kaldlodninger

Kaldlodninger, also known as cold solder joints, are a type of electrical connection defect that occurs during the soldering process. They are characterized by a dull, granular, or lumpy appearance, as opposed to the shiny, smooth, and reflective surface of a good solder joint. This visual cue is a primary indicator of a compromised connection.

The formation of a cold solder joint is typically caused by insufficient heat reaching the components and solder during the soldering process. This can happen if the soldering iron is not hot enough, if the solder is applied too quickly without allowing proper wetting of the surfaces, or if the joint is disturbed while the solder is still molten and solidifying. Poor cleaning of the surfaces to be soldered, leading to oxidation or contaminants, can also prevent the solder from flowing and adhering correctly, resulting in a cold joint.

The consequence of a cold solder joint is an unreliable electrical connection. The solder has not properly bonded with the component leads and the PCB pads, leading to intermittent conductivity, increased resistance, or a complete loss of electrical continuity. This can manifest as malfunctioning electronic devices, intermittent signal drops, or outright failure. Troubleshooting often involves visually inspecting solder joints and reflowing any suspect connections by reheating them to ensure proper solder flow and adhesion.