{"id":5534,"date":"2019-05-05T23:45:55","date_gmt":"2019-05-05T21:45:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nerdiy.de\/?p=5534"},"modified":"2019-10-02T06:52:58","modified_gmt":"2019-10-02T04:52:58","slug":"howto-electronics-my-friend-the-soldering-iron-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nerdiy.de\/en\/howto-electronics-my-friend-the-soldering-iron-2\/","title":{"rendered":"HowTo: Electronics - My friend the soldering iron"},"content":{"rendered":"

Even as a part-time nerd, you can't really avoid the soldering iron in the long run. At the latest when the first test circuit on the breadboard has worked well and you want to take the next circuit evolutionary step, it's time to wield the soldering iron.<\/p>\n

As a child, I had a terrible respect for this thing for a long time. It's hot, it smells and smokes and as a layman you always have a half guilty conscience about whether what you're doing is right.<\/p>\n

I still have respect now. And I think that's entirely appropriate. Because you can still break a lot when soldering. Both on your own body and in the circuit to be built or repaired.<\/p>\n

When soldering, a lot depends on the dosage. Not only must the temperature be right, but some components must not be heated too much. At the same time, however, there must be enough temperature to connect the component electrically - and often also mechanically sufficiently - to the carrier board (PCB). This also includes the right solder, which should be applied sufficiently. But again, it's all about the dosage: too little and the component falls off. Too much and the component holds very well, but there may be short circuits.<\/p>\n

As you can see, there are a few pitfalls waiting for you. To give you an easy introduction to the world of soldering, here are a few tips on the right choice and correct handling of the soldering iron.<\/p>\n

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Safety instructions <\/span><\/h2>\r\n

I know the following notes are always kind of annoying and seem unnecessary. Unfortunately, many people who knew "better" have lost eyes, fingers or other things due to carelessness or injured themselves. Data loss is almost negligible in comparison, but even these can be really annoying. Therefore, please take five minutes to read the safety instructions. Because even the coolest project is not worth injury or other trouble.<\/span>
https:\/\/www.nerdiy.de\/sicherheitshinweise\/<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Affiliate links\/advertising links<\/h2>\r\n

The links to online shops listed here are so-called affiliate links. If you click on such an affiliate link and make a purchase via this link, Nerdiy.de will receive a commission from the relevant online shop or provider. The price does not change for you. If you make your purchases via these links, you support Nerdiy.de in being able to offer other useful projects in the future. \ud83d\ude42\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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Requirements<\/h2>\n

Helpful articles:
\n<\/strong>You can also find additional information on various soldering techniques in the following articles.
\nElectronics \u2013 Solder SMD components by hand<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/em>Electronics \u2013 Solder THT components by hand<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Required material:<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the following list you will find all the parts you need to implement this article.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/colgroup>\n <\/table>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n\n

Required tool:<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the following list you will find all the tools you need to implement this article.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/colgroup>\n <\/table>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n\n
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Security<\/h2>\n

Words about safety are often overlooked because safety measures are only accepted as necessary once you have already been injured. To prevent this from happening, here are a few words of warning \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

There are basically three and a half serious dangers when soldering:<\/p>\n

1. the tip of the soldering iron becomes very hot. This generates temperatures of 200-500\u00b0C. There is therefore a considerable risk of burns. So make absolutely sure that you do not touch the tip and the metal parts connected to it. Also take special care not to leave the (hot) soldering iron alone with children. Especially forbidden things often make children curious.
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2. the hot tip not only has a considerable potential for injury. It can also cause fires. Never leave the soldering iron switched on\/hot unattended.<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Under favorable conditions, a fire can spread so far within a minute that it can no longer be easily extinguished.<\/p>\n

3. the solder normally used contains a flux core. This is necessary\/useful because it facilitates the bonding process of the solder with the metals of the respective contact surfaces. Sometimes, however, this can also cause the solder to \"splatter\", i.e. parts of it fly around uncontrollably. So make sure that you do not have any sensitive parts (e.g. smartphone display) in the immediate vicinity that could be damaged during the soldering process. Although safety goggles are also annoying here, they are much less annoying than a serious eye injury.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

3.5 Various vapors and gases are produced during the soldering process and especially during the melting of the solder. Make sure that these gases are either extracted or that the room you are working in is well ventilated. A combination of both is best.<\/strong><\/span><\/span> While soldering, you can also try to blow away the rising soldering fumes. In any case, you should avoid inhaling the soldering fumes.<\/p>\n

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Set-up and correct position of the soldering iron<\/h2>\n

A soldering iron is actually always built according to the same principle. You can see a simple soldering iron that can even be operated via USB in the following picture.<\/p>\n

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1. tip<\/h3>\n

The tip of the soldering iron is at the front end. It is usually interchangeable and available in different sizes and shapes. There are tips that are very suitable for soldering SMD components and also tips that can be used to solder guttering \ud83d\ude42
\nThe tip of the soldering iron is also usually specially coated so that the solder adheres to it - at least a little. The tip should also be cleaned well before each soldering process. But more on this later.<\/p>\n

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The tips of a soldering iron are often interchangeable. In this soldering iron, the tip and heating cartridge are combined in one element.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2nd heating cartridge<\/h3>\n

Directly after the tip is another metal tube. This usually contains a heating cartridge and a temperature sensor, both of which are thermally coupled to the tip of the soldering iron. This ensures that the metal tube, heating cartridge, temperature sensor and tip always have the same temperature. With the help of the temperature sensor, the temperature of this (heating) unit can be regulated to within a few \u00b0C on many soldering irons.<\/p>\n

3. handle<\/h3>\n

The handle allows you to guide the tip of the soldering iron properly. It insulates you from the high temperatures of the heating unit and usually has a rubberized surface for a good grip. The handle is also the only part of the soldering iron that you should touch.<\/p>\n

4. connecting cable<\/h3>\n

The connecting cable hangs as a more or less annoying appendage at the other end of the soldering iron. It supplies the soldering iron with the necessary energy to bring it to the desired temperature. The current values measured by the temperature sensor are often fed back to the soldering station. Here you should always make sure that the cable is not kinked or knotted. In addition, it should of course not come into contact with the hot soldering tip.<\/p>\n

Holding the soldering iron:<\/h3>\n

Holding the soldering iron is actually quite easy. Hold this<\/strong> like a pen you want to write with<\/strong>. Hold it as close to the front of the soldering iron handle as possible. Of course, make sure that you do not accidentally touch the hot tip of the soldering iron.<\/p>\n

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Soldering iron vs. soldering station<\/h2>\n

The \"soldering iron vs. soldering station\" question cannot be answered in general terms. In most cases, a normal soldering iron will actually suffice. If you already have a soldering iron at home and only use it occasionally, for example to connect wires, you don't need to buy a new soldering station. Most of the advantages of soldering stations only become apparent when you use a soldering iron more regularly or want to use it for more specialized tasks.<\/p>\n

The main advantages of a soldering station over a standalone soldering iron are:<\/p>\n