Soldering question

[Mark R]

Can luxeon K2 LEDs be hand soldered?

Or am I going to need a reflow oven?

 

[JimPhelpsMI]

Hi, I assume you are talking about surface mount LEDS. If they can be reflowed in an oven, you can reflow with a small soldering iron. Just do it fast. Luck, Jim

 

[Jiggz]

Yes!

 

[Mark R]

Originally posted by: Jiggz
Yes!

How do you heatsink the them to the board then? Thermal epoxy on the slug? I was under the (possibly wrong) impression that the slug should be soldered.

 

[JimPhelpsMI]

HI again, There is little or no heat from an LED. No heat sink is necessary. Just lay them on, hold down maybe with a toothpick and have at it. Luck, Jim

 

[Mark R]

HI again, There is little or no heat from an LED. No heat sink is necessary.

Unfortunately, these K2 LEDs do produce significant heat. I've built some simple projects using lower power luxeon LEDs, and even with heatsinking, I'm managed to burn my fingers on them.

I would ideally want to run these LEDs at a current of 1500 mA, or as close as possible - so will need sufficient heatsinking on the body to shift 6 W. As the body is only 5mm diameter, this contact needs to be really good.