Solder Pot Standards - Solder Pot Adherence

[CFHill]

I'm trying to find a standard or 2 to use for our solder pot adherence. We are ISO9000 but have AS9100 requirements from some customers. I'm looking for the tighter of the standards that I can implement to keep us audit safe.

 

[howste]

Re: Solder Pot Standards

I don't claim to be an expert on solder pots, but our solder pot work instruction references J-STD-001. Our QMS is certified to ISO 9001 and AS9100.

 

[CFHill]

Re: Solder Pot Standards

Thank you, I'll pull it up. I'm new at this company and the pots are at various stages as noted on tags. I'm trying to get some consistency.

 

[smonsalve]

Neither standard will tell you what to do regarding pots. Read J-STD-001 for more information. We are ISO/AS and work with J-STD-001. We control our pots with a form that controls the time between solder changes and usage it also says if the pot is leaded solder or lead free solder.

 

[CFHill]

You are correct. I read through both specifications and solder pots are not specifically noted. I did inquire about setting controls as you mentioned and it was accepted. Now I just need to set them up.
Thank you for your response. Learning the electronic industry is an upward hill climb!

 

[howste]

You are correct. I read through both specifications and solder pots are not specifically noted. I did inquire about setting controls as you mentioned and it was accepted. Now I just need to set them up.
Thank you for your response. Learning the electronic industry is an upward hill climb!

Solder pots are mentioned once in J-STD-001 Rev F in Appendix A, which is labeled Guidelines for Soldering Tools and Equipment:

A-6 SOLDER POTS
Solder pots should maintain the solder temperature within ± 5°C [± 9°F] of the selected temperature. Solder pots are to be grounded.

As it's labeled as "guidelines" and uses the word "should," I can't say they're requirements, but I would comply anyway.

 

[smonsalve]

Solder pots are mentioned once in J-STD-001 Rev F in Appendix A, which is labeled Guidelines for Soldering Tools and Equipment:

As it's labeled as "guidelines" and uses the word "should," I can't say they're requirements, but I would comply anyway.

Don't forget to include your solder pot in the calibration schedule.

 

[scooterbaby]

Thanks for mentioning calibration! You may get the question asked about the temperature from an auditor... How do you know that the temperature is correct? Perhaps it is a new digital type - it may still need to be "Verified" (Temperature on display is temperature in pot) at prescribed intervals with probes appropriate for the temperature.

The other issue and it may also fall under calibration / verification is the solder mixture. Most all solders are not 100% lead they are a mixture of lead (Pb) and Tin (Sn) typical would be a blend such as 63/37. 63% Tin and 37% Lead or 60/40 same principal. So, where this is going is when you first put solder in the pot most likely it is in balance (63/37) then as you use the pot and/or it is left heated up all day, certain metals burn off or get used up and the pot will end up out of balance. What this does is take us down another slippery slope... Now, how can you assure that what ever you are soldering is still acceptably soldered?

This now falls into the dreaded "Process Validation" definition.
I would suggest doing a full fledged IQ/OQ/PQ on the solder pot soldering process, including trials at different times like after pot is used for 1 week - will you still be soldering with the solder mixture you started with?

Just by looking you will not be able to tell unfortunately the solder is in balance. Based on risk and who the end customer is you may have to send out solder samples from the pot at various times to determine when it will go bad on you. Also this would be your process for calibration - seeing what the mixture is then making adjustments by adding Lead (Pb) or Tin (Sn) then testing until in balance. Other people find out how many hours/days/weeks before solder balance begins to drift then they just routinely just dump the whole pot and start all over with new solder.

*I used the example of leaded solder because of the simplicity, if you are using lead free solder like a SAC 305 you do not have (Pb) but you have 3 metals Sn, Ag, Cu. (More to keep in balance)

If you are lucky enough to have an XRF gun in house checking solder is quick and painless... You can send out solder samples to the solder manufacturer or if you are on the cheap go to a jewelry store or other place that buys gold, they often have an XRF gun and can shoot your solder sample maybe for free maybe for a few bucks.

So, between the temperature and the solder balance - Thinking that you can just plug in the solder pot add solder and you are all set is a huge misconception. sorry for the epic book, perhaps it will help someone.

 

[CFHill]

This is great. Thank you for the book. Being 85% Mechanical this electronic stuff is filling my every waking moment. Very interesting I'll say.
The solder pots is one of many items I was concerned with regarding calibration and controls. Your response has certainly assisted in my push to get them reviewed.
Thank you,
Carol

 

[JamesBarnhart]

Solder pot is portable and primarily used for melting solder, dip soldering small circuit boards and re-tinning soldering iron tips. It is very useful for smaller jobs where reliable control of soldering temperature is essential. Solder pots includes dross skimmers.