Can you damage a circuit board with a soldering iron? (2023)
When it comes to soldering, repairing, or modifying circuit boards, one tool that comes to our mind is the soldering iron. For professionals as well as beginners of electronic devices, soldering irons (solo or attached to a station) are essential tools. However, it is important to know the potential damage this tool can cause.
Yes, the soldering iron can damage the board if the soldering iron produces excess heat, static charges can harm the board and if the right technique is not used, applying excess solder can lead to a short circuit and eventually malfunctioning an entire circuit board. Applying excess physical pressure on the board while soldering can also negatively affect the circuit board. The right power soldering iron, the required amount of heat and solder, proper precaution for the static charger, and proper soldering techniques can minimize the risk of damage.
In the article, we will see what is the potential risk that can damage the board and the precaution that can safeguard your circuit board.
Let’s get started
Can you damage a circuit board with a soldering iron?
Yes, a circuit board can be damaged with a soldering iron. It has a lot of reasons but before discussing the reasons it’s essential to understand the circuit board.
Understand the circuit board
Before exploring the impact of the soldering iron on a circuit board it’s important to understand the board composition and study its delicate nature.
Circuit boards are typically made of a non-conductive substrate, such as fiberglass, with conductive traces like copper.
These copper traces form intricate pathways that allow electrical signals to flow between various components on the board.
Study the different components that can be mounted on circuit boards such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits (IC).
The stable electrical connection between the components and the traces is made possible by soldering, which is a vital procedure in the assembly and repair of circuit boards. The soldering iron can also cause damage to the board if mishandled.
Let’s discuss the potential risk that can harm the circuit board.
Risk of soldering iron
Soldering irons are extremely useful for connecting components to circuit boards, but they can also be dangerous if handled incorrectly. Let’s talk about the possible causes of circuit board damage.
1. Heat damage
One of the main reasons for circuit board damage is excess heat. If the excess heat is applied during soldering can cause the board to delaminate, resulting in damage to the traces or solder mask.
The sensitive components like ICs, diodes, and transistors can also be harmed which will lead to component failure, performance degradation, or even permanent damage.
Using the soldering iron with the right wattage and temperature can minimize this problem and our circuit board will be safe. Soldering with temperature control features can be more useful.
2. Electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Another risk associated with soldering is static electricity. Static electricity is the accumulation of electric charge on the surface of a material, typically caused by friction between two different materials or by the separation of charges.
If the electrostatic charge is present on any nearby object and if during soldering it discharges on any of the electronic components, it can immediately damage the component. It can lead to premature failure of components.
These unpredictable electrical spikes can harm or destroy delicate components, especially integrated circuits, which are particularly susceptible to electrostatic discharge (ESD).
To minimize the ESD while doing soldering it is essential to take necessary precautions. Ground yourself and the circuit board to prevent electrostatic discharge. Use an antistatic wrist strap or an ESD mat to divert static charges away from the board and components.
3. Poor technique
Using poor technique while doing soldering can also increase the risk of damage to circuit boards.
Applying excess pressure on the board while soldering can physically damage the board. If excessive heat is provided to the board it can lead to the lifted pad or can cause thermal stress which may affect the functionality of components and circuits.
Cold solder and excess soldering are also poor techniques of soldering. Cold solder can lead to weak connections which will cause circuit failure and excess solder can bridge and can cause short circuits.
Using the proper techniques for soldering can save us from board damage. Clean the soldering iron and use an appropriate amount of solder for soldering can make a strong connection.
4. Physical pressure
Physical pressure is also one of the reasons for circuit board damage. Circuit boards are designed in such a way that they’re sensitive, and have thin layers of connective traces and pads.
Applying excess pressure can rise several issues and damage the board. While doing soldering, stressing can cause components to move out of the desired position and lead to misalignment. This will not allow the component leads to make proper contact with the pads.
The excess pressure can also contribute to microcracks in the board or the components. They may not be visible, but they can worsen over time due to thermal cycling.
It is essential to work with circuit boards gently and with controlled pressure to avoid displacing components, damaging leads, or causing microcracks.
5. Solder bridge
When two points on circuit boards that are not designed to be electrically connected get connected unintentionally due to the application of excess solder. This unintentional connection can damage the board by creating a short circuit.
A proper soldering technique and applying the right amount of solder can reduce the risk of solder bridges. After soldering inspect the board to ensure there is no solder bridge and unintentional connection.
Tips to prevent circuit board damaged
Here are some tips to prevent circuit boards from damaging that can result in a malfunction of boards.
- Don’t apply too much heat. Refer to the components and circuit board guide sheet to avoid overheating.
- Select the soldering iron with appropriate power and temperature control to reduce the risk of circuit board impairment.
- Preheat the circuit board which helps in distributing the heat evenly and reduces the risk of damaging components due to localized heating.
- Use flux to prevent oxidation and improve the flow of solder.
- Apply the right amount of solder, not too less and not too much to avoid solder bridges.
- Keep the soldering iron and its tip clean and store it in a dry place to avoid rusting of iron and poor heat transfer.
- Soldering skills improve with practice, if you are new try to practice on scrap PCB before soldering sensitive or critical components.
Conclusion
A soldering iron can damage the circuit board if used incorrectly but with proper precautions, the risks can be minimized.
The excess heat, electrostatic discharge, poor usage of soldering techniques, solder bridges, and physical pressure on the board or components can affect the functionality of the circuit board and can harm the sensitive components.
Precautions like using the temperature control soldering iron, taking necessary steps for electrostatic discharge, using the right techniques, avoiding solder bridges and gently handling of circuit board can decrease the risk of damage.
When working with sensitive circuit boards, keep in mind to take your time, practice, and ask for advice from knowledgeable people to ensure effective repairs or modifications.
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