9 Common PCB Soldering Problems to Avoid during PCB Assembly

 9 Common PCB Soldering Problems to Avoid during PCB Assembly

Soldering can make or break a PCB, both figuratively and literally. This article offers basic tips and nine specific problems/mistakes to look out for when doing a PCB soldering job.To get more news about Ceramic Soldering Board , you can visit senpinghz.com official website.

The quality of the soldering has a tremendous impact on the overall quality of the PCB. Through soldering, different parts of the PCB are connected to other electrical components to make a PCB function properly and serve its purpose. When industry professionals are evaluating the quality of electronic components and devices, one of the most prominent factors in their assessment is the caliber of the soldering work.

To be sure, soldering is quite straightforward. But it does take practice to master. As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” Even a complete novice can make functional solders. But for the overall longevity and functionality of the device, a clean and professional soldering job is the way to go.

In this guide, we’ve highlighted some of the most common problems that can happen during soldering. If you would like to know more about what it takes to make perfect solders that last, this is the guide for you.To achieve an ideal solder joint, regardless of whether it’s an SMD solder joint or a through-hole solder joint, it’s necessary to use the right amount of solder, an appropriate solder iron tip heated to an accurate temperature, and a prepped PCB contact with a removed oxide layer.

1. Solder Bridges
PCBs and electronic components are becoming smaller and smaller, making it difficult to maneuver around the PCB, especially when trying to solder. If you’re using a solder iron tip that’s too large for the PCB, you might create unwanted solder bridges.

A solder bridge is when soldering material connects two or more PCB connectors. This is quite dangerous and, if undetected, can cause the board to short circuit and burn out. Make sure to always use the right size of soldering iron tip to prevent solder bridges.

2. Too Much Solder
Novices and beginners tend to use too much solder when soldering, and a large bubble-like solder ball forms at the solder joint. Besides looking like a weird growth on the PCB, it can also be difficult to spot if the solder joint is functional. There’s plenty of room for mistakes under that ball of solder.

The best practice is to be use solder conservatively and, if necessary, add more if the joint needs it. Strive for a clean solder with a nice concave fillet.

3. Cold Joints
Cold joints occur when the soldering iron is at a lower-than-optimal temperature, or the duration of the heating of the joint was too short. Cold joints have a dull, messy, pock-marked appearance. In addition, they have a shorter lifespan and are less reliable. It’s also difficult to assess whether a cold joint will perform well under current or limit the functionality of the PCB.

4. Burnt Joints
Burnt joints are the complete opposite of cold joints. It’s obvious that the soldering iron operated at a higher-than-optimal temperature, the solder joint exposed the PCB to heat way too long, or a layer of oxide was still present on the PCB, preventing optimal heat transfer. The joint has a burnt appearance, and if the pads have lifted at the joints, the PCB might be damaged beyond repair.