Soldering Iron Research Articles

Evaluation of Spatial Distribution of Crystallinity Induced by Local Heating Using Low-Frequency Raman Spectroscopy on Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)

Local heating was performed on a thermoplastic polymer film by contact with the tip of a soldering iron heated above the glass-transition temperature. The locally heated area was measured using microscopic Raman scattering spectroscopy, and the spatial distribution of the crystallinity was obtained from the low-frequency peak. The crystallinity distribution can be evaluated using the microscale spatial resolution. The temperature distribution around the locally heated area was calculated by applying the heat conduction equation, and good correspondence was obtained with the obtained crystallinity.

Highly Reproducible Automated Tip Coater for In Situ and Operando EC-STM Measurements

High-quality, reproducible tip coatings are essential for minimizing faradaic currents in electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM), especially during in situ and operando measurements. The variability inherent in manual coating methods, influenced by the operator’s skill and a lack of standardization, can lead to inconsistent results, increased research costs, and a greater workload. This study introduces an Automated Tip Coater (ATC) designed to automate and standardize the tip coating process. The ATC features a tip movement system using stepper motors, a rotation module with a DC motor, and a heating block based on a soldering iron. It is controlled by an Arduino development board, supported by motor drivers, and has a user-friendly interface with an OLED display and encoder. The ATC coating mechanism includes a redesigned plate with a reduced gap size and a milled tray to precisely control the amount of insulating material applied to the tip. A fast cyclic voltammetry test in a 0.1 M HClO4 electrolyte demonstrated that over 75% of ATC-coated tips achieved excellent insulation with leakage currents below ±50 pA—and 30% below ±10 pA—suitable for highly sensitive experiments. Further measurements with EC-STM using the newly coated tips investigated the electrochemical behavior of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), revealing detailed atomic structures under dynamic electrochemical conditions. The ATC significantly enhances reproducibility, reduces dependency on operator skills, and lowers research costs while improving the accuracy and reliability of EC-STM measurements.

Compact Substrate Integrated Waveguide Cubical Dielectric Resonator Antenna for fifth-generation applications

A comprehensive analysis of a wideband Cubical Dielectric Resonator Antenna is presented, specifically designed for 5G-NR wireless communication applications, focusing on the N257, and N258 frequency bands. This antenna exhibits symmetrical radiation patterns, a wider bandwidth, improved efficiency, and substantial gain characteristics. The design employs a low-loss substrate-integrated waveguide structure to enhance gain while reducing cross-polarization effects. This is accomplished through an innovative approach of establishing boundary conditions using copper wire stitching for vias, superseding the conventional soldering iron method, which guarantees minimal radiation leakage, compact dimensions, and reduced losses. The perforated dielectric resonator antenna possesses higher mode excitations, and implementing metallic strips on two resonator surfaces facilitates the simultaneous excitation of fundamental and higher-order modes, thereby yielding a broadband response. The overall dimensions of the antenna are 15.29 × 8.42 × 3.8 mm3(1.3×0.7×0.3)λ03, which facilitates a measured impedance bandwidth of 8.2 GHz, spanning from 24.4 to 32.6 GHz (28.7%), accompanied by a high gain of 8.1 dBi and efficiency levels reaching up to 94%. The prototype is constructed utilizing the standard printed circuit board technique, and simulation outcomes are derived using the High-Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS).

Real-Time Authentication of Camellia Oil by Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Camellia oil is a high-value product with rich nutrients. Recently, the adulteration of camellia oil has become an increasingly concerning issue related to human health. In this study, electric soldering iron coupled with rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) was employed for the identification and analysis of camellia oil without any sample preparation. REIMS technology coupled with chemometrics was applied to develop an analysis model for the authentication of camellia oil adulterated with soybean oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and corn oil (5–40%, v/v). The results showed that different types of vegetable oils could be classified using principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) with a correct classification of 93.8% in leave-20%-out cross-validation and 100% correctly identified in real-time recognition. The established prediction models were found to be particularly sensitive when the camellia oil samples were adulterated with 5–40% of other oils, indicating that REIMS could be a powerful tool for the authentication and adulteration analysis of camellia oil, particularly for cases where the adulteration levels are relatively high. In conclusion, the results provide valuable insights into the potential of REIMS for the rapid, accurate, and real-time authentication and adulteration analysis of camellia oil.

On analytical study of heat transfer phenomenon in special-shape soldering iron

The work presents the results of the analytical solution of the phenomenon of heat transfer in soldering iron of a special shape. For analysis, differential equations in partial derivatives from many variables were used, where initial and boundary conditions were given, according to experimental data. Partial equations were obtained in the process of solving by the method of separating variables. The resulting finite function of coordinate variables in the cylindrical coordinate system and time is derived from the original equation.

Illustrated argument for CT-scanning a whole car for the forensic investigation of projectile holes, defects, fragments and possible trajectories

Contemporary documentation of a car with bullet defects after a shooting incident can secure the usual tracks and gunshot residue, take photographs, and use trajectory rods and probes. Since the advent of the “XXL-CT -Scanner” (Fraunhofer Institute, Germany), we have wondered if the advantages of volume scanning CT, already noted for forensic pathology, could be applied to cars. To this end, we damaged a small 3D-printed car model with an electric drill and added CT -dense material with a soldering iron, simulating linearly configured defect morphologies with metal particles. This model was CT -scanned and the resulting data visualized to illustrate how these visualizations can support reconstructive visualization of trajectories. Performing a real XXL-CT scan of a bullet-riddled car requires extensive preparation, transportation, and other logistical measures that are costly and time-consuming. Nonetheless, we suggest that this is a worthwhile research direction to explore.

Design and construction of a DC – DC power supply for powering USB soldering iron

Power supply is an electrical device that converts electric current from a source to the desired voltage, current and frequency to power an electrical load. The universal serial bus (USB) soldering iron available in the market operates on a 5-volt direct current (DC) supply. Essentially, it can be powered by any cell phone charger that is capable of providing an output power of not less than 8 watts. Absence of constant power supply from the national grid at times inhibit effective use of this soldering iron. To power it directly from storage battery is inappropriate as most batteries are rated as 2.7, 3.7, 6, and 12 volts. This paper deals with the design and construction of an inexpensive portable regulated power supply to power a USB soldering iron from a 12 volt power supply. The circuit was designed and simulated using Proteus software “intelligent schematic input system (ISIS)” before the construction procedure. Deep discharge protection that safeguard storage battery against under voltage and reverse polarity protections were added to the design. These special features distinguished it from those available in the market. Two light emitting diodes (LED) serve as indicators for low and normal condition of battery while sound from a buzzer shows that the input terminals of the circuit were wrongly connected. The system was tested and found to work as anticipated.

Compensation of emulated atmospheric disturbance and tracking of a moving object by a real-time digital phase conjugate mirror using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator

We developed a fast-response digital phase conjugate mirror using a 700 Hz high-speed liquid crystal spatial light modulator and a high-speed camera. The total delay from signal light acquisition to phase conjugate light generation was 9.7 ms at 1246 × 1024 and 5.9 ms at 640 × 512. The tracking experiment performed on a target moving at a constant distance perpendicular to the optical axis, produced an error of 2%. Furthermore, a heated soldering iron, used to compensate for artificially generated air disturbance, showed that beam wandering and intensity fluctuations were reduced by 86% and 55%, respectively, compared to a phase conjugate mirror with added delay. Phase conjugate light irradiation of a continuously moving target at a maximum speed of 0.9 mm s−1 was also performed. This study shows that real-time digital phase conjugate mirrors can correct wavefront distortion caused by air fluctuation, which is a major challenge in long-distance wireless optical transmission in the turbulent atmosphere, without complicated control, and prevent beam quality degradation in the presence of atmospheric disturbance.

Seedless and surfactant-free growth of flower-shaped ZnO nanostructures: Growth evolution mechanism

In this work, an innovative seedless and surfactant-free chemical bath deposition (CBD) method at low temperature was applied to obtain flower-shaped ZnO nanostructures (FZONSs) on glass and [Formula: see text]-type silicon substrates for the first time. Structural properties of these FZONSs were examined. The NSs were produced from zinc nitrate hexahydrate and hexamethylenetetramine, HMTA solution without any catalyst, template, or seed layer. An electric soldering iron pen was used to simultaneously heat the substrate and aqueous mixture of the constituents to grow the FZONSs. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images of the samples showed the presence of three-dimensional (3D) flower-shaped nanomorphology. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy detected the right trace elements in the FZONSs. X-ray diffraction analysis of the as-grown samples confirmed the existence of high purity nanocrystalline hexagonal phase of ZnO with preferred growth along (002) lattice planer orientation. The growth of ZnO nanorods into unified flower-like morphology was interpreted using a nucleation dissolution-mediated recrystallization mechanism. The fabricated FZONSs may provide potential in various applications including advanced catalysts, sensing devices, and solar cells.

Lipidomic fingerprinting of plasmalogen-loaded zein nanoparticles during in vitro multiple-stage digestion using rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry

Plasmalogens (Pls) as the hydrophobic bioactive compound have shown potential in enhancing neurological disorders. However, the bioavailability of Pls is limited because of their poor water solubility during digestion. Herein, the hollow dextran sulfate/chitosan - coated zein nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with Pls was prepared. Subsequently, a novel in situ monitoring method utilizing rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) coupled with electric soldering iron ionization (ESII) was proposed to assess the lipidomic fingerprint alteration of Pls-loaded zein NPs during in vitro multiple-stage digestion in real time. A total of 22 Pls in NPs were structurally characterized and quantitatively analyzed, and the lipidomic phenotypes at each digestion stage were evaluated by multivariate data analysis. During multiple-stage digestion, Pls were hydrolyzed to lyso-Pls and free fatty acids by phospholipases A2, while the vinyl ether bond was retained at the sn-1 position. The result revealed that the contents of Pls groups were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The multivariate data analysis results indicated that the ions at m/z 748.28, m/z 750.69, m/z 774.38, m/z 836.58, and etc. were the significant candidate contributors for monitoring the variation of Pls fingerprints during digestion. Results demonstrated that the proposed method exhibited potential for real-time tracking the lipidomic characteristics of nutritional lipid NPs digestion in the human gastrointestinal tract.

Reaching into the Community to Interpret Labor History

Reaching into the Community to Interpret Labor History

Making the Invisible Audible: A Simple Sound-Emitting Water Level Meter.

Making the Invisible Audible: A Simple Sound-Emitting Water Level Meter.

Tools and Equipment Utilization in Radio Television and Global System Mobile Servicing In Vocational Training Centres in Gombe State, Nigeria

Determining the tools and equipment use in Radio Television and Global System Mobile Servicing at Vocational Centers in Gombe State, Nigeria, was the major goal of the study. The study used a descriptive survey research approach and was carried out in Gombe State, Nigeria. 55 respondents made up the study's population, including 42 teachers and 13 administrators (principals). There was no sampling because the population was of a manageable size, hence the entire population was employed for the study. A structured questionnaire called the "Tools and Equipment Utilization Questionnaire (TEUQ)" was the instrument used to gather the data. The instrument was evaluated by three professionals, and Cronbach Alpha yielded a reliability value of 0.72. The mean statistics were utilized to answer the research questions, and the null hypotheses were tested using a t-test with a 0.05 threshold of significance. Equipment in RTV and GSM servicing trade workshops at the Vocational Training Centers in Gombe State, including workstations, multimeters-digital, multimeters-analog, Booster meters, white lights, various phone panels, Tornados (soft wire boxes), television training modules, probe/logic pulsar, oscilloscopes, pattern generators, picture tube testers, isolation transformers, vector scopes, signal strength meters, black and white television, colored television, and TV. The study also showed that the tools used in the RTV and GSM servicing Trade workshop at the Vocational Training Centers in Gombe State, including (Set of flat Screwdrivers, (large, medium, and small), Asterics, a Set of Allen keys, Set of Star Screwdrivers, Set of Spanners and Soldering Iron) is sufficient. It was suggested that in order for the schools to succeed, the Gombe State Ministry of Education should supply them with the necessary training materials and apparatus. Additionally, the government has to provide all trainers with greater technical training so they can use new technology in the workshop.

Mathematical modeling of soldering iron heating process in automated terminal soldering installations

The article describes a mathematical model of temperature changes in the soldering iron of an automated installation used in the terminal of the glass heating system created for automotive glass manufacturers. The effect of changing the shape of the welding machine on the temperature distribution has been studied. The results of the mathematical model were compared with the experimental data

Research of terminal soldering technology for auto glass heating systems

The paper considers the issues of technology for soldering a terminal (contactor) to auto-glass heating systems for cars, i.e. technology of soldering metal to non-metal bodies. A technique for conducting an experiment measuring temperature on a setup specially designed for this system is described. The results of experimental studies using various solder compositions are presented. The optimal variants of terminal soldering technologies for auto glass heating systems are determined and presented. Purpose: Experimental study of the soldering process of the terminal to the auto-glass heating system in a specially designed soldering installation. The soldering plant is designed and built using modern computer automation tools. Methods: In the experiments, automatic control systems were used to control the load supply to the soldering irons and the pressure on them. Registration (removal of information) was carried out on the SAMKOON touch panel. Results: Experimental data were obtained that provide temperatures for the optimal soldering mode of the terminal to heating systems. Conclusion: It has been experimentally proven that to obtain the required soldering of the terminal to the auto glass base, it is necessary to create a multilayer base and use hard solder that wets the soldered layer. The temperature holding interval of the soldering iron is in the range of 161 ÷ 242 ℃. The composition and weight of the solders used in soldering were also investigated.

Assembling and Testing of a Microcontroller Based Smart System Suitable for Controlling Brushless Fan

This research focuses on testing and assembling of a microcontroller based smart system suitable for controlling brushless fan that will detect temperature in a room, maintain and adjusts a speed of a cooling fan. The automation system comprises of Arduino Uno board, Microcontroller, temperature sensor, DC brushless motor and other electronics components. The Atmega328P-PU Microcontroller was used in programming the system, the microcontroller coordinates the functions of the entire system and the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals from the microcontroller served as regulatory tools to the fan. All the components were tested and gave out the desired result. Potentiometer was used initially before placing the LM35 temperature sensor by using hot soldering iron which corresponds with voltage values between 0-5V on Multimeter reading and 5 to 254 serial monitor reading by varying the duty cycle 0 to 100 with approximately 500Hz frequency. Six different temperature values were obtained from the circuit by varying the LM35 temperature sensor and responds to the amount of heat supplied which regulate the cooling fan on regular basis. The current temperature values displayed on LCD screen, also the aimed of the work has achieved

Slit-Lamp Image of Epithelial Thermal Burn

A 38-year-old man presented for emergency consultation for low vision with eye redness after direct trauma with a soldering iron. The initial examination found a visual acuity of 20/32, and an epithelial defect with mild underlying stromal necrosis. After treatment with topical antibiotic and corticosteroid, the epithelial defect was healed within 48 hours (Magnified version of Fig 1 is available online at www.aaojournal.org).

Study on Soldering Alloy Structure Influence on Whiskers Germination and Grow Process in Joints Executed Using Tin Base Soldering Alloys

Electronic components soldered with tin base alloys are subject to whiskers formations after an operation period, which produced failures by short circuits. The main factors which determine formation of whiskers are soldering alloy characteristics, substrate alloys which is placed on the surface of the PCB boards and not the least the working environment. Soldering alloy has a major influence on germination and growing whiskers process, by its nature and grain form, dimensions and orientation. Given the preliminary research carried out to diminish the formation of these defects, was proposed to realize these soldered joints using new soldering alloys obtained by melt-spinning method, which have a nanocrystalline, quasi-crystalline or even amorphous structure. In this paper are presented some results obtained on following the influence of soldering alloy structure over whiskers germination and growing process, by simulating the operation conditions according to applicable standards. Were obtained soldered joints on copper plates using a commercial soldering alloy as well as soldering alloys base on Sn-Cu-Ga, Sn-Cu-Ni, Sn-Cu-CO families, obtained by melt-spinning method. Soldering was performed using a soldering iron and after this process, the soldered joints were placed in an incubator under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. Performing SEM analyzes on soldered joints subject to the above treatment, was observed that formation and growing of whiskers diminished with decrease of the grain size.

Low-cost electronic circuitry for photoacoustic gas sensing

The circuitry comprises a sine wave generator based on direct digital synthesis, a laser diode driver module, a band-pass frequency filter, a synchronous detector with phase adjustment circuitry and a low pass filter to form an analog lock-in amplifier, and an analog-to-digital converter. A 32-bit ARM microcontroller programmed with the open source Mecrisp dialect of the Forth interpreter language is used to set the frequency, and read the data from the analog-to-digital converter. The circuitry is tethered via a serial interface to a personal computer. A graphical user interface written in Phython allows easy interaction with the microcontroller by sending the appropriate Forth commands. The data acquired is visualized and stored on the personal computer for further processing. The circuitry is easy to build as it is based on through-hole devices, except for two necessary surface mount items, which, however, still can be soldered with a fine tipped soldering iron. The performance of the circuitry was demonstrated by the photoacoustic detection of NO2 using a laser diode with a wavelength of 450 nm.

Machine tool for assembling and mounting electrical components

The article is devoted to the creation of a multifunctional machine tool for microsoldering and mounting of electrical components of the board. Attention to the choice of engines, components of the machine tool and design is paid. The design of a soldering iron with pulsed heating, a mechanism for supplying a mixture of flux and solder, and a device for supplying wire jumpers are described. For clarity, determining the dimensions of the machine tool and its layout, a 3D model is created. Keywords machine tool building, automation, electronics, electrical mounting, engine, flux, solder, wire