Connecting light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to circuit boards is a matter of some question if you ask the experts. There are those who swear by the age-old method of soldering with lead because of its simplicity and commonality. But VCC’s products are far from ordinary and our new techniques have created several alternatives that come with significant advantages not only for the manufacturing process, but also for the end user.

Problems with Traditional Soldering Techniques

Traditionally, LEDs have been constructed using time-tested soldering techniques. This type of construction method is especially popular for through-hole LEDs where the leads pass through the circuit board, as opposed to surface-mount LEDs that sit on the surface of the board. When LEDs are connected to circuit boards using this method, care must be taken to connect the LED in the correct direction with respect to the anode (a) or + and the cathode (k) or -.

Soldering works by melting an alloy – usually tin and lead in a 60% to 40% ratio – tinning the surface with the alloy and connecting the two components. But herein lies the first problem: lead is a heavy metal and is considered highly poisonous to humans and damaging to the environment as well. The second problem with this process is the potential for damage to the LED as a result of the high heat (200°C).

Damage can also occur when errors are made during the connection process. If an LED is incorrectly connected using soldering or otherwise needs to be removed from the board (a process called desoldering), the removal can often damage the LED.