What is the definition of "thermal degradation" in the context of soldering?

Thermal degradation refers specifically to damage that occurs from excessive heat during the soldering process. When components are exposed to high temperatures for too long, or if the soldering process generates excessive heat, it can lead to a range of detrimental effects. These effects might include changes to the physical properties of materials such as the melting or warping of components, alteration of solder joint integrity, and even a reduction in the overall reliability of the assembly. Understanding thermal degradation is crucial for maintaining the quality and longevity of electronic assemblies, as it can directly affect performance and safety.

While damage due to improper soldering techniques, impurities in the solder, or mechanical stress during assembly are significant concerns in electronics manufacturing, they do not specifically address the impact of excessive heat associated with the soldering process, making them not applicable to the definition of thermal degradation in this context.