On 7/18/07, Jeff Blamey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Mechanical connections, such as twisting, clamping or crimping then soldering is SOP for electrical connections that stand the test of time.
Just to make sure we're clear on a subtle-but-critical point, you're right - soldering components to a PCB or joining wires is indeed making a mechanical joint. But if that joint is then subjected to significant physical force (beyond simply keeping a component from falling out), then some other means of retention is needed. Any time you see electronics in a high shock or vibration environment, the big components are always retained using adhesive, clips, through-hole fasteners, etc. Solder should only be used to make a complete and reliable conductive path between two otherwise separate points in a circuit. In your examples above it's the twist or crimp that should take the physical loads. The solder's primary function is as a conductor and corrosion inhibitor for the joint. For small components under virtually no load? Sure, use nothing but solder to hold them in place. It's a tried and true method. For copper bars spinning at 3000+ rpm on a ~7" diameter while carrying large currents? No way. They need other support. Chris
