Wave soldering

File:Solder wave.ogv Wave soldering is a bulk soldering process used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCBs). The process involves passing the PCB over a wave of molten solder, which adheres to the exposed metal areas of the board, creating reliable electrical connections.

Process

The wave soldering process consists of several stages:

Fluxing

The first stage is the application of flux to the PCB. Flux is a chemical cleaning agent that removes oxides from the metal surfaces and prevents further oxidation during the soldering process. It also improves the wetting properties of the solder.

Preheating

After fluxing, the PCB is preheated to activate the flux and to reduce thermal shock when the board contacts the molten solder. Preheating also helps to evaporate any solvents in the flux.

Soldering

The core of the wave soldering process is the soldering stage. The PCB is passed over a wave of molten solder created by a pump in a solder pot. The wave ensures that the solder contacts all the exposed metal areas on the PCB, forming solder joints.

Cooling

After soldering, the PCB is cooled to solidify the solder joints. Proper cooling is essential to prevent thermal stress and to ensure the mechanical strength of the solder joints.

Types of Wave Soldering

There are two main types of wave soldering:

• **Single Wave Soldering**: Involves a single wave of solder and is typically used for through-hole components.
• **Dual Wave Soldering**: Utilizes two waves of solder, one turbulent and one smooth, and is used for both through-hole and surface-mount components.

Advantages

• High throughput, suitable for mass production.
• Reliable and consistent solder joints.
• Capable of soldering both through-hole and surface-mount components.

Disadvantages

• High initial setup cost.
• Not suitable for very fine-pitch components.
• Potential for thermal stress on components and PCBs.

Applications

Wave soldering is widely used in the electronics industry for the production of consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and industrial electronics.

See Also

• Reflow soldering
• Solder paste
• Surface-mount technology
• Through-hole technology
• Printed circuit board