Why is it recommened to use only rosin core solder of 63/37 alloy ?

Whats acid core solder, and why is there bias towards using it ?

What is solder mostly composed of, isn't it lead ?


From my experience, why do soldering iron tips become black ?

Why do they even sell replacement soldering tips ?

Which is better higher or lower power soldering irons, which kind do you use ?

Are sharp skinnier tips better than fatter ones ?

 

It isn't anymore, it's recommended to use lead free solder. The exact ratio was based on almost the lowest melting point, the exact lowest wasn't used because it tended to fracture as it cools.

Because it's corrosive, it's NOT for electronics, it's for plumbing!.

It WAS lead and tin, I don't know what lead free uses?, but it's got a far higher melting point than lead/tin solder.

Oxidisation!.

Because they need replacing when they wear out!, or you can use different size ones.

Again, it depends on the exact use!. Which is 'better', a sports car or a truck?, you might take your girl friend to the beach in a truck (but probably only once!), but transporting large crates in a sports car is difficult :lol:

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My lead free solder is 99.3% tin and 0.7% copper. It is essentially bronze! Takes a while for my 18w iron to get hot enough to melt it, but i've never had any trouble with damaging components from the heat.

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Angry!? I'm absolutely electrolytic!

Will have to make do with myspace now I guess...

 

Looking on the specs in RS Components gives:

Tin/Lead 60/40 melts at 183-188 degrees C.

Tin/Copper (Lead free) 99/0.85 melts at 227-240 degrees C.

Tin/Silver/Copper (Lead and rosin free) 95.5/3.8/0.7 melts at 217 degrees C.

Tin/Lead (rosin free) 60/40 melts at 340 degrees C.

__________________
PIC programmer software, and PIC Tutorials at:
http://www.winpicprog.co.uk

 

I understand that a cold solder joint that has fractured solder occurs because the wires have moved while 60/40 solder was cooling and changing from a liquid to a plastic mush then finally to a solid.
I have been told that 63/37 "electronic" solder doesn't have a plastic mush phase but instead changes directly and instantly from liquid to solid so there are fewer cold solder joints produced when it is used, compared to 60/40 original "electrical" solder.

My temperature-controlled soldering iron's tip doesn't turn black because it never gets to the rediculously high temperature of non-controlled ones.
It is plated so I never have to tin it. I wipe it on a damp sponge to clean it.
My tip is hot every day, and frequently all day long (and sometimes all night long) and lasts for years and years. It doesn't burn-out but actually finally wears-out.

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Uncle $crooge

 

that is correct.... not sure what Nigel Goodwin was talking about the 63/37 solder resulting in worse solder joints... =\

 

I didn't say that! - I said the LOWEST POSSIBLE melting solder isn't used (and I've no idea what ratio it is!) because of problems while cooling.

__________________
PIC programmer software, and PIC Tutorials at:
http://www.winpicprog.co.uk

 

[quote]Why is it recommened to use only rosin core solder of 63/37 alloy ?
[quote]
63/37 is uncommon to me. I use common rosin core solder. (60/40 ratio I think)

If you want to have a circuit board of just holes and fiberglass, use it. BUT if you want a professional circuit, I am against it. "acid core" should give you the indication that it is "extra powerful". "core" means what is inside the center of the solder.

I think tin and lead.

How often do you clean your soldering iron tip? That might prevent it.
Mine is always black, and I just sand my tip :wink:

For people like me who sand my tip down to nothing :lol:
and for people who need a new tip. Not all items in this world last forever.

I think mine is a 45W iron. I personally recommend lower wattage unless you have experience soldering. The higher the wattage, the hotter things get.

I think it depends on your iron. To me, I use the tip that works with my iron.

Have you talked to some store employees? Maybe one of them can help you out.

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-=: The best low-priced components to troubleshoot with are the speaker and the LED :=-