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Solder
.jpg "Qualitek 1/2 lb. Solder Spool")
.jpg "Kester 1 lb. Solder Spool")
.jpg "Solder Pocket Pack")
.jpg "Silver Solder Pocket Pack")
Soldering is an art, but what is SOLDER?
Solder, as a word, can be used in two different ways. Solder, the noun, refers to the alloy (a substance composed of two or more metals) that typically comes as a long, thin wire in spools or tubes. Solder, the verb, means to join together two pieces of metal in what is called a solder joint. So, we solder with solder!
Farnsworth Electronics carries ALL things solder-
*Solder Pastes
*Liquid Fluxes
*Flux Cored and Solid Wire
*Solder Preforms
*Bar Solder
*PC Fabrication Chemicals
*Residue Removers and Cleaners
*Temporary Solder Masks and Conductive Inks
Leaded vs. Lead-free Solder -- A Brief HistoryOne of the most important things to be aware of when it comes to solder is that, traditionally, solder was composed of mostly lead (Pb), tin (Sn), and a few other trace metals. This solder is known as leaded solder. As it has come to be known, lead is harmful to humans and can lead to lead poisoning when exposed to large amounts. Unfortunately, lead is also a very useful metal, and it was chosen as the go-to metal for soldering because of its low melting point and ability to create great solder joints.
With the adverse effects of leaded soldering known, some key individuals and countries decided it was best to not use leaded solder anymore. In 2006, the European Union adopted the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS). This directive, stated simply, restricts the use of leaded solder (amongst other materials) in electronics and electrical equipment. With that, the use of lead-free solder became the norm in electronics manufacturing.
Lead-free solder is very similar to its leaded counterpart, except, as the name states, it contains no lead. Instead it is made up of mostly tin and other trace metals, such as silver and copper. This solder is usually marked with the RoHS symbol to let potential buyers know it conforms to the standard. Once again, our friends at Sparkfun show us How To Solder. At Farnsworth Electronics, we carry the most popular 1/2 lb. spools from Qualitek. We carry the most popular 1 lb. spools from Kester Solder. We also carry 1/2 oz. pocket packs in both 60/40 and 0.35 oz. SN62/PB36/AG02 Silver pocket pack. The 2% silver is required when soldering to silver or silver plated components/leads. The small percent of silver in the solder prevents the silver on the leads from migrating into the solder resulting in a weak or brittle solder connection. Click on the links below to go to the manufacturers website for more information.
With the adverse effects of leaded soldering known, some key individuals and countries decided it was best to not use leaded solder anymore. In 2006, the European Union adopted the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS). This directive, stated simply, restricts the use of leaded solder (amongst other materials) in electronics and electrical equipment. With that, the use of lead-free solder became the norm in electronics manufacturing.
Lead-free solder is very similar to its leaded counterpart, except, as the name states, it contains no lead. Instead it is made up of mostly tin and other trace metals, such as silver and copper. This solder is usually marked with the RoHS symbol to let potential buyers know it conforms to the standard. Once again, our friends at Sparkfun show us How To Solder. At Farnsworth Electronics, we carry the most popular 1/2 lb. spools from Qualitek. We carry the most popular 1 lb. spools from Kester Solder. We also carry 1/2 oz. pocket packs in both 60/40 and 0.35 oz. SN62/PB36/AG02 Silver pocket pack. The 2% silver is required when soldering to silver or silver plated components/leads. The small percent of silver in the solder prevents the silver on the leads from migrating into the solder resulting in a weak or brittle solder connection. Click on the links below to go to the manufacturers website for more information.
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