Still not able to understand the basics of soldering process? Let us try 'learning by doing' theory

Someone has said this very correctly - learning by doing is the most effective way of understanding. People tend to forget what they read very easily but they do not forget what they experience. Let us see whether this works for you as well. You may not understand what exactly a solder flux or solder bars would do. You can learn almost anything by doing it. First things first, do not forget that soldering is different from welding. Welding involves melting and combining two metals and soldering involves combining alloys that have low melting point. 

From the point of view of learning, we will start with the most basic work in electrical work - soldering of wire joints. You just need to check that the splice between the wires to be soldered is strong and you can easily check this by twisting the wires. After this, follow the below mentioned steps:

• Stripping of wires is the first step. After this you need to insulate the splice by using heat shrink tubing method that is of two types - adhesive and non-adhesive lined. Just remember that you should use non-adhesive lined only when the joint will not come in contact with moisture or environment elements. You just need to strip an inch from the end of each of the wires

• This is very easy step. Here, you need to keep the ends of wires in an 'X' shape and twist them together so that they are tied. This is to establish a strong mechanical connect in the wires

• Apply heat to the wires. The amount of heat required will depend on the level of thickness of wires

• Solder the joint. When the joint is hot enough, the solder will start to melt. Just keep adding the solder unless you see that it covers the joint completely

• Cleaning the flux is done to prevent corrosion using methyl hydrate etc. is the next step

• Insulate the splice with the help of a heat gun or a lighter

This was it. By now, you can confidently say they you 'know' soldering process. Slowly you will also learn to use solder bars, solder sticks etc, wires etc. 

Concerned about environmental impact? Laser soldering is here to address these issues

Manufacturers of electronic products have always tried to provide superior and better products. They know that today the consumers have become more demanding and conscious because of increasing competition and options in the market. Also, they have become more alert towards any harmful impact on the environment. This is the reason that manufacturers try to remove lead from solders. This ultimately gave birth to lead free solder that melt at higher temperature. But there are some issues attached with this new found lead free soldering. They do not connect or flow as well as the traditional ones. 

Laser soldering is a new technique that is directly applied at the joint. It has many advantages as it is very quick and hassle-free. Solder wires and solder sticks are used widely for joining metals. Solder wires are used by heating but with laser soldering, these are not heated and completed in few seconds. Another laser type that is famous is diode laser as these are compact, energy efficient and require lower maintenance. So, why would a manufacturer stay away from such a wonderful technique?

Here is brief description of the process of soldering that will act as a guide for the beginners:

1. Clean the surface of the metal so that it is completely free from rust or any sort of coating
2. Now you need to apply the tinning compound or flux, depending on whether the solder is lead free or not
3. Clean the tinned area with a piece of cloth
4. Now apply the solder. Here, the solder bar will touch the tinned surface 
5.  You need to prevent the soft solder from getting stuck with the paddle by heating it gently
6.  Refine the shape by using a flat flexible file  
7.  Use baking soda to clean the surface area so that any residual acid is neutralized from flux operation

There are certain pointers also to recognize whether a panel needs to be soldered or not. You need to avoid soldering of perforated panels and partially welded seams. You need to keep updated so that any important latest techniques are not missed.