Can film capacitors be reflow soldered

Many people are confused about reflow soldering and wave soldering. Different electronic components require different soldering methods. Can film capacitors be reflow soldered?

First, let's understand what reflow soldering actually is.

Reflow soldering refers to the process of connecting one or more electronic components to contact pads using solder paste (a mixture of solder and flux), and then melting the solder by controlling the temperature to achieve a permanent bond. Different heating methods such as reflow ovens, infrared heating lamps, or hot air guns can be used for soldering.

So what is wave soldering?

Wave soldering is a process in which the soldering surface of a circuit board comes into direct contact with high-temperature liquid solder to achieve the soldering purpose. The high-temperature liquid solder is kept on an inclined plane, and a special device makes the liquid solder form waves, hence the name "wave soldering". Its main material is solder bar.

Here's the answer to your question: Film capacitors can only be wave soldered, not reflow soldered.

The wave soldering peak temperature for film capacitors can be 275℃, which is also the IEC standard. The immersion time is 3-5 seconds. Other parameters refer to preheating temperature and time. Film capacitors can withstand this temperature without affecting their electrical characteristics.

When purchasing capacitors, manufacturers usually provide product specifications, which specify the temperature and time requirements for wave soldering of film capacitors. Following these requirements will not damage the film capacitors.

What are the differences between wave soldering and reflow soldering of electronic components?

To summarize simply: reflow soldering is for surface-mount components, while wave soldering is for through-hole components. Film capacitors are all through-hole electronic components, so we must use wave soldering, not reflow soldering.