Solder

Solder is a fusible metal alloy used to create a permanent bond between metal workpieces.

Composition

Classical solder consists of a tin-lead alloy in various proportions, the most of often being 60/40.

Lead-free solders use copper, bismuth, silver, zinc, gallium, indium, antimony instead of lead, at various percentages.

The percentage of each metal varies, depending on the desired properties of solder.

Properties

Soft solder typically has a melting point range between 90 to 450 °C, and is commonly used in electronics, plumbing, and sheet metal work. Alloys that melt between 180 and 190 °C are the most commonly used. Soldering performed using alloys with a melting point above 450 °C is called "hard soldering", "silver soldering", or brazing.

The thermal conductivity of common solders ranges from 32 to 94 W/(m·K), and the density from 9.25 to 15.00 g/cm³.

Availability

Solder can be bought from all electronics stores and are also available in many hardware and home-improvement stores.

Can also be bought online.

Projects

• Solder electronics
• Source of tin

Handling and safety

Solders containing lead are harmful.

See also

• Fusible alloy

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Separation of tin and lead
• respirator for soldering fumes
• Soldering using a carbon rod
• difficult soldering job
• High temperature solder
• Tin solder