SOLDER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is the definition of an IPC J-STD-001, Class 3 product? - Answers :A Class 3
product requires performance-on-demand, the end-use environment may be
uncommonly harsh and the equipment must function when required.
What is the proper preparation and safe maintenance of the soldering iron? (an all
above answer) - Answers :- The soldering iron should be checked
to ensure the tip is fully inserted and
there is no damage.
- Solder should be applied to the tip when
the iron is not in use to prevent tip
oxidation.
- Ensure iron tip is the correct size for
connection to be soldered.
- Check and verify that the ESD Protection
date on the power supply and the iron has
not expired
DO NOT heat solder above - Answers :850°F - Overheated solder can release lead
fumes
What is the heat bridge technique used during the hand soldering process? - Answers :-
When solder is applied at the junction of the iron tip and the area to be soldered.
- The heat bridge allows for proper heat transfer to the connection.
What is the most important characteristic of an acceptable solder connection? -
Answers :good wetting
What is the purpose of flux? (an all of the above answer) - Answers :- Flux contained
within the solder core melts at a temperature lower than solder
- Flux removes oxides and other surface film on the work piece
- Flux promotes heat transfer and reduces surface tension
- Flux shall be compatible from a cleaning process standpoint and a chemical
standpoint
Why are stranded wires tinned before use? - Answers :- prevent birdcaging
- reduce oxidation
- make lead forming easier
When is a wire considered birdcaged? - Answers :- there is strand separation greater
than 1
strand diameter
- the strands extend beyond the outside
diameter of the wire insulation
, What is the criteria for wicking on stranded wire? - Answers :SHALL NOT extend to a
portion
of the wire that is required to remain FLEXIBLE.
Strand Damage - Answers :SHALL NOT exceed the limits of table 5-1. Strand damage
that does not exceed limits of Table 5-1 is a PROCESS INDICATOR.
Terminal Wraps: when attaching wires to posts - Answers :- Must have sufficient length
to allow at least 1 FIELD REPAIR
What is the minimum insulation clearance when soldering wires to terminals? - Answers
:- Insulation SHALL NOT interfere with the solder connection
- Insulation SHALL NOT be embedded in the solder connection
- Insulation Clearance SHALL NOT permit shorting or violate minimum electrical
clearance
maximum insulation clearance when soldering wires to terminals? - Answers :2 WIRE
DIAMETERS including insulation
What is the wrap criteria for turret terminals? - Answers :Minimum wrap: 180° (1/2 wrap)
Maximum wrap:
360°
What type of maintenance is required at work stations? - Answers :- Work surfaces
must be uncluttered, organized, & free of Foreign
Object Debris (FOD), such as lead clippings, solder balls, contamination, etc.
When ESD protection is required: - Answers :- Verify ESD labels on benches, monitors
and ionizers.
- Report expired or missing labels immediately.
- Follow all SD requirements.
Electronic Safe Static Work Station (SSWS) & Solder Irons - Answers :Always check
the label to be sure:
- the date is current
- there is a procedure number
- the information is legible
Always Follow Steps In Process Instructions - Answers :Do not go out of sequence
unless specifically documented in the process instructions
What is the criteria for wrapping components to turret terminals? - Answers :Target
Condition:
- All component leads have stress relief
Minimum Acceptable:
What is the definition of an IPC J-STD-001, Class 3 product? - Answers :A Class 3
product requires performance-on-demand, the end-use environment may be
uncommonly harsh and the equipment must function when required.
What is the proper preparation and safe maintenance of the soldering iron? (an all
above answer) - Answers :- The soldering iron should be checked
to ensure the tip is fully inserted and
there is no damage.
- Solder should be applied to the tip when
the iron is not in use to prevent tip
oxidation.
- Ensure iron tip is the correct size for
connection to be soldered.
- Check and verify that the ESD Protection
date on the power supply and the iron has
not expired
DO NOT heat solder above - Answers :850°F - Overheated solder can release lead
fumes
What is the heat bridge technique used during the hand soldering process? - Answers :-
When solder is applied at the junction of the iron tip and the area to be soldered.
- The heat bridge allows for proper heat transfer to the connection.
What is the most important characteristic of an acceptable solder connection? -
Answers :good wetting
What is the purpose of flux? (an all of the above answer) - Answers :- Flux contained
within the solder core melts at a temperature lower than solder
- Flux removes oxides and other surface film on the work piece
- Flux promotes heat transfer and reduces surface tension
- Flux shall be compatible from a cleaning process standpoint and a chemical
standpoint
Why are stranded wires tinned before use? - Answers :- prevent birdcaging
- reduce oxidation
- make lead forming easier
When is a wire considered birdcaged? - Answers :- there is strand separation greater
than 1
strand diameter
- the strands extend beyond the outside
diameter of the wire insulation
, What is the criteria for wicking on stranded wire? - Answers :SHALL NOT extend to a
portion
of the wire that is required to remain FLEXIBLE.
Strand Damage - Answers :SHALL NOT exceed the limits of table 5-1. Strand damage
that does not exceed limits of Table 5-1 is a PROCESS INDICATOR.
Terminal Wraps: when attaching wires to posts - Answers :- Must have sufficient length
to allow at least 1 FIELD REPAIR
What is the minimum insulation clearance when soldering wires to terminals? - Answers
:- Insulation SHALL NOT interfere with the solder connection
- Insulation SHALL NOT be embedded in the solder connection
- Insulation Clearance SHALL NOT permit shorting or violate minimum electrical
clearance
maximum insulation clearance when soldering wires to terminals? - Answers :2 WIRE
DIAMETERS including insulation
What is the wrap criteria for turret terminals? - Answers :Minimum wrap: 180° (1/2 wrap)
Maximum wrap:
360°
What type of maintenance is required at work stations? - Answers :- Work surfaces
must be uncluttered, organized, & free of Foreign
Object Debris (FOD), such as lead clippings, solder balls, contamination, etc.
When ESD protection is required: - Answers :- Verify ESD labels on benches, monitors
and ionizers.
- Report expired or missing labels immediately.
- Follow all SD requirements.
Electronic Safe Static Work Station (SSWS) & Solder Irons - Answers :Always check
the label to be sure:
- the date is current
- there is a procedure number
- the information is legible
Always Follow Steps In Process Instructions - Answers :Do not go out of sequence
unless specifically documented in the process instructions
What is the criteria for wrapping components to turret terminals? - Answers :Target
Condition:
- All component leads have stress relief
Minimum Acceptable: