PreQ ESD - 2.17 Soft soldering

Soft solder ingredients

Lead and tin

Electrical work soldering ingredients

More tin than lead

Plumbing soldering ingredients

More lead than tin

Electrical work soldering melting point

183 degrees

Plumbing soldering melting point

250 degrees

Flux

a chemical that stops an oxide layer forming and breaks down the surface tension on molten solder to allow it to flow.

Acid flux

a clear liquid that when applied will clean the surface of the sheet metal. This flux must be washed away with water as soon as the joint has been soldered, otherwise it will weaken the joint

Passive flux

a brown resin that looks like grease. This does not dissolve any old oxide layers, and it can be cleaned with by sanding.

How to apply flux

Apply flux to both 2. Melt solder onto the surfaces

Apply solder to both fluxed surfaces

Place the parts together and rub the hot iron over the joint to re-melt the solder

Heat sink use

placed between the joint and the component that will soak up the heat and stop the component from getting too hot