Glossary

 

• Bit - An electroplated copper tip which melts the solder and forms the joint.

 

• De-soldering - Removal of solder from the joint, to break the electrical connection, or to replace a faulty component. Also known as rework.

 

• Flux - An aggressive chemical, usually contained in the solder wire, which will clean the areas about to be jointed.

 

• Pad - A conductive area on a PCB onto which a component leg is soldered.

 

• PCB - Printed Circuit Board. A fibre glass board coated with copper onto which an electronic circuit is chemically etched.

 

• Solder - An alloy of tin which is used as a filler metal in soldering. Other components include, lead, copper and silver.

 

• Soldering - The jointing of two metal surfaces below their melting point, using a filler metal. Used extensively for making electrical connections.

 

• Static Safe - Manufactured from materials which will not create or hold a charge of static electricity. Vital when dealing with electronic components which can be damaged by such a charge.

 

• Surface Mount - A connection method where the component legs lay flat onto a PCB pad for soldering.

 

• Through Hole - A connection method where the component leg is placed into a hole in the PCB for soldering.

 

• Tinning - To cover the surfaces to be jointed with solder before jointing, to maximise the strength of the completed joint.

 

• Wattage - The amount of heat energy provided by the soldering iron. Physically larger components need higher wattages.

 

• Wet - The uniform flow of solder across a surface.