How to work with a soldering iron

How to solder correctly with a soldering iron, what is needed for soldering and what techniques are available, how to tin a soldering iron

The ability to solder in modern life, saturated with electrical appliances and electronics, is as necessary as the ability to use a screwdriver. There are many methods for soldering metals, but first of all you need to know how to solder correctly with a soldering iron. This seemingly simple action has a lot of subtleties and nuances - starting with the choice of tool and ending with safety measures when working with it.

General issues

Metals are used; they tend to spread over the surface if they are in molten form. This is facilitated by the forces of gravity and moderate tension. This property allows you to connect multiple parts. They are covered with a layer of solder, fixing the elements in a certain position.

It would seem that everything is elementary: he melted the metal and covered the place where the parts were attached. In practice, a more complex situation is observed, because it is important that the part is both durable and conductive of electric current. Ideally, the layer should be thin, but with maximum coverage.

Conditions for effective soldering

To better handle this operation, you need to consider the following points:

• cleanliness of the soldering area. An extremely important aspect, since the presence of even a slight layer of oxide film makes the fastening unreliable. It is for these purposes that maintenance is performed;
• melting temperature. Solder should become pliable at fewer degrees Celsius than the elements being joined. If you do not take this aspect into account, you may find yourself in a situation where everything will have to be redone, because a normal crystal lattice has not formed at the joint.

Selection of consumables

The ability to do this correctly is the key to success. Everything is not so complicated, because there are many universal options with which you can easily solve most current soldering problems. All the necessary information is contained on the labels, so before purchasing any brand, carefully read what is written there.

Typically, fluxes are needed for etching and removing the oxide film. In addition, their use is an excellent way to protect against corrosion. Without them, it is difficult to imagine complete preparation for soldering, because if the parts are not tinned, then high-quality joints will not be achieved. As a rule, these substances are mixtures of salts, alkalis and acids.

There are two types of fluxes:

• active - created on the basis of perchloric and hydrochloric acids. They can be used in a wide range of operations. Their main disadvantage is the need to remove them immediately after soldering. If this is not done, there is a high probability of a short circuit, since they are highly conductive.
• liquid - based on rosin and alcohol or glycerin. Very effective when working with steel, but not suitable for non-ferrous metals. They also need to be washed off, as they collect moisture over time, which increases conductivity and can cause a short circuit.

The choice is made based on the specific goals to be achieved. It is better to have both varieties in your arsenal.

Fixation is carried out using solders . As a rule, lead-tin grades (PLS) are used. After the marking there must be a number indicating the concentration of tin. The more impressive this indicator, the higher the resistance to mechanical stress and electrical conductivity. The melting point is lower. The lead in the compound is needed for hardening. Without it, tin will not be able to maintain its uniformity.

There are special types of solders on sale that do not contain lead (BP). It is replaced by indium or zinc. A big advantage of such compounds is the lack of toxicity. The melting point is higher, but the strength is much greater.

You can find low-melting grades. These are Wood and Rose solders. They spread at a temperature of 90−110 degrees. Such connections are used when creating and repairing equipment.

Types of soldering irons

The variety of types of work and the conditions in which they are performed has given rise to several types of soldering equipment.

1. Network. Powered by sockets. The most common option, which is familiar to everyone who has even a vague idea. As a rule, they are used when working with wires and massive parts. They are distinguished by high power, which allows high-quality heating of the elements being fastened. There are also disadvantages: poor ergonomics. Tools of this type are heavy and have low autonomy. The tip is located far from the handle, so such devices are not suitable for soldering small parts.
2. Soldering stations. Thermal control is used to maintain the temperature. They are actively used when working with small circuits. They are not distinguished by high power (up to 40W), but this is not necessary for their scope of application.

Selecting a soldering iron tip

This part of the structure varies in shape and material from which it is made. The most primitive option is the awl-shaped sting. There are many variations: blade, cone, bevel, etc. When choosing a shape, you need to have an idea of ​​the work that will be performed by this tip. It is important to purchase something that will provide the maximum area of ​​contact with the surface.

As a rule, the material used is copper , to which various impurities are added (for example, chromium or nickel). This allows for improved performance properties. In particular, durability is significantly increased.

A tip without a coating quickly becomes unusable. It has to be periodically cleaned and tinned . To level out this flaw, it is recommended to forge this element and grind it to give it one shape or another.

Recommendations for using a soldering iron

In various situations, this tool can be used with a number of features that are worth paying attention to. Not only the final quality, but also the degree of feasibility of the operation as a whole depends on this.

Soldering wiring

The ends are dipped in flux and then passed over them with a tip moistened with the same solution. It is important to shake off excess from the wires . Don't neglect this if you want to achieve a quality connection and flawless functioning.

When the preliminary stage is completed, we twist the wires and warm them up with a small amount of solder. All free space must be filled with the molten mixture.

If multi-wire conductors are involved, you can do without tinning. The ends are simply wetted and fixed without pre-treatment with a sting. This operation is not performed inside switchboards, as the risk of corrosion is high. In addition, such structures do not belong to the detachable category.

Electronics repair

The correct approach can only be achieved through experience. If you have never done such work, use the help of a specialist who will tell you how to work with a soldering iron in this case, because it is important that someone controls and makes timely changes to the process. But if we are talking about a typical printed circuit , even those who picked up the tool for the first time can handle it.

It is easiest to solder small lead elements. We first fix them with some viscous substance in the holes. Press the tip tightly on the back side to warm it up. Then we introduce solder into the soldering area (there should not be too much of it).

If the output element is loose, first moisten it with flux. With this technique, a small drop of tin is transferred from the soldering iron to the leg. The substance flows down, filling the hole.

Large parts

Cable sleeves, tanks and dishes have a high heat capacity, so the maintenance and connection process looks a little different.

First, we achieve complete immobility. This is done using clamps or plasticine (wax). Then spot welding is performed.

The next stage is tinning . It is performed in places of fixation. It is important to approach this process with the utmost care.

Then the free space is filled with solder. Special compounds are used that are characterized by their refractoriness and the ability to maintain tightness over a long period of time.

If you have to make a large seam, the role of a soldering iron can be played by a copper hatchet heated over a fire. This is all that is needed for soldering in such cases.

Important points

1. The parts to be fixed must remain stationary until completely hardened. If this is neglected, the solder will fragment into many crystals. We'll have to do everything again.
2. To keep the tin constantly in a liquid state, contact of the tip with any moistened point is sufficient.
3. If sticking is observed, this indicates a lack of power. You should either increase the heat or use a tool with more impressive performance.
4. Large parts must be kept warm at all times. A gas is often used for this .
5. When working with heat-sensitive parts, mix regular solder with low-melting solder.
6. You need to use only working equipment. Only this approach will ensure safety .

Working with a soldering iron is not as simple as it might seem.

Developing this skill will significantly expand the range of operations and techniques that you can use.

Source: https://chebo.biz/stroyka-i-remont/kak-pravilno-payat-payalnikom-i-chto-nuzhno-dlya-raboty.html

Types and technologies of soldering

Soldering is a permanent connection of materials, used in some cases as the main method after welding. Types and features of soldering, step-by-step instructions for carrying out the basic methods of soldering and tinning - this is the necessary information when doing the work yourself.

There are a lot of methods for soldering materials (welding, soldering, joining in a gas chamber and in a special oven, soldering pipes), but all this is just soldering of materials, not welding.

Types and features of this method

The process is divided into the following categories:

– a method of heating and filling the molten solder of the seam at the joint;

– characteristics of hardening and crystal lattice of a seam or surface coating during tinning;

– method of removing oxide film from the surface;

– a method with improved time characteristics for heating the joint;

– type of loads on the parts being connected.

The main importance when choosing a welding method is the melting temperature characteristics of different types of solders. Solder melts at temperatures up to 4600 - the process is called low-temperature. Above this heating value – high temperature.

The simplest is low-temperature using flux. Its energy consumption is low, the ability to connect thin parts made of steel and alloys, an increased level of thermal conductivity and soldering of metals of different compositions are the main advantages of this type.

High-temperature soldering has some advantages:

• Under flux, the connection is sealed, with a dense base of the seam.
• For work at home, small gas burners are used.
• The connection is obtained only on materials with a melting point above 460 degrees.

Another type is the compositional method.

Used when installing metal structures with large bending angles. By using composite solder with fillers made from low-melting additives, a strong and reliable connection of structural components is achieved. At the same time, the edges of the workpieces only heat up, and the molten solder fills all the voids and connects the parts.

They are divided according to the methods of solder production. Here it is generally accepted that solder can be ready-made (tin) and obtained through a chemical reaction when heating the soldering materials. The most commonly used is ready-made solder. It is heated to a liquid state, it fills the joints of the parts and, when cooled, makes the connection permanent and reliable. It is held on the surface of the parts by capillarity, which guarantees a sufficient level of strength at the joint.

When a chemical reaction is used, solder and flux are released from the soldering materials. In this case, solder liquid is formed. It fills the seam between the parts, cools down and does its job.

To obtain good joining quality, the heat source used to melt the solder and carry out the soldering reaction is of great importance. The most famous and accessible to everyone is a soldering iron. The use of gas burners and industrial hair dryers is often required.

For the low-temperature method, various soldering irons are most often used. With this method, by heating the surface of the soldering area, remove part of the solder with the tip of the tool and fill the hole or edges of the surfaces to be joined in the molten state. To obtain a more reliable, hermetically sealed connection, be sure to heat the soldering areas.

For the high-temperature method, you can use high-power electric soldering irons. But it is better to use gas and other types of burners for this type. A blowtorch using gasoline, kerosene, as well as burners using methane or propane-butane - these tools will allow you to perform high-quality soldering even in the field.

After a short lesson in theory, we move on to the practical lesson. Soldering microcircuits and making circuit boards for radio equipment will always allow you to have a well-paid job, and the ability to solder will also come in handy for the household. Therefore, we will consider this type of soldering in more detail.

Step-by-step instructions for soldering with an electric soldering iron

Carrying out this work involves performing several operations:

Before you start working with different materials and thicknesses, you should select the right soldering iron based on power, tip size and shape.

The choice of this tool is quite large. From large copper soldering irons, heated by a torch or in a forge, to miniature soldering irons for soldering microcircuits and other parts. But the best choice for our business is a small, lightweight and reliable acoustic soldering iron.

The power should not exceed 35 W, but should not be less than 20 W. This choice will allow you to make a connection of guaranteed quality. A device with grounding will comply with TB requirements.

To carry out soldering of sheet metal and copper pipes, it is better to use industrial powerful types of tools.

• The next job will be to prepare a set of tools.

The work may require:

– soldering iron;

– pliers and side cutters;

– knife for cutting wires;

– round and flat needle files;

– sandpaper for cleaning the soldering area;

– rosin and other types of fluxes;

– various types of solders.

• We are making final preparations. To do this, we perform the following work:

1. We prepare the tip of the sting. To do this, we clean its surface using a flat needle file or a velvet file. Before doing this, you can use pliers to remove large deposits of solder.

If the tip of the tip is damaged, it should be ground off, keeping the angle of the edges at 450. After this, it needs to be tinned, for which we first dip the heated soldering iron into rosin, then pick up a little solder, distributing it evenly over the entire plane of the tip edges.

1. We prepare a stand for the equipment; for better fixation, you can prepare clamps to secure the parts. We cover the work table with a sheet of textolite or other heat-insulating material.
2. Cleaning and degreasing of surfaces for pre-tinning and soldering. To do this, first remove the oxidized areas with sandpaper, then wipe these areas with solvent or soldering acid. We wipe the surface with a clean rag and the preparatory work is completed.

• Performing work on soldering and tinning of wires and radio parts. This procedure is carried out in several stages:

1. We install the soldering iron on the safety stand. Then we plug it into the outlet.
2. After a short period of time, dip the tip of the soldering iron into rosin to check the level of heating of the tip. In the case of boiling and melting of rosin, heating can be considered sufficient.
3. We tin the surfaces to be joined. To do this, first dip the tip in rosin or treat it with soldering acid, then take a little solder on the tip and apply it to the surface of the part.
4. It should be noted that the quality and correct choice of solder is of great importance in the work. The most used brand is POS. - 60 or 40. This is an alloy of lead and tin. Manufactured in the form of rods up to 3 mm in diameter.

To work with aluminum, use solder made from this material. For each type of solder, protective respirators and goggles should be used. Lead vapors have a detrimental effect on human health. The premises must have good ventilation.

1. We press the joints that have not yet cooled down to each other to obtain the boundaries of applying the tin layer. Then we apply tin several times along the printed joints of the parts. After applying a sufficient layer, we connect the parts according to the marks, fasten them until the solder has completely hardened and cooled.

Soldering wires

To connect the wires, the same algorithm for carrying out the work is used. But with minor differences. First we tin the stripped ends, then we connect and twist them together. Then we solder the connection point. To do this, we bring solder to the wire with our left hand, and with a soldering iron with our right hand, remove it and apply a little solder to the heated wires.

To connect one wire to the middle of another, you need to remove the insulation at the junction and tin it. We strip the end of 2 wires of insulation and process it. Then we wind it and compress it on the prepared area. After that we solder this place. By performing this operation, you can be able to solder copper pipes and car radiators, connect different pieces of wires for equipment and electrical appliances.

Soldering radio components onto boards

Before working in critical areas, it is better to practice on used boards and soldering non-working parts. But such training should be carried out in several main stages:

• We are carrying out preparatory work. We clean it with fine sandpaper and wipe the board with solvent. To protect the bridges on the board, it is better to wipe it with a soapy solution.
• We arrange the parts according to the diagram. First, resistors and varistors should be mounted and secured. Then capacitors, transformers, and wire taps for measuring instruments are soldered.
• First, we heat the fastening site, insert the antennae of the parts or wires into the holes and bring tin from the back side and drip it onto the soldering site. It turns out to be a drop of metal on the board, holding the part and ensuring good contact.
• Use side cutters to remove excess solder metal and remnants of wiring. This operation is best carried out on cooled drops.

Having understood the principle of soldering wires and radio components, you can perform more complex types of this permanent connection. Using your skills, you can master the installation of heating and water supply systems for apartments and houses. The difference between this method is the absence of solder. Otherwise there are no differences.

Only the soldering iron itself and some accessories differ. Guides for the outer part of the pipe and the inner part of the fitting are installed at the fastening points. The heated sections are inserted into each other; when they cool down, they form an excellent hermetic connection. To better master this type of soldering, it is better to watch a video tutorial from a professional by following the link.

In conclusion, it is worth recalling measures to ensure the safety of the respiratory tract and eyes when soldering. Using lead solders, you can get sick if you do not use respirators, gloves and glasses.

This method allows you to achieve excellent results when carrying out apartment heating using a heated floor system, soldering car radiators and plastic car components.

Any man who has at least a little understanding and knowledge of how to carry out work and use the acquired knowledge in practice can learn soldering.

Source: http://guru-remonta.ru/obshhie-voprosy/pajka.html

Basic rules for working with a soldering iron

Depending on the quality and nature of the work performed, you can choose different tools for soldering products, as well as use a variety of devices. The most common tools in this category are:

• soldering irons;
• soldering guns;
• hot air stations.

An electric soldering iron is the most common among soldering tools and is most often used for household needs. The simplest operational work with this tool can be successfully mastered in a matter of minutes.

Electric soldering iron device

Using a soldering iron, parts are connected to each other using special solder, which melts under high temperature. A soldering iron is an electric tool with a special tip at the end, which is heated to a certain temperature, sufficient to melt the solder. A strong and high-quality connection of parts is obtained if you follow all the subtleties and features of working with a soldering iron.

The electric soldering iron consists of the following simple parts:

• A heating element.
• Sting.
• Electrical power cord.

The heating element of the soldering iron is enclosed in a housing made of a special non-flammable material that does not melt. The soldering iron tip is made of copper coated with special alloys of nickel or steel.

Some models of soldering irons are equipped with a temperature regulator. In the design of an electric soldering iron, the heating element converts electrical energy into heat and transfers it to the tip to melt the solder. For certain models of soldering irons there are replaceable tips.

The body of the heating element is a metal tube with through holes located along it, which remove excess heat. For the power cord, a two-core wire is most often used, the cross-section of which will allow you to safely use tools of varying power.

The temperature regulator can be built-in and located in the body of the soldering iron, or it can be located on the power supply. The latter option is preferred, used when installing electrical boards, is designed more often and is found in tools designed to work in the low voltage range from 12V to 36V.

Materials used for soldering

The work uses consumables such as solder and flux. The technology for connecting parts during soldering and welding is somewhat different. When soldering, the connection occurs due to the formation of a seam, which appears between the parts being connected and the solder material due to the formation of strong bonds.

The composition of solders varies depending on the materials used and their quantitative ratio. To work, you need to take solder of a composition that will meet the temperature requirements of the soldering mode and depend on the type of materials for the connection.

Fluxes are used in work depending on the types of materials and soldering conditions. Types of fluxes used for soldering:

• Solid.
• Liquid.
• Acidic.
• Acid-free.

How to prepare a tip for work

Before work, you need to check the soldering iron settings and its general condition, which can be determined by carefully inspecting the tool from all sides. Please note that the soldering iron tip must be kept clean and not heated. The supply wire must be encased in intact insulating material.

Study the instructions for the soldering tool; it contains information about the operating parameters of the soldering iron - power and voltage. The operating voltage value is indicated on the body of the soldering iron itself and is its marking characteristic.

When working with a completely new instrument, you need to start by warming it up well. It is necessary that the factory lubricant of the tool burns inside the body first; during this process, be sure to ventilate the work area well.

Using light, gentle blows of the hammer, shape and sharpen the tip of the new soldering iron. Thus, the end of the tip will become denser and will burn less during operation.

The next preparatory stage will be tinning the soldering iron tip so that the working solder does not roll off it, but sticks well.

First, heat the soldering iron tip, then lubricate it with flux and immediately touch the already prepared tin solder so that it melts and covers the entire tip, using a wooden stick, carefully distribute the solder over the entire surface.

This preparation will prevent oxidation of the material from which the tip is made, and the tip itself will be covered with a thin film of tin.

After careful completion of the preparatory measures, the soldering iron can be used to perform soldering work.

Preparing parts and soldering them

Before the soldering process, all parts must first be cleaned and then tinned for a neat and durable connection. If soldering is carried out using rosin, then the part is first heated, then coated with flux or molten rosin and solder.

When soldering with liquid flux, the cold surfaces of the parts are first coated with it, then the soldering iron is heated and a layer of solder is covered with it.

To hold small parts to be soldered while working with a soldering iron, it is convenient to use small tweezers. You can also use special soldering tables, pliers or various clamps to fix parts.

Parts that have already been tinned are connected to each other and fixed in the desired position. Then it is heated to a temperature at which the solder will melt and the solder is applied on the soldering iron tip or using a wire. The melting solder is distributed in an even layer over the entire connecting seam.

Then, with the joint of the parts being connected completely immobile, wait for it to cool completely. Do not wet the seam with water or blow it with a stream of air to make it cool faster. Next, you need to wash off the remaining flux, except for the neutral one, which does not need to be washed off.

Various examples of soldering

The simplest soldering is soldering wires when performing electrical work. To do this, the wires are twisted together and soldered so that they do not heat up in the network and do not provide additional resistance. To do this job, it is better to use liquid flux, which can evenly cover the entire twisted surface of the wires and penetrate into the twist.

If you need to solder a small hole, you need to do the job a little differently.

Under the hole it is necessary to place a refractory material such as asbestos or textolite, pre-lubricated with industrial fat, then cover the edges of the hole with liquid flux and place solder on the lining inside the hole.

Then melt it with a soldering iron, spreading it over the entire area of ​​the hole and grab its edges, heating them with a soldering iron. After the solder has cooled, you can remove the backing material.

In conclusion, we need to remind you of the need to follow basic safety rules, use a soldering iron stand and mat, and carry out work in a well-ventilated room. If you master this simple tool, you can independently repair various household devices.

Source: http://Sanata-tech.ru/blog/osnovnye-pravila-raboty-s-payalnikom

How to solder correctly with a soldering iron

Let's say you need to solder aluminum. Not everyone knows that rosin only uses copper and its alloys. Other soldering needs to be done using special fluxes, acids, and solders. Even steel lends itself to this science, if you approach it wisely. Let's look at how to solder correctly with a soldering iron.

Process characteristics

Inside the soldering iron there is a heating element of a certain power, placed in an insulating jacket made of ceramic or other heat-resistant material. This is necessary so that all the heat goes inside where the tip is located. The main difference between soldering irons is power and shape. Depending on this, the master decides what exactly needs to be used.

They often work as a tool in electronics. In the case under consideration, it is important not to exceed the power dissipation of relatively fragile resistors, microcircuits, and capacitors. If this happens, the work is redone. With the difference that you will have to buy the damaged element in the store. Therefore, it is important to learn how to solder correctly.

It is difficult to say how much power will be required in a particular case. Radio amateurs focus on size.

Soldering iron power

Types of soldering irons

First, the power of the soldering iron is assessed. It is clear that getting a 100 W unit into the motherboard is simply dangerous. It makes more sense to purchase a 20 or 50 W soldering iron. Please note that not all soldering irons are powered by 220 V. There are many examples of non-compliance with the rule. The manufacturer is guided by simple logic: a low-power soldering iron requires a twisted spiral, which introduces large losses at a frequency of 50 Hz. It makes more sense to switch to direct current.

In such a case, inductance no longer plays a big role. If you connect a low-power DC soldering iron (far right in the photo) to a 220 V AC network, the product will burn out. But the Chinese produce small soldering irons (second from left). The one shown in the photo shows a power of 40 W and is powered from a standard outlet. Finally, by default, 100 W soldering irons were produced in the USSR (far left).

How to determine power and supply voltage? This is the main difficulty: often the soldering iron does not carry distinguishable symbols. If you take Chinese, there is a red and white sticker on it (see photo) with information, and for a device with a wooden handle, the power is indicated on the plug. The protective casing of a 100-watt soldering iron is marked accordingly. GOST is indicated there; information can be gleaned from the documentation.

A powerful 100 W soldering iron allows you to work with rough and large parts, indispensable for hard solders.

Section of the sting

The size of the tip (metal rod for soldering) often plays a role. For example, a 100-watt soldering iron has a solid thick copper stick. If you need to solder something thinner, the tip is changed. For the soldering iron in question, it is simply pulled out, and where to buy a spare one is the second question. For example, stings are sold in special stores for radio amateurs and can cost a decent amount.

A Chinese 40 W soldering iron with an excellent tip cost 40 rubles (FixPrice), and a tip of this kind can cost 300 rubles separately. The fastening system is different. For example, with a DC soldering iron it is unscrewed, but with a Chinese soldering iron it is held on with screws (like a device with a wooden handle). The material may vary. Bulky tips of 100-watt soldering irons are usually copper, while modest and miniature ones are made from an alloy of non-ferrous and ferrous metals.

But both options allow you to work with all solders that can be melted.

Before work, the soldering iron tip is cleaned of waste materials and oxide film with a file or needle file. It is clear that this is not the only way. For example, for such purposes it is allowed to use dissimilar fluxes. It's time for readers to learn how a part is prepared for soldering.

How the surfaces of the part and the tips are prepared for the soldering process using fluxes

The surface of any metal (with rare exceptions) is covered with an oxide film. As a result, the solder simply does not adhere. A group of substances whose purpose is to remove the oxide film from the surface are called fluxes. They come in solid and liquid forms, and are also sold mixed with solder in the form of pastes. The first category includes rosin and a number of other substances. Liquid fluxes are often acids or salt solutions. The basis is alcohol and other liquids.

It is important to understand that a special composition is used for different cases. The only difference is the price, which you should try to save on.

When exposed to high temperatures and rosin, the oxide layer is removed from the surface of the copper wire and the varnish insulation, if any, is dissolved (this is typical for transformer windings). At the same time, the flux improves the wettability of the surface.

Due to this, the solder spreads easily, and then sticks and hardens. An elastic, resilient and durable contact is formed. Therefore, soldering is used not only by radio amateurs, but also by representatives of other professions. Including car repairs.

Specific flux is sold for different types of surfaces. For example, steel is etched with hydrochloric acid; zinc chloride is often used. It should be understood that after the soldering process the surface is cleaned, otherwise its destruction will continue. They get rid of flux residues with brushes, emery, and often wash the area affected by acids with a weak solution (5%) of soda, and then with hot and cold water.

Pay attention to wettability: to solder aluminum, it is not enough to clean off the top layer with a file. This gives almost no result, since the solder does not spread over the surface. Wetability is poor.

After treatment with acid, the balance of power changes radically. As for steel, special acids have been created for it (see photo). They also solder cast iron, cutting the edges for solder. First, the surface is treated with flux, then tinned.

Then gradually the entire volume is filled flush with the surrounding surface.

Acids for work

A solution of ammonia is often confused with ammonia. The first is ammonium hydroxide (10% solution), and the second is chloride. Both wires cannot be soldered in their pure form, but they are used to make various fluxes. For example, diluting ammonia with water produces hydrochloric acid. Here, amateurs are already inventing their own recipes, many of which can be read in the public domain. It is also recommended to solder aluminum with a soldering iron using an aspirin tablet.

What is solder, types of solders

Solder is a mixture of metals. task: obtaining maximum strength and electrical conductivity at minimal cost. More often you have to work with tin-lead solders, but zinc solders are also used for soldering aluminum. The melting point of the latter is higher, and this is one of the criteria by which it is customary to differentiate:

• Particularly fusible - melting point below 145 degrees Celsius.
• Low-melting - the melting point is above 145 degrees Celsius, but below 450.
• Medium melting - melting point above 450 degrees Celsius, but below 1100.
• High-melting - melting point above 1100 degrees Celsius, but below 1850.
• Refractory solders have a melting point above 1850 degrees Celsius.

You have to use a torch already in the upper part of the third group: the melting point is too high for a soldering iron to handle. Let us add that the electrical conductivity of tin is higher than that of lead, for this reason compositions with a high metal content are more expensive for soldiers. But this is not the only reason. When tinning pots, it is important to maintain conditions that are harmless to humans. It is clear that lead is out of the question in the case under consideration.

Soldering small parts

The percentage of more expensive metals usually appears in the brand name. For example, in PIC (tin-lead solder) this is possible 10, 60 or 90%. The composition often includes antimony. Its percentage usually appears after a dash, for example, POSS 40-0.5.

Antimony is added, like many other impurities, to improve the quality of the solder. In particular, it reduces oxidation of the melt, which leads to a high-quality appearance, and there is no need to protect the joint with varnish.

Antimony increases the heat resistance of the compound to temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius.

In Europe, a ban on lead-containing solders is currently being introduced. They are replaced with silver ones, although the melting point increases. And the cost increases, of course. But you shouldn’t think that a high price means indispensable quality.

Tin is expensive, but Scott's expedition to the South Pole was lost due to the tin plague in 1912. Already at a temperature of four degrees Celsius, negative changes are possible, but with a decrease the process gets worse.

Imagine what happens to pure tin in the cold.

No one can explain the plague process in detail. It is believed that the tin must be infected, and then the solder seams will crumble. Scott's expedition took barrels of fuel, soldered with the purest metal. Studies have been conducted and it has been found that adding a small percentage of lead blocks the development of plague. Even POS 90 is not afraid of frost, but it is expensive, and in technology POS 40 and lower are often used, despite its relatively low electrical conductivity.

In addition to those listed, copper solders are used in places. Their melting point is relatively high, requiring the use of a burner. In such a case, flux is usually poured onto the surface (liquid is used less often) for cleaning. Then it all depends on the nature of the task.

For example, to solder a cable tip, the first one is clamped in a vice with the bulb facing up, and solder crumbs are poured inside. All this is heated by a burner. Then the cable is inserted inside, and the outer insulation is melted. It is recommended to cool the place forcibly, for example by blowing.

Soldering process

Soldering iron tip

Before starting work, prepare a soldering iron. First, the sting is cleaned. Dense carbon deposits are removed by chipping with a sharp tool. The photo shows a soldering iron, part of the tip has been cleaned with a file. It can be seen that from long-term use the surface has become uneven and bumpy. This interferes with the soldering process.

Light carbon deposits are removed after heating. For this, the same acids and rosin are used. The task is to expose the sting. Often, under the influence of fluxes, a thick crust falls off and is difficult to grind off.

The insulation of electrical wires is stripped to the required distance. Then the core is treated with rosin melt or acid. This is done with a soldering iron and in many cases a good fume hood will be required.

For example, formic acid vapor is often used in industry, but this substance poses a great danger to humans.

Before using a chemical to solder copper electrical wires, carefully search the Internet to see what is said about the safety of such actions. The nature of the influence of formic acid becomes creepy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKZBAqnGoZ4

If you solder electrical wires correctly, then already in the process of removing the oxide film you can see how solder creeps along the surface. We can see this especially clearly on the reverse side of printed circuit boards. The tracks should be covered with a thin layer of solder.

Those who think it will take a long time to worry needlessly worry. Literally, you need to bypass the installation with smoking rosin in one fell swoop, and then pick up solder, and it will spread on its own over the surface. A typical power supply takes just minutes.

It takes longer to etch the board in copper sulfate.

We believe that readers have already realized that soldering aluminum with tin is possible only after removing the oxide film.

Source: https://VashTehnik.ru/elektrika/kak-pravilno-payat-payalnikom.html

Rules for working with a soldering iron

For soldering, many tools and devices are used, which are chosen depending on the nature of the work. The most common tools are soldering irons, soldering guns, and hot air stations. In everyday life, an electric soldering iron is most often used. Basic operations with it can be mastered in a few minutes.

Electric soldering iron device

Traditionally, a soldering iron is a tool whose tip is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the solder and heat the material of the parts being connected. Soldering with a soldering iron has its own characteristics, the observance of which will allow you to obtain a high-quality, durable connection.

The electric soldering iron consists of the following parts:

• a heating element enclosed in a housing made of material that cannot be burned or melted;
• stings It is made of copper and can be coated with steel and nickel alloys;
• power cord.

Some models may be equipped with a tip temperature regulator. The heating element serves to convert electrical energy into heat and transfer it to the tip, which melts the solder. There are soldering irons with replaceable tips.

The body of the heating element is usually a metal tube with holes to remove excess heat. The power cord is often two-core with a cross-section that ensures the safe use of a tool of a certain power.

The temperature regulator can be built into the body of the soldering iron, or it can be integrated into the power supply. The second option is more common with soldering irons operating at low voltage - 12 V or 36 V. Such soldering irons are often used for mounting electrical boards.

Soldering materials

Working with a soldering iron is impossible without consumables - solder, flux. If during welding two materials are connected by partially melting them and then fusing with each other, then during soldering the connection is carried out due to the formation of a bond between the material being connected and the material of the solder that forms the seam.

Solders can be different in composition (according to the materials used and their ratio). The composition of the alloy depends on the type of materials being joined and the requirements for the soldering temperature.

Fluxes can also be different - solid and liquid, acidic and acid-free. They are used depending on the type of material and soldering conditions.

How to prepare the sting

Work with a soldering iron must begin by checking its condition and parameters. The condition is determined by inspection. The soldering iron tip must be clean and free of carbon deposits. The supply wire must be intact, without insulation damage.

Information about the parameters of the soldering iron - operating voltage and power - is contained in the instructions. In addition, the value of the required voltage must be marked on the housing.

If the soldering iron is completely new, you must first warm it up and wait until the factory grease burns off inside the case. During this period, it is necessary to ensure very good ventilation of the room.

The tip of a new soldering iron should be sharpened or shaped with light blows of a hammer. The second option, if you have the proper skills, is preferable, since the tip of the sting becomes denser and burns less.

Next, you need to tin the soldering iron tip. This is necessary so that the solder sticks to it and does not roll off. To do this, you need to heat the tip, lubricate it with flux and immediately touch the solder (usually it is tin).

The melted solder will coat the soldering iron tip. You can additionally distribute the solder with a wooden sliver.

The tinned tip will be covered with a thin tin film, which prevents oxidation of the material from which it is made. After these operations, you can use the soldering iron.

Preparation and soldering of parts

The parts to be connected must be cleaned and tinned before soldering. If you have to solder with rosin, the parts are heated with a soldering iron, covered with a layer of flux (molten rosin) and solder.

If liquid flux is used, then it needs to be coated with cold surfaces, and then heated with a soldering iron and covered with a layer of solder.

The tinned parts are connected and, if necessary, fixed relative to each other in the position that they should occupy after soldering. For fixation, various clamps, pliers, and soldering tables can be used. It is convenient to use tweezers to hold small parts.

After tinning, both parts are heated to the melting temperature of the solder. The connection occurs by applying solder to the soldering iron tip or by feeding it in the form of a wire. The molten solder is evenly distributed by the soldering iron along the seam.

Next, you need to wait for the joint to cool completely, while ensuring that it is completely immobile. It is unacceptable to use air blowing or wetting with water to speed up cooling. After cooling, it is recommended to wash off the remaining flux, but neutral flux does not need to be washed off.

Soldering examples

The easiest way is to solder the wires. This is usually done when connecting them during electrical installation work. To do this, the wires are connected in the form of twists.

So that the twists do not provide resistance in the network and do not heat up, they are soldered. In this case, it is better to use liquid flux, which will better penetrate inside the twist and evenly cover the entire surface of the wire.

If you have to solder a small hole in any sheet material, you will have to do it differently. In this case, you need to place a lining under the hole made of a refractory material - textolite, asbestos or the like.

Before this, it is necessary to coat the material around the edges of the hole with liquid flux. A piece of solder must be placed on the lining inside the hole and, having melted it with a soldering iron, distribute it over the hole, grabbing the edges and heating them.

After the solder has cooled, the pad can be removed. To prevent solder from sticking to it, you can first lubricate the surface of the lining with industrial fat.

By following simple soldering rules, anyone who knows how to use a soldering iron correctly can repair a household device on their own.

It should also be recalled that soldering must be done in a ventilated area. For safety reasons, use a soldering iron stand and a dielectric mat.

All additional devices are acquired gradually, as the need for them arises.

Source: https://svaring.com/soldering/praktika/pravila-pajki-pajalnikom