Chemical Engineering @ Carnegie Mellon

Andrew J. Gellman Group S.O.P.

Soldering

Precautions
  1. Soldering iron is very hot. Keep flammable items such as clothing and solvents away from iron. Use the metal soldering iron stand to hold the hot iron when not in use.
  2. Allow time for the soldered parts to cool before handling.
  3. Do not use excessive solder since it can drip and splash.
  4. Avoid breathing soldering fumes. If possible, soldering should be done in a fume hood. Otherwise, soldering should be done in a well-ventilated area.
Procedure
  1. Parts to be joined should be clean. Clean with solvent if necessary. Remove any old or excessive solder by heating copper wick against the unwanted solder (the molten solder will become trapped within the wick).
  2. If using solder without flux core, apply plenty of flux to all parts to be joined. This step can be skipped if using rosin-core solder for electronic parts.
  3. Mechanically join the parts to be soldered if possible. If at least one part is a wire, wrap it around the other part. A metal vise can be used if necessary. If soldering delicate components such as a transistor, clip a heat sink between the joint and the component.
  4. Apply heat to the joint. For elecrical applications, a soldering iron is adequate. Allow the iron to heat up for at least 60 seconds before using it. When the tip is hot enough to melt solder, it is ready for use. Only apply enough solder to cover the joint. Only apply heat to the joint long enough to melt the solder.
  5. Remove iron and allow joint to cool.
  6. If the soldered parts are for an electrical connection, cover the joint with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape.


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