aaltojuottimia

Aaltojuottimia, often translated as "wave soldering" or "flow soldering," is a mass soldering process used in the electronics industry to create electrical connections on printed circuit boards (PCBs). This method involves passing a PCB, with its components pre-mounted, over a wave of molten solder. The solder then wets and connects the exposed metal pads and component leads simultaneously.

The process typically begins with the PCBs being preheated to prevent thermal shock. Flux is applied to the board to clean the metal surfaces and improve solder flow. The board then moves over a standing wave of molten solder, usually tin-lead or lead-free alloys. The wave is agitated to ensure good contact and penetration of the solder. As the board exits the wave, excess solder is removed, and the board cools.

Wave soldering is highly efficient for high-volume production runs of PCBs. It offers good reliability and can handle a large number of connections in a single pass. However, it is less suitable for very small or sensitive components due to the elevated temperatures involved. The process requires careful calibration of temperature, wave height, and conveyor speed to achieve optimal results and avoid defects like solder bridges or cold joints. Modern wave soldering machines often incorporate features for lead-free solder alloys, which operate at higher temperatures than traditional lead-based solders.