High vs. Low Temperature Solder Types and Melting Points (2024)

FAQs

High vs. Low Temperature Solder Types and Melting Points? ›

A composition of Tin (30%) and Lead (70%) turns into liquid at a higher temperature of 491°F (255°C) due to the high Lead concentration. But melting a Silver solder requires more heat (1145°F/618.3°C), while a zinc-aluminum solder type has a relatively lower melting point of 719.6°F (382°C).

HIGH-TEMPERATURE SOLDER

Since pure Tin melts at 450°F (232°C) and pure Lead at 621°F (327°C), high-temperature solders contain mostly Lead. For instance, the Sn10/Pb88/Ag2 alloy containing 88% Lead has a 570°F (299°C) melting point.

Solders generally melt between 90° C and 450° C. The melting point of solder is engineered via selection of the solder blend and the heat resistance power of the particular devices being attached. Tin/bismuth, tin/indium, or tin/bismuth/silver are the most common “low melting point” solders (150-170° C).

Most high-temperature solder preforms made with silver use alloys containing about 45 to 90 percent silver and the remainder composed of copper, zinc, tin and cadmium. They can withstand heat ranging from about 700 to 950 degrees Celsius.

While 60/40 is going to be a stronger bond, it is more difficult to work with due to a smaller “working temperature range” of the solder. This also means that while stronger, the bead will want to be slightly rounder.

For a true low melting point, lead-free solder wire, then tin-bismuth eutectic is the alloy to use. A Tin 42% Bismuth 58%, this alloy melts at 138°C and has been used for low-temperature soldering applications for many years.

DESCRIPTION. Black Swan's 50/50 Solder is a 50% tin and 50% lead alloy. Melting point ranges in 361° F to 421° F.

In general, zinc is added to solder alloys to lower the melting point and reduce costs.

If using a 60/40% tin lead wire soldering, there will be a varying melting temperature range. It will begin to melt at 361.4°F and become a full liquid at 375.8°F. Tin lead wire solder is ideal for applications where there are delicate temperature requirements for soldering.

Why use low melt solder? ›

Using a low melt solder in these situations will prevent damage. It also keeps the temperature of the board and the solder from heating up too much. Doing this ensures the new component is attached properly. Temperature sensitive devices benefit from this the most.

Sn63: When is the use of one of these two alloys more appropriate than the other? The Sn60Pb40 has a plastic range and puts down a slightly thicker coating of solder. Sn60 is often preferred for lead tinning and other solder coating applications. Sn63Pb37 is eutectic and as such has no plastic range.

The low melting point prevents the warping of metal parts or damaging sensitive electrical components. Ease of Use: Soldering does require some skill but is an accessible method for joining metal and making electrical connections as the tools are relatively cheap, and the process can be quickly learned.

Hot air guns produce heated airflow that can melt solder and remove components — like ICs — from PCBs.

It is a silvery metal and has a low melting point of 231.97°C. It contains 50% of lead and 50% of tin. The melting point of a substance depends on pressure and is usually specified at a standard pressure like- 1atm or one atmospheric temperature. Solder is an alloy which has a low melting point.

One big difference between the two is that 60/40 is much closer to being eutectic which means going from liquid to solid directly as apposed to 40/60 that has a "mushy" zone where it changes gradually from a liquid to a solid. This may not seem like much, but it is easier to get cold solder joints with the 40/60.

Explanation: The soldering process is carried out generally in the temperature range of 180 – 250° C which is sufficient to melt the solder material. Most solders are alloys of lead and tin. Three commonly used alloys contain 60, 50, and 40% tin and all melt below 240°C.

What is the strongest pipe solder? Silver solder also sometimes called silver brazing. It is a hard solder that has a much higher melting temperature. It is used for joining refrigerant lines that are made of copper.