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OK International Metcal 500 Technical Notes

Hand soldering basics

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Hand Soldering
Basics

Table of Contents

Abstract..............................................................................................................................1
Process Control .................................................................................................................1
Tip Selection.......................................................................................................................2
Temperature Selection.......................................................................................................3
Flux Selection.....................................................................................................................4
Soldering Techniques.........................................................................................................5
Soldering Iron Tip Plating Failures.....................................................................................6
Tip Care: How to Maximize Cartridge Tip Life....................................................................8
Technical Note

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Summary of Contents for OK International Metcal 500

  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    Technical Note Hand Soldering Basics Table of Contents Abstract..........................1 Process Control .........................1 Tip Selection........................2 Temperature Selection.......................3 Flux Selection........................4 Soldering Techniques......................5 Soldering Iron Tip Plating Failures..................6 Tip Care: How to Maximize Cartridge Tip Life..............8...
  • Page 2: Abstract

    Damaging boards wastes money and cuts back your output yield. Process Engineers can greatly increase quality by establishing standards for soldering processes. OK International recommends the following generic process guidelines for both general and lead-free soldering and rework. OKi and...
  • Page 3: Tip Selection

    Long, fine tips will not deliver power as efficiently, since the solder joint is farther from the heater. Long tips slow heat transfer considerably. • In general, larger tips will have more iron plating, making them more robust under abrasive conditions. © 2006 OK International. Technical Note v2.2; 05/14/07...
  • Page 4: Temperature Selection

    To change the temperature, you need to change the tip cartridge or the tip and coil assembly (depending on the OKi or Metcal product). Temperature is not controlled by the power supply. © 2006 OK International. Technical Note v2.2; 05/14/07...
  • Page 5: Flux Selection

    "Curie point" heating technology that cannot significantly vary tip temperature, they do not have to be calibrated. Idle temperature cannot vary +/-1C. OK International provides a “No Calibration Required” certification, making it easy for OKi and Metcal users to meet ISO9000 requirements.
  • Page 6: Soldering Techniques

    Select the correct tip and tip temperature (see previous sections). • Turn on the system, wait for the tip to heat up (5-10 seconds). • Clean the tip on a sponge with the following qualities: – Damp, not dry—use de-ionized water. © 2006 OK International. Technical Note v2.2; 05/14/07...
  • Page 7: Soldering Iron Tip Plating Failures

    Do not apply excessive pressure when soldering. To maximize heat transfer, use a tinned tip. • Take care not to bang the solder tip against the metal workstand when inserting the tool. • Do not use tips as a screwdriver or a prying tool. © 2006 OK International. Technical Note v2.2; 05/14/07...
  • Page 8 1. CLEAN the tip with a damp sponge. 2. TIN the tip with solder. 3. TURN OFF the power supply when not in use. In the illustration below, corrosion attacks the tip, leading eventually to dewettting or plating failure. © 2006 OK International. Technical Note v2.2; 05/14/07...
  • Page 9: Tip Care: How To Maximize Cartridge Tip Life

    Do not use pliers to change tip cartridges. Use a Cartridge Removal Pad. • Do not drop tip cartridges onto hard surfaces. • For surface mount tips, do not bang the tips to dislodge components. Use a sponge. © 2006 OK International. Technical Note v2.2; 05/14/07...

This manual is also suitable for:

Metcal 600Metcal 700Metcal 800

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