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Simple Printed Circuit Board Repair

2022-12-08 | By Kitronik Maker

License: See Original Project Solder

Courtesy of Kitronik

Guide by Kitronik Maker

university

Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) are made from layers of fibre glass and copper, glued ‎together. Whilst the glues used are very heat resistant it is possible to overheat a ‎PCB and damage it. Kitronik PCB designs use large tracks and pads to help make ‎this a rare problem, the larger amount of copper helps to dissipate the heat. If a ‎PCB is overheated the most likely outcome is that the copper layer will de-laminate ‎from the fibre glass board. This usually leads to broken joints and a non-working ‎circuit.‎

broken_1

It is possible to repair some faults using adhesive copper tape and solder. Remove ‎as little of the damage as possible to get back to a soundtrack. Cutting through the ‎damaged tracks with a sharp knife will help to limit additional damage during ‎removal.‎

repair_2

Scrape a little of the solder resist off with a knife, sharp screwdriver, or fine ‎sandpaper. Ensure that the exposed track is clean and shiny. It is also a good idea ‎to clean any residual burnt PCB material off, to allow the tape to stick well.‎

scrape_3

Stick on some of the copper tape. Overlap the existing track very slightly.‎

tape_4

copper_5

Carefully solder the joint(s) where the repair has taken place. Most copper tape ‎adhesive melts at soldering temperatures, so be quick and use as little heat as ‎possible. When the tape cools the adhesive will usually remain sticky.‎

solder_6

Rub over the pad area with a hard, rounded item, such as the none writing end of a ‎Biro. This will push the copper tape down over the pad area. The pad hole will show ‎through the tape, and can then be pierced with a component lead, paperclip, or ‎similar.‎

pad_7

The component can then be fitted and soldered in the normal manner. Keep the ‎heat input form the soldering as brief as possible, as the adhesive and the ‎additional joint attaching the new pad are sensitive.‎

component_8

The Copper tape can be cut to size with scissors, craft knife etc. Once a repair has ‎been made it is also possible to trim the excess tape. If this is done exercise ‎caution, as the repair is more fragile than the original PCB track and may become ‎unstuck again.‎

trim_9

Lesson No#.‎ Lesson Name.‎ Description.‎

Introduction. ‎If you're new to soldering our Soldering School ‎will have you up and running in no time.‎‎

  1. Soldering ‎Equipment ‎Explained.‎ A quick guide to the basic tools you'll need ‎before you start. Includes a video explanation ‎of some tools.
  2. How to Clean ‎your Soldering ‎Iron (Tinning).‎ An explanation of why we need to clean the ‎tips and a step-by-step guide. Includes a video ‎guide to tinning.
  3. How to Solder ‎in Ten Easy ‎Steps.‎ A practical guide to getting started soldering. ‎Includes a troubleshooting guide and examples ‎of good and bad solder joints.
  4. ‎‎De-Soldering ‎Demystified. A guide to removing solder. Includes a video ‎demonstration.‎‎
  5. Simple circuit ‎board repair.‎ Sometimes a pad might get damaged on your ‎board. We show you how to fix it in this simple ‎to follow guide.‎

‎©Kitronik Ltd – You may print this page & link to it but must not copy the page or part thereof ‎without Kitronik’s prior written consent.‎

Kitronik's suggested additional learning

Understanding Component Uses & Symbols

Learn about resistors, capacitors, diodes & transistors. In this guide find out what they ‎do, how they work and what the circuit symbol is to represent them.

制造商零件编号 T0051388799
WSW SAC L0 SN3,0AG0,5CU3,5%
Apex Tool Group
¥487.84
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