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Digital technologies/Soldering/Soldering- Beginner (view source)
Revision as of 17:56, 19 June 2022
, 17:56, 19 June 2022→Principles of Soldering
=== Materials ===
=== Materials ===
''What is needed:''
*Soldering iron
*Solder (preferably lead free)
*Components you want to solder
*Vent fan
''Optional items:''
*Solder wick
*De-soldering tool
*Soldering mat
=== Set up ===
=== Set up ===
==== Principles of Soldering ====
==== Principles of Soldering ====
<u>''Tip Tinning''</u>
Tip tinning is a process where you apply tip tinner or 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.
<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 Gold Sponge''</u>
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.
<u>''Using a Wet Sponge''</u>
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.
<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 ====
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. There are special tools to do this called “wire strippers”. However, it is possible to do the same thing with scissors. A video on how to strip the wire is available here.
#Grab a few wires, strip 1 cm off each end and bend each end in a U shape.
#Grab a few wires, strip 1 cm off each end and bend each end in a U shape.
#Allow the connection to cool, this usually takes 20-30 seconds. During this time, avoid moving the wires
#Allow the connection to cool, this usually takes 20-30 seconds. During this time, avoid moving the wires
===Soldering to a board===
==== Soldering THT ====
#Place the lead (metal stick coming from component) or wire through the hole in the perfboard or PCB.
#Place the lead (metal stick coming from component) or wire through the hole in the perfboard or PCB.
#Allow for the connection to cool
#Allow for the connection to cool
== Do's and Don'ts ==
== 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.
== Do's and Don'ts of Soldering ==
=== Remember to: ===
=== Remember to: ===