7.3.2 Soldering Surface Mount Chip Components, Hot Gas Method Method

Outline

This procedure covers the general guidelines for soldering surface mount chip components. The following surface mount chip components are covered by this procedure. While all of these components are different, the techniques for soldering are relatively similar

Chip Resistors: The component body of chip resistors is made out of alumna; an extremely hard, white-colored material. The resistive material is normally located on the top. Chip resistors are usually mounted with the resistive element facing upwards to help dissipate heat.

Ceramic Capacitors These components are constructed from several layers of ceramic with internal metalized layers. Because metal heats up much faster than ceramic, ceramic capacitors need to be heated slowly to avoid internal separations between the ceramic and the metal layers. Internal damage will not generally be visible since any cracks will be inside the ceramic body of the component.

Note: Avoid rapid heating of ceramic chip capacitors during soldering operations.

Plastic Body: Another style of chip component has a molded plastic body that protects the internal circuitry. There are a number of different types of components that share this type of exterior package. The termination styles for plastic chip component packages vary considerably.

MELF: MELF - Metal Electrode Face cylindrical components. These may be capacitors, resistors, and diodes. It can be hard to tell them apart - since there is no universal coloring or component designators printed on the component bodies.

Minimum Skill Level - Intermediate

Conformance Level - Medium

Tools and Materials

Cleaner General purpose cleaner for removing contamination.

Flex-Rack PCB Holder Sturdy rack for PCBs used for rework and positioning.

Hot Air Tool Tool and nozzles to deliver precise flow of hot air.

Microscope Precision microscope with stand and lighting for work and inspection.

Precision Tool Set Nine precision-crafted tools for detailed circuit board work.

Soldering Iron Properly maintained soldering iron and properly sized soldering iron tips.

Soldering Skills Practice Kit Training kit to practice circuit board soldering skills prior to testing for certification.

Wipes Nonabrasive, low-linting wipes for cleanup.

Procedure

Procedure

1. Add a small bead of solder paste to each pad. (See Figure 1)
2. Place the component in position.
3. Adjust the pressure and temperature output of the hot air tool.
4. Direct the hot air over the component with the hot air tool tip approximately 2.50 cm (1.00") from the solder joint. This initial heating will pre-dry the solder paste.
   Note: When the solder paste has been pre-dried, the paste will have a dull, flat appearance.
5. When the solder paste has dried, move the hot air tool tip to approximately 0.50 cm (0.20") above the component. Move the tool back and forth to heat both solder joints until complete solder melt is observed. (See Figure 2)
6. Remove the tool. Wait a moment for the solder to solidify.
7. Clean, if required and inspect.

Images

Soldering Surface Mount Chip Components, Hot Gas Method Method

Add a small bead of solder paste to each pad.

Move the tool back and forth to heat both solder joints until complete solder melt is observed.