Soldering leads on ultrasonic transducer. 2

[rayband]

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?

 

[MintJulep]

Electrically conductive epoxy?

 

[rayband]

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.

 

[MintJulep]

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

 

[rayband]

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.

 

[EdStainless]

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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[rayband]

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.

 

[IRstuff]

Have you thought about using a mechanical crimp?

TTFN

 

[unclesyd]

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.