close as possible to the board with wire cutters or flush cutters.

When soldering be sure that you don't use too much or too little solder - as seen below, ideally the joint should have a cone shape to it.


Soldering Considerations

Polarity

When soldering different components be sure to consider their polarity! Often times certain components will only work when connected a certain way, and example of such a component is an LED. LEDs have a positive and negative end and the component will only work when connected in a certain manner.

Heat Sensitivity

Due to various reasons such as material or size, certain components are only able to handle certain levels of heat when being soldered. If exposed to too much heat for too long, they are likely to burn out and become unusable.

Static Electricity

Certain components are incredibly sensitive to static electricity and thus require specific equipment when handling them. There are 4 types of ESD equipment used to aid in grounding you to avoid damaging the equipment.

There are gloves, mats, a wrist strap, and a bag, learn more about ESD Equipment here