ThT assembly is the foundation of many projects, from prototyping to mass production. Precision, quality and reliability are key in this case, and achieving these goals depends on two main factors: using the right tools and applying the right soldering techniques.
ThT through-hole assembly – the tools needed for soldering
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The key to successfully carrying out THT through-hole assembly is to equip yourself with the right tools that enable precise operation and clean completion of solder joints. Among the basic equipment that should be on every technician’s desk are:
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- Temperature-controlled soldering station: This is an essential tool for any THT component soldering specialist. It allows you to precisely adjust the temperature of the soldering tip, which is crucial when soldering components with different thermal requirements. Thanks to its adjustability, you can prevent over-temperature damage to delicate components.
- Soldering tip: It is a handheld soldering tool that allows you to accurately apply tin in places where special precision is required. It is indispensable for through-hole assembly performed in hard-to-reach places.
- Third hand with magnifier: It is a tool that acts as a “third hand”, stabilizing components during THT assembly. Equipped with a magnifying glass, it allows you to look closely at the details of the connection, which is invaluable when working with small components.
- Tin extractor: This tool is essential for removing excess tin or correcting incorrectly made connections. It allows you to remove tin from connections cleanly and quickly, which is crucial for maintaining high-quality assembly of THT components.
- Solder paste: Facilitates tin flow and improves joint quality. Applied to the soldering area before applying the tin, it prevents oxidation and facilitates the distribution of the tin.
- Antistatic screwdrivers: A set of screwdrivers with insulated handles that protect delicate electronic components from damage by static electricity.
- Precision pliers and side cutters: Enable manipulation and cutting of feet with the utmost precision. Especially useful for preparing components for assembly and removing excess material after soldering.
- Head-mounted magnifier or table-top microscope: essential for tasks requiring particularly high precision. These tools allow very close observation of the work site. They provide a better view of the details, which is essential for precise THT through-hole assembly.
Each of the listed tools plays a key role in the THT through-hole soldering process, allowing the work to be performed with the utmost precision and cleanliness. Choosing the right tools and using them properly are integral to ensuring the longevity and reliability of the devices being assembled. With these tools, specialists are able to meet even the most demanding projects, while maintaining the highest quality standards for THT component assembly.
Mounting THT components – key techniques
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ThT soldering requires not only specialized tools, but also the right techniques, which are key to achieving high-quality connections. There are a number of methods that every technician should master in order to effectively perform soldering of THT components.
- The ‘heating’ technique: It involves heating the component pin and pad on the PCB simultaneously, which allows even distribution of tin and creates a solid connection. It is a basic technique useful in most situations.
- The ‘touch’ technique: This technique involves lightly touching the component pin with a hot soldering iron tip, then applying tin directly to the pin and tip. This allows for rapid conduction of heat and is particularly useful for soldering smaller components where control over the amount of tin is crucial.
- The ‘sliding’ technique: Ideal for longer rows of pins,. This technique involves placing a small amount of tin at one end of a row of pins and gently sliding the hot tip along the row, allowing multiple connections to be soldered quickly and evenly.
- The ‘bridging’ technique: Although bridging tin between pins is usually avoided, in some situations it may be desirable to increase the mechanical strength of the connection. This technique requires precision and controlled application of tin to avoid short-circuiting.
- The ‘hole-filling’ technique: Used when extremely stable assembly of components is required. It involves the application of an additional amount of tin to the hole after the pin has been threaded, which ensures that the mechanical strength of the connection is strengthened.
- The ‘overlay’ technique: It involves applying a thin layer of solder paste to the solder spot before applying tin. This paste acts as an intermediary to facilitate the distribution of the tin and increase the thermal conductivity between the components.
Each of the aforementioned techniques requires practice and an understanding of the specifics of soldering in order to be used effectively in the process of through-soldering. Knowledge and skillful use of a variety of soldering methods allows to achieve the best quality of connections, which is indispensable for the durability and reliability of the assembled devices. An extremely important issue is not only the correct use of a particular technique, but also the selection of the right one. The decision is made on the basis of assessing the situation and predicting the consequences of using each of the available solutions.
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Development of soldering technology
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Handheld THT assembly has a long tradition. However, today it is used less and less, due to the development of technology. In our company, we use the QUICK 9434 soldering robot, which provides automation of operations and does the work of 2-3 people. For high-volume production, selective soldering machines are used.
Effective assembly of THT components requires not only specialized equipment, but also the understanding and application of appropriate soldering techniques. Today, traditional methods are increasingly being abandoned in favor of production automation. At EMS Elektronix, we are able to meet even the most demanding projects, offering solutions that are not only efficient, but also reliable. We invite you to work with us so that together we can make your next electronics project a success.