Why is my solder dull?
Dull (non-shiny) solder joints are usually the effect of coarse grain structure in the solid solder joint (though there can be other causes). The more slowly a joint cools, the coarser the grain growth and, conversely, the faster the joint cools, the finer the grain growth and the shinier the joint.
How do you know if a solder joint is good?
A good solder joint should have an even band of solder showing all the way around. If you see an area that looks as if it needs more solder, brush a little flux onto the joint. If the joint is still warm, the flux will melt and flow into the void. Then reheat the joint and resolder.
How do you check a solder joint?
After you’ve completed a solder joint, you should inspect it to make sure the joint is good. Look at it under a magnifying glass, and gently wiggle the component to see if the joint is stable. A good solder joint should be shiny and fill but not overflow the pad.
What are some common problems with soldering iron?
The photos that follow show some common soldering problems, with suggestions for repair and prevention: A Disturbed joint is one that has been subjected to movement as the solder was solidifying. The surface of the joint may appear frosted, crystalline or rough. Often called a ‘Cold Joint’.
Why does my hot iron keep wetting the leads?
The solder has wetted the leads nicely, but it has not formed a good bond with the pad. This can be caused by a dirty circuit board, or by failing to apply heat to the pad as well as the pin. Repair: This condition can usually be repaired by placing the tip of the hot iron at the base of the joint until the solder flows to cover the pad.
What does a high wetting value on solder mean?
High wetting values mean that there’s a good spread of solder paste during reflow, which is necessary for well-made solder joints. There are definite steps you can take to improve wetting.
Why are my solder connnections not shiny and perfect?
A good melt and flow is the main thing to watch for when soldering. When doing larger things like switched and jack or what have you, you have to heat and hold and press so long with a small gun that it can’t always be done in a visually perfect way. Good luck!