Solder
A solder is a metal alloy (often of tin and lead), usually with a low melting point, that is melted and used to join metallic surfaces, especially in the fields of electronics and plumbing, in a process called soldering.
In electronics, tin/lead solders are normally 60/40 by weight in order to produce a near-eutectic mixture (lowest melting point - below 190°C). The eutectic ratio of 63/37 corresponds closely to a Sn3Pb intermetallic compound. According to the European Union Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Reduction of Hazardous Substances (ROHS) directives, lead has to be eliminated from electronic systems by July 1 2006, leading to much interest in lead-free solders. These contain tin, copper, silver and other metals in varying amounts.
In plumbing, a higher proportion of lead was used. This had the advantage of making the alloy freeze more slowly, so that it could be wiped over the joint to ensure watertightness. With the replacement of lead water pipes by copper, the lead in plumbing solder was replaced by copper or antimony, and the proportion of tin increased.
Hard solder, as used for brazing, is generally a copper/zinc or copper/silver alloy, and melts at higher temperatures.
In silversmithing or jewelry making, special hard solders are used that will pass assay. They contain a high proportion of the metal being soldered. Lead is not used in these alloys. These solders also come in a variety of hardnesses, known as 'enameling', 'hard', 'medium' and 'easy'. Enameling solder has a high melting point, close to that of the material itself, to prevent the joint desoldering during firing in the enamelling process. The remaining solder types are used in decreasing order of hardness during the process of making an item, to prevent a previously soldered seam or joint desoldering while soldering a new joint. Easy solder is also often used for repair work, for the same reason. Flux or rouge is also used to prevent joints desoldering.
Solder is commonly mixed with, or used with flux, a reducing agent designed to help remove impurities (specifically oxidised metals) from the points of contact to improve the electrical connection. For convenience, solder is often manufactured as a hollow tube and filled with flux. Most cold solder is soft enough to be rolled and packaged as a coil making for a convenient and compact solder/flux package.
Since solder (mostly the superheated flux inside) can ocassionally "splash", it is recommended that one always wear safety goggles (and pants) when soldering.
See also
