Soldering terminology

As electromechanical components are getting smaller and smaller, connector pins must follow suit as well. For this purpose, to save space, they are often not stuck into holes, but are rather bent in a J-shape to form lap joints on the board. J-shaped connection, known as gull-wing due to the similarity, increases the reliability of the solder joint. However, if there is a residual mechanical stress within the pins, there is a risk that the pins take over heat from the board and a faulty solder joint is formed.