How much solder is too much?

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Let�s say I want to increase the shear strength of a solder ... - Jul 01, 2008 by short_timer

The actual solder joint occurs BETWEEN the part and the pad.... - Jul 01, 2008 by Real Chunks

I believe you hit the nail on the head. I just needed to hea... - Jul 01, 2008 by short_timer

Why do you want to increase the strength of the solder conne... - Jul 01, 2008 by davef

Yes, your strength of the joint is in the intermetallic, and... - Jul 02, 2008 by Dirk Nuendyke

short_timer

#55294

How much solder is too much? | 1 July, 2008

Let�s say I want to increase the shear strength of a solder joint. Does a lot of solder around a joint create more strength? Why not just absolutely bury the component lead in solder. My initial thought is that it doesn�t increase strength, but I don�t have a good answer for why.

Ideas??

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Real Chunks

#55303

How much solder is too much? | 1 July, 2008

The actual solder joint occurs BETWEEN the part and the pad. Adding more solder on top will add strength slightly, just by being in the way when you pull on it sideways. A weak joint with a weeks worth of solder on it will still be weak. Solder is only there to provide an electrical path - not hold the part on (although we do bastardize the 2nd half of this saying a bit).

Why not use Henkle/Loctite material designed to hold parts onto the board or something similar? They make it in varying strengths and also make a glue gun gizmo to dispense it. Works very well.

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short_timer

#55309

How much solder is too much? | 1 July, 2008

I believe you hit the nail on the head. I just needed to hear it from another person.

Glue is a good option. I'll give that a try.

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davef

#55318

How much solder is too much? | 1 July, 2008

Why do you want to increase the strength of the solder connection? Our experience shows that a proper solder connection has more strength than the strength of the pad to the laminate.

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Dirk Nuendyke

#55323

How much solder is too much? | 2 July, 2008

Yes, your strength of the joint is in the intermetallic, and not additional solder. Solder ain't like duct tape, where the more you put, the better it'll hold.

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