Wellenlöten

Wellenlöten, also known as wave soldering, is a bulk soldering process used in the manufacture of electronic circuit boards. It involves passing a standing wave of molten solder over a printed circuit board, allowing the solder to flow through the holes and onto the pads, creating electrical connections. This method is particularly suitable for high-volume production and for soldering components with through-hole leads.

The process typically begins with flux being applied to the underside of the populated circuit board. This flux cleans the metal surfaces and prepares them for soldering by reducing surface tension. Following fluxing, the board is preheated to a specific temperature to prevent thermal shock and ensure proper solder wetting. The core of the process is the wave itself, a continuously flowing stream of molten solder. As the board passes over this wave, the molten solder makes contact with the component leads and the copper pads on the board, forming strong and reliable soldered joints.

After passing through the solder wave, the board moves through a cooling zone, where the solder solidifies. Finally, any excess flux or flux residue is cleaned from the board. Wave soldering is a highly automated process, contributing to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness in mass production environments. It requires careful control of parameters such as solder temperature, wave height, conveyor speed, and flux application to achieve optimal results.