What is Wave Soldering

Soldering is a vital step in making circuit boards (PCBA) because it actually connects electronic parts to the board.
The two most popular ways to do this are:

Wave soldering and reflow soldering are the two most popular ways to solder electronics.
But many beginners and new buyers wonder: what do these terms actually mean?

What is Wave Soldering?

In wave soldering, an artificial wave is created using the wave soldering machine. It looks like the waves we see in a sea, but the wave is of dissolved tin, and we can also call it dissolved solder. A PCB containing the components passes over the wave, and solder is applied to it.

Wave soldering happens in 4 simple steps:
1. Flux Spraying: First, we spray flux (a cleaning liquid) on the circuit board (PCB). This removes dirt and stops new rust from forming during soldering.
2. Pre-heating: Next, we warm up the PCB. This helps the solder stick better later.
3. Wave Soldering: Now, the board moves over a wave of hot, liquid solder (mostly tin). The solder attaches to the metal parts.
4. Cooling: Finally, we let the board cool. As it cools, the solder hardens to lock everything in place.

Why choose wave soldering?

1. Best for through-hole parts: Ideal for traditional components with metal pins going through holes (PTH).
2. Faster & cheaper: Saves more time and money than hand-soldering.
3. Less heat damage: Quick contact with hot solder reduces board bending or warping.
4. Stronger joints: Creates more reliable electrical connections.
5. Less rusting: Liquid solder blocks air contact, preventing metal oxidation.
6. Consistent quality: Solder gets constantly stirred in the tank, keeping its mix uniform.