How to Get Started in Soldering for Beginners

Re:How to Get Started in Soldering for Beginners by jnovek on Monday April 10, 2023 @11:21AM (#35513403)

I use leaded solder and have for years but I’d love to replace it with something less toxic. The trouble is that lead-free solders I’ve tried require high temp and flow very differently from leaded solder.

Does SAC305 (for example) flow and cool in a similar way to good old 63/37?

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Re:How to Get Started in Soldering for Beginners by CarVac on Monday April 10, 2023 @11:43AM (#35513661)

SAC305 melts at a slightly higher temperature but has a lower melted viscosity than Sn63.

So it takes a smidge longer to heat a joint than for leaded, but you don't need to hold the heat there as long once it flows.

It's slightly not eutectic, though, so you must immobilize parts as the joint solidifies.

Sn99.7 is eutectic but has a still higher melting point.

I find SAC305 to solder well at 340°C/650°F.

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