It really is amazing how it works. To flow molten metal in a precise wave without all the splatter and be so pecision is quite a feat. When the PCB passes over the wave, why is the whole side of the board not covered in solder? I would think that the board would emerge with one side shiny with tin. How does it just stick to what you want it to stick to?
@sixstringfretter because they coat the copper tracks with a layer of polymer called "solder mask" or "solder resist" and expose only the copper pads.
@sixstringfretter solder mask prevents that from happening, as well as selective wave pallets if used. Solder mask is the green stuff (typically it is green, but can be any color you choose) that you see on PCBs. Only the exposed plated areas are soldered.
It really is amazing how it works. To flow molten metal in a precise wave without all the splatter and be so pecision is quite a feat. When the PCB passes over the wave, why is the whole side of the board not covered in solder? I would think that the board would emerge with one side shiny with tin. How does it just stick to what you want it to stick to?
sixstringfretter 6 months ago
@sixstringfretter because they coat the copper tracks with a layer of polymer called "solder mask" or "solder resist" and expose only the copper pads.
liquidus2172 6 months ago
@liquidus2172 Cool, thanks for the info.
sixstringfretter 6 months ago
@sixstringfretter solder mask prevents that from happening, as well as selective wave pallets if used. Solder mask is the green stuff (typically it is green, but can be any color you choose) that you see on PCBs. Only the exposed plated areas are soldered.
vandarye 5 months ago
can you dip your hand in the shiny liquid?
cjoenic 1 year ago 4
@cjoenic
yes you can. but I bet it will burn like hell.
marianoaldogaston 1 year ago
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@cjoenic Yes, if you don't want it anymore.
joemck85 3 months ago
Cool! I am a wave guy me-self.
cebukid70 2 years ago 2
what?
HaydenPK 2 years ago
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FIRST
david124773 3 years ago
FIRST to reply to you FIRST comment... take that!
OGMO11 3 years ago 6