I second your view Charlie;
It is my opinion (take that for what it cost you :-), that the
primary reason that crimping is standard for the aircraft industry is just
that... standards. Anybody trained to do the job properly on the factory
floor will easily be able to make a standard quality crimped connection,
with little distinquishable difference between the job done by any number of
employees.
It is my opinion (again, as before..) that you could get an employee
capable of making a superior soldered connection, unfortunately the guy on
the next shift may only be skilled enough to make an adequate connection,
while the next shift may be even better than the first guy.. on a good day..
or not? This non-standard job would be totally unacceptable in an industry
that relies on standards. Removing worker skill level from the equation
makes for better quality control in a factory environment.
In our application I think it is the responsibility of the builder
to truthfully determine if he has the skill necessary to perform an
acceptable (or better) soldering job, otherwise crimping is the better
choice.

S. Todd Bartrim (probably inhaled too many soldering fumes)
C-FSTB
Turbo13B RV9
http://members.cox.net/rogersda/rotary/configs.htm#C-FSTB
http://www3.telus.net/haywire/RV-9/C-FSTB.htm



snipped

I must respectfully offer a somewhat modified view.

In general, crimped connectors are only reliable if done with very high quality crimpers, costing many 10's to hundreds of dollars. In a production environment, big bucks for a crimper means any klutz who can squeeze can be very productive.

Soldered joints are prone to corrosion only if corrosive flux is used. Improperly crimped pins can have corrosion within the joint, just like a riveted or bolted structural joint. Crystallizing is a product of improper technique, not the soldering process itself. Breakage from vibration is an issue with either technique; the stress riser on a crimped joint is much sharper than a soldered joint. Proper support just outside the joint is the remedy, whichever process is chosen.

Milled pins are certainly better than the rolled sheet metal pins, but with proper technique, they can be soldered with relatively inexpensive equipment.

FWIW,

Charlie




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