What is wave soldering? Learn about wave soldering: how it works, applications for THT components and differences from selective soldering.
What is Wave Soldering?
Wave soldering is a soldering process where the underside of a circuit board is passed over a wave of molten solder to connect THT components.
Wave soldering is a well-established method for soldering through-hole (THT) components. The populated PCB is transported over a standing wave of molten solder on its underside. The liquid solder flows through the plated holes and forms the solder joint with the component leads.
Process and Application
The wave soldering process involves three main steps: first, flux is sprayed onto the underside; then the assembly is preheated in the preheat zone; finally, the board passes over the solder wave.
Wave soldering is particularly suited for assemblies with many THT components. For mixed-technology boards with only a few THT parts, selective soldering is often the better choice as it works more precisely and puts less thermal stress on already-mounted SMD components.
Frequently Asked Questions
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