Switching from High Lead Solders to Eutectic AuSn
Two categories of solder are available to choose from when the in-service environment for a device reaches above 125°C either in continuous operat...
Solder Alloys
Indium-Copper Intermetallics in Soldering
Indium and indium-containing alloys see wide use in a multitude of soldering applications. Indium has many attractive properties such as remaining duc...
Practical Suggestions for Solder Preform Design and Implementation
Have you ever found yourself knowing where you want to go, but not sure how to get there? This can be frustrating and time consuming......
End of the Year Thoughts
Folks, I thought I would post a few short thoughts as the new year begins. Here it goes: 1. A......
Cold Welding Indium Metal
Indium metal has the unique ability to cold weld (bond) to itself at room temperature. Though this is, technically, not soldering, this property makes...
Indium Alloys for Soldering to Gold
Here is a question that was received and answered on our website almost a decade ago – but it is still quite relevant: p......
Tombstoning: The Death of a PCBA
Tombstoning (also known as the Manhattan effect, drawbridge effect, or Stonehenge effect) is described (in the simplest, and most common, sense) as oc...
Hand Soldering Recommendations for Solar Module Assembly
Here is a list of tricks to help you overcome the issues that can arise while hand soldering silicon-based solar cells (and other applications as well...
Solder Paste Expiration / Shelf Life
Solder paste is comprised of powdered solder alloy suspended in a flux vehicle. There is a group of flux ingredients that is generically identified as...
Recycling Solder Dross
Anyone who has used wave soldering to assemble PCBs knows about that chunky layer of metal that collects on the smooth surface of the molten solder.&n...