Introduction to wave soldering

2023-05-11

Wave soldering is a common electronic soldering technique that is widely used in the field of surface mount technology (SMT). This soldering technique allows electronic components to be soldered securely on a printed circuit board (PCB) and can improve the quality and reliability of the board. In Wave Soldering, electronic components are passed over a PCB with electroplated tin and soldered in waves of molten tin.Wave Soldering

The Wave Soldering Machine works by heating the tin wire until it melts and causes a wave of liquid tin to form on the surface of the PCB. During this process, the electronic components are held on the PCB surface and their wave solder pads come into contact with the tin wave, which then fuses with the tin under the action of the heat. Once the tin has completely cooled and cured, the electronic components are attached to the PCB surface. Such a soldering method is often used to mount large electronic components such as sensors, transformers, electrolytic capacitors, batteries, etc.Reflow Soldering

The advantage of wave soldering is that it results in an even temperature distribution in the soldering area and can be done in a shorter time. In contrast to other SMT technologies, wave soldering is usually carried out in batches, so it is suitable for production lines that require high throughput. In wave soldering, the soldering process is completed in a closed stroke, so it improves the quality of the solder by reducing the ingress of oxygen and other interfering substances.Welding Robot

In wave soldering, the solder often used is a rounded wire that expands easily and is used to fill the solder area. The solder chosen for this method of soldering is of excellent fluidity and manoeuvrability, and often requires a downward adjustment of its melting point to speed up the soldering process. In addition, although wave soldering is more suitable for larger components, it can also be used in some tiny SMT assemblies such as 0402 and 0201 components.

However, wave soldering also has some shortcomings. For example, it cannot handle heating temperatures above 500°, which can cause solder joints to become brittle on cooling. It also requires a high level of electrical power to produce enough physical change to melt and solder all the connections, which can lead to damage to other components on the board. Another issue to be aware of is the need to closely monitor and control the temperature when using wave soldering techniques to ensure the quality of the solder. If the temperature is unstable or incorrectly positioned, the electronic components will not be tinned correctly or form a proper solder joint connection. Wave soldering machines need to be controlled and maintained by professionals to ensure performance and a longer service life.

In summary, wave soldering is an essential part of modern electronics manufacturing. Although its implementation requires strict quality control and technical knowledge, it improves the quality and reliability of circuit boards and connected components. As technology continues to evolve, wave soldering will continue to evolve and improve to accommodate higher temperatures and pressures and to keep up with the trends in demand in the electronics market.

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