Why does my Headphones contain epoxy all over solder joint and on wire

Hi!

So, to the answer to why one would use epoxy on solder joints, connections and over cables is a multi facet answer.

One may use epoxy on solder joints and connections to in a cheap and easy way:

• Give additional load bearing strength/ strain relief. To prevent tugs on the wiring to pull of the joint, or to prevent a hit or a fall from causing the joints to shear off.
• Give electric isolation. The epoxy electrically isolates the joints and connections, preventing shortages. As in some cases it can be hard to apply electrical/kapton tape, shrink tubes or other electrically isolating solutions to a small area.
• It can also provide some environmental/moisture/correction resistance too.

The reason for putting epoxy over the cables is most likely to keep them from rattling around (which also would put more strain on the soldered joints).

I sadly don't have any tips for dealing with epoxied joints. As you've already has tried with heat. You may be able to (with heat) be able to scrape it off, but you'll likely still have epoxy residues which could mess up the soldering, not to mention that you'd probably end up scorching the remaining solder which will produce potentially toxic smoke.

Sorry for not being able to be more of help.

Good luck,

cheers