Re: Solder vs. Crimp

[Tony Lum <tlum@flash.net>]

At 09:21 AM 5/10/99 -0700, you wrote:
>	soldering properly heats the surface up and then the 
>	solder is applied.  this creates a much deeper bond 
>	between the materials.  i think if crimping was superior
>	then a lot more stuff would be crimped.

We build quite a bit of test equipment for military applications and with
the exception of 2 well documented connectors every connector (which can
have up to 220 contacts each) are crimped.  Each piece of equipment may use
up to 30 military type connectors (D38999 series is one we use a ton of).
We use an assortment of crimpers and dies specially made to crimp these
wires and they are regularly inspected and calibrated for use.  Soldering
can increase brittleness and early fractures at the contact/wire junction.
The 2 exceptions are very short (about 4 inches) .375 diameter copper wire
jumpers which deliver about 150A at 5 volts to 2 MIL rated bus
bar/distribution strips.  Definitely a "non-flexible" joint.

Regards,



__________________________________

Tony Lum
Systems Administrator
Ascor Inc.
Fremont, CA  94539-7485
ph: (510) 490-2300 x205
email: mailto:tlum@ascor-inc.com
__________________________________