Interlink Electronics FSR (Force Sensing Resistor) sensors are polymeric force sensors, which are constructed with thin flexible polymer substrates and PTF materials. Exposure to excessive heat risks melting down these materials and damaging this sensor structure.
So, how do you solder FSR sensors onto your board?
The simplest way is to solder wires onto your FSR sensors before soldering them to your application.
- Cut a wire to your desired length and strip both ends of the wire.
- Apply flux onto the wire and pre-tin both ends.
- Place your FSR sensor on a fixture with double sided tape, so it sticks to the fixture. This ensures the device won’t move around on you, but don’t use tape so strong you can’t get the sensor back off again…
- Pre-Tin the contact pins of your sensor.
Note: When soldering these pins, contact time is very important in preventing the pins from melting. It’s suggested to apply the lowest amount of physical contact you can for only 1 to 2 seconds at a time.
- Solder your wires to the sensor’s pins
Remember! Touch the contact pins for your sensor as lightly as you absolutely can with your iron, and only for 1 or 2 seconds at a time
- Apply some heat shrink tubing to protect the pins and prevent shorts. .250"/6mm 2-to-1 shrink ratio heat shrink tubing should work just fine.
7.) Congratulations! Your FSR sensor is now ready to be soldered in place on your application, free of the risk of heat-induced damage.