Lou, 

It has been my experience that the soldering iron temperature is not the main consideration when soldering.  Controlling the thermal transfer, dwell time, and operator techniques are more important then the temperature.  When I  give soldering training I stress to the students that you need to look at the pad size, lead diameter, PCB construction (ground planes) and then you can determine the tip size and temperature.  The temperature needed can vary greatly from one lead to another on the same device but because of PCB design the leads may need differing soldering temperature and/or tip size.

A good source for further information is at www.circuitnet.com.

Kathy  

>>> [log in to unmask] 12/28/00 12:18PM >>>
TechNetters, believing that the only dumb question is the one you don't ask, let me inquire - How do you choose temperature for a hand soldering iron?  (I'm not referring to the Metcal ones with those special tips.)  

I am working with our production people to prepare work instructions.  For hand soldering, some people say 700 F, some 750 F.  My suspicion is there may not be one temperature to use all the time.  Any comments would be much appreciated.  

Lou Hart
Quality Assurance Manager
Compunetix
412-858-6184

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