Soldering a pair of magnetic steel pins

Objective

To solder a pair of magnetic steel pins/posts to create an automotive component.

End Product

pins, posts

Equipment

Ambrell EASYHEAT^TM 1.2 kW, 150-400 kHz solid state induction heating power supply with a workhead and single position two-turn pancake coil specifically designed for this soldering application.

Materials

steel

Temperature

470 ºF (243 ºC)

Frequency

214 kHz

Testing

Any remaining insulation on the wire was removed with sandpaper. A foot peddle was part of the induction heating system setup to facilitate manual feeding of the solder. The part was placed in the coil and the power was turned on. After seven seconds the solder began to flow and the solder was fed to the joint. Power was pulsed for one additional second to allow the solder to continue to be fed. The overall process took less than ten seconds

Benefits

• Speed: Heating took less than 10 seconds, and while this is a new process for the client, other heating methods would be slower

• Precise, repeatable heating: Induction is a highly repeatable process so the customer can expect the same result every time with only the portion of the part requiring heating being heated

• Safety: There is no open flame with induction, which makes it a safer method of heating than torch 

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