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Soldering leads on ultrasonic transducer.
2

Soldering leads on ultrasonic transducer.

Soldering leads on ultrasonic transducer.

(OP)
I have an old but lightly used ultrasonic cleaning tank where the solder joint between the leads (wires) and ultrasonic transducer surface has failed.  I can (and have) soldered them back on, but they stay on about 5 minutes and pop off again.  I strongly suspect it takes a special solder because the transducer surface (there are two leads on each of 2 transducers on bottom side of the tank) is not metal; possibly ceramic??  In any case, a soldering iron doesn't burn it, but ordinary solder won't stick.  Leco and Branson seem unwilling to help (surprise!!).  Anyone know what will work?

RE: Soldering leads on ultrasonic transducer.

Electrically conductive epoxy?

RE: Soldering leads on ultrasonic transducer.

(OP)
It looks a bit like composition board, sort of slick and brownish, but I have no idea what those transducers (probably pizioelectric (sp?)) are made of.  I only know it takes a special solder that Leco and Branson aren't about to reveal to me.  And I am not about to let one of them perform such a simple repair for 2/3 the cost of a new unit nor am I willing to pitch this unit and buy a new one for such a simple problem.  A very common "rock & hard place" to be between these days.

RE: Soldering leads on ultrasonic transducer.

I meant, you might try using electrically conductive epoxy to connect your leads.

RE: Soldering leads on ultrasonic transducer.

(OP)
OK, thank you, MintJulep.  I had not thought of that.  In fact, I was not aware that there was such a product that could actually substitute for solder as an electrical connection.  Now its back to Google!  Thanks again.    

RE: Soldering leads on ultrasonic transducer.

There are fatigue resistant high strength solders.  Check out some of the mfgs, maybe talk to Indium corp or Silfos or Harris.

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RE: Soldering leads on ultrasonic transducer.

(OP)
Thanks EdStainless.  One of the solder manufacturers checked their sales records & found the product that the major manufacturer buys large quantities of.  That's a great start.

RE: Soldering leads on ultrasonic transducer.

Have you thought about using a mechanical crimp?

TTFN



RE: Soldering leads on ultrasonic transducer.

IRstuff,

That doesn't work very well as one of the major manufactures installed a system where the connections were crimped/clamped.  Within 6 weeks we lost all of the OEM transducers.  If I recall correctly all failed on the wire side at the crimp in the connector.   

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