Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Phil" <phil1960us@y...> wrote:

> As I understand it, thermals are meant to make s

oldering/desoldering

> easier by decreasing the flow of heat away from the joint. Is this
> the only reason for thermals?
>
> Phil

Yes, strictly to reduce thermal conductivity so as to allow
the use of hand soldering irons and less/no preheat on
wave-soldered boards.