Soldering

Building permanent circuits

Soldering accomplishes two things

• Electrical connections

• Mechanical connections

Tools you Need

• Wire cutters

• Wire strippers

• Soldering iron

Optional Tools

• Lead bender

• Exacto knife

Solder

• An alloy of 60% tin and 40% lead

• Low melting point

• Fuses metal together

• Rosin flux core

• Lead-free and silver solder

The Process

• Form leads

• Insert into PCB

• Solder leads to pads

• Trim excess leads

Forming Leads

Some leads are ready to insert into the PCB

Some leads need to be formed

Ready Formed Leads

Leads that need to be Formed

Cutting from a Row

Stripping Wire

Correct Gauge Pull Wire

Wire Stripped of Insulation

Insert Components

• Usually Flush

• Bend Leads or Tape

Holding Component in Place

Spread Leads Slightly Tape Down

Before You Solder

Wipe Tip Tin Tip

Don’t Jab!

Soldering

• Briefly heat pad and lead

• Apply solder to pad, lead, and iron

• Remove solder and iron (in that order)

Heat Pad and Lead

IC Sockets

• Use IC sockets

• Solder opposing IC socket pins

• Confirm flush

• Rework if necessary

Soldering Opposing Pins

Confirm Flush

Rework if Necessary

Strain Relief

Trim Excess Leads

Beware of flying leads

The lead is cut at the solder

What’s Next?

Check Your Work!