Joe,
Why not provide the operators with a 'hot knife' instead? They
are usually modified pencil soldering handles between 30-60 watts, some
with dedicated cutter tips and others with standard replaceable X-Acto
blades. They run between $20 - $50 and will not only address customer
concerns, but will also keep you from wasting expensive Metcal tips.
Here's a couple I've used in past lives:
http://www.web-tronics.com/if-hk.html
http://www.mmnewman.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=33&fs=&pfs=1&catid=15
Have fun, and watch yer pinkies....
Mike
-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kane, Joseph E
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 7:28 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Burning Or Cutting Lacing Cord
Need an opinion about the practice of cutting lacing cord (waxed and
unwaxed) used to support or secure wire bundles.
At a customer's request, we're thinking about outlawing the
use of hot-tweezers (wire strippers), or more commonly soldering irons
to cut the ends, and require use of scissors or cutters only.
Operators have been using the side or end of the soldering iron tip for
years. The iron may fit more easily into tight areas, and it can save
time to "burn" down a row instead of cutting individual tie ends.
Perceived drawbacks to the practice:
1. Residue fouls the iron tip. Some operators use an iron with an old,
oxidized tip just for this purpose, but some don't keep a spare iron,
and have to clean off the residue. Customer is concerned about
contamination of the solder joint.
2. Solder balls from the tip can stick to the lacing cord, maybe drop
off and become conductive FOD.
3. Soldering iron can nick wires or other structures, damage insulation.
I think that #1 is bogus - I don't think the solder joint can be
contaminated by nylon residue, and if the tip won't tin, the operator
can't make a decent solder connection. Of course, fouled tips could be
costing us money (we use Metcals).
Issues 2 and 3 may have more traction, but these conditions are
rejectable now. We have no data to suggest that this is costing us in
rework, or escaping into the field.
Any strong feelings either way?
-Joe
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