🚀 go-pugleaf

On Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:45:25 GMT, Pete <pjetson@pobox.com> wrote:

:Ross Herbert wrote:
:
:> Taking a new look at the PCB 4mm socket in the link I gave to to Rapid seems
to
:> infer that it must be mounted in a 4.8mm diameter plated thru-hole. Soldering
on
:> both sides (and inside the thru-hole) would ensure maximum rigidity and
freedom
:> from cracking.
:
:Solder is NEVER suitable as a mechanical joint.
:
:Peter


What utter crap!

How do you think almost every electronic component is fixed to a PCB? If solder
wasn't a suitable mechanical joint then all those electronics enginers have been
seriously misguided over the past 80 years.

I don't think things have changed since I was tought the importance of soldering
in electronics back in the 1950's.

The purpose of soldering is to provide;
1)  mechanical support - to physically hold components together.
2)  electrical support - to ensure reliable electrical connections.

If you are referring ONLY to components which must endure some regular physical
stress (such as plugging in a 4mm banana plug) then for sure, extra strength is
required. I wouldn't call this particular action to be particularly stressful on
the soldered joint BTW. Also, if these TruConnect 4mm sockets from Rapid are
correctly mounted in a plated thru-hole of the correct diameter with adequate
sized solder pads, and they are soldered both top and bottom with a good fillet
of 60/40 solder, I would be prepared to guarantee that the joints will not
fracture over the lifetime of the product they are mounted in.