How to Solder on a Circuit Board

Soldering on a circuit board is a little different than soldering on or to other surfaces. Circuit boards are very delicate and can be easily damaged with bad soldering techniques.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Soldering iron
• Flux
• Cleaning supplies

1. Ensure that the entire circuit board is completely clean and dry before soldering. Most boards can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush. This will remove all contaminants from the surface.
2. Clean the actual soldering iron tips before use. Any debris on the tip may transfer easily to the circuit board and cause later damage to the item.
3. Use a heat sink to disperse the soldering iron's heat source from spreading across the local area of the circuit board. Failure to apply a heat sink can cause blistering and delaminating of the circuit board's layers.
4. Consider the amount and type of solder and flux to be applied. If the joint or weld has sufficient solder at the joint, do not add more. Simply place a small amount of flux on the area and heat with the soldering iron to re-flow the solder.
5. Make sure to touch both the soldering iron's tip to the component's lead or legs and the board's location hole. Heat both areas at the same time for better solder flow and adhesion.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the circuit board immediately after soldering to remove and flux or contaminants. Particles of solder or flux can remain stuck to the circuit board and cause shorts.
• Keep the hand very steady when applying solder to a circuit board. Any errant soldering can ruin a project or even the entire board.
• Never touch a soldering iron tip. These tools can cause great harm if improperly used, causing severe burns to the skin.

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