Some of the most insidious mechanical failures that strike ultrasonic welding equipment result from poor soldering joints on circuit boards. These can arise due to a variety of circumstances. Some such issues may be out of your control, but others can easily be avoided or remedied.
Temperature Issues
Negligent temperature control often lies at the heart of ultrasonic soldering issues. Insufficient melting of the soldered part can prompt cracks, ultimately impacting the performance of the board. Conversely, excessive heat during the soldering process could cause the resulting joint to be burned — rendering it all but useless.
Thankfully, numerous options exist for preventing heating or cooling issues related to poor soldering. Chief among them: a properly pre-heated soldering iron. This can reduce the risk of cold joints, which are uniquely prone to cracks. If cold joints ultimately appear, they could potentially be corrected through reheating with an iron.
To minimize the risk of temperature-related soldering concerns, clean both the joint and the soldering iron thoroughly. Simply cleaning or scraping excess residue could remedy the problem, but applying isopropyl alcohol may also prove beneficial. Because circuit board soldering requires additional attention to detail, professional assistance may be required.
