LEAD-FREE Solder - Electronic Circuits Projects Diagrams Free

OY2L · 13th August 2008, 06:55 PM

Is there some different using lead free or normal lead solder? Is the lead free solder just as good?

dknguyen · 13th August 2008, 07:04 PM

For the most part it's just as good. The largest difference is that it is a lot harder to work with. It doesn't wet as well or melt as easily (which is a disadvantage during work and rework but an advantage once the thing is built.

There is also whiskering problems, but it's likely to not cause you any problems unless you are using tiny tiny high density circuits that are going to be used for a long time.

**Krumlink** · 13th August 2008, 07:08 PM

Without the presence of lead, tin forms tiny crystals that can short out the circuitry. It is for extremely tiny stuff though, like TQFP. I usually use 57 tin 40 lead and 3 silver.

crutschow · 13th August 2008, 07:34 PM

Don't use lead-free solder unless you have to. It has no advantage over the leaded versions and it's generally harder to use. The only reason it's used is to meet the EU RoHS requirements to allow safer recycling of electronic components.

The Mad Professor · 13th August 2008, 10:51 PM

I would suggest that you do obtain a small reel ' have a go ' and get used to using it, even old hands at PCB assembly in a commercial environment are having some difficulty getting used to the way it behaves. So learning now will put you at an advantage if you ever decide to put your hobby skills to work and earn a living from them.

speakerguy79 · 14th August 2008, 12:28 AM

If I lived in a country where lead solder was banned, I would smuggle it in.

Lead free sucks. 63/37 fo' life, yo.

davidbball13 · 14th August 2008, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speakerguy79

Lead free sucks. 63/37 fo' life, yo.

representin' 63/37
pimp hug......
gang sign......

reese · 14th August 2008, 03:20 AM

I agree with the last two posts. Lead-free also has a higher melting point. But, I fear, that the world will follow suit with the EU and Japan eventially.

**Krumlink** · 14th August 2008, 03:28 AM

I have about 8 pounds of solder rolls laying around.

**Krumlink** · 14th August 2008, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reese

I agree with the last two posts. Lead-free also has a higher melting point. But, I fear, that the world will follow suit with the EU and Japan eventially.

They just would not have it in commercial products anymore, I don't think they would stop production of it completely. If they did it is time to buy more

BaCaRdi · 14th August 2008, 04:02 AM

I have to say, lead-free does take more work time, IMO. Lead does flow much better! But it really is just learning a new style is all, and like stated a good idea to learn, as the industry is heading lead-free by the looks of it.

-BaC

speakerguy79 · 14th August 2008, 05:36 AM

I need to get "6 3 3 7" tattooed on my fingers. Of course, I'd have to get the existing "THUG LIFE" removed...

BaCaRdi · 14th August 2008, 06:13 AM

LMAO@Thug Life! For me it would be the Misty my ex trailer wife..bad thing is that part is true..and a big 0 for what I had left..lol

EDIT: After saying that let me clarify that the tattoo is on my shoulder...All I would need if the above was true was a wife beater and a cop to explain "why did you think I put it on my knuckles." Missing teeth and maybe a cheek full of Chaw..lol

-BaC

Quote:

Originally Posted by speakerguy79

I need to get "6 3 3 7" tattooed on my fingers. Of course, I'd have to get the existing "THUG LIFE" removed...

The Mad Professor · 14th August 2008, 06:41 AM

Nothing quite like the smell of solder in the morning

BaCaRdi · 14th August 2008, 07:05 AM

LOL yeah that and a morning smoke, nothing better than a double shot of carcinogens to start your day off right..

-BaC

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Mad Professor

Nothing quite like the smell of solder in the morning

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13th August 2008, 06:55 PM	(permalink)
OY2L	LEAD-FREE Solder Is there some different using lead free or normal lead solder? Is the lead free solder just as good?

13th August 2008, 07:04 PM	(permalink)
dknguyen	For the most part it's just as good. The largest difference is that it is a lot harder to work with. It doesn't wet as well or melt as easily (which is a disadvantage during work and rework but an advantage once the thing is built. There is also whiskering problems, but it's likely to not cause you any problems unless you are using tiny tiny high density circuits that are going to be used for a long time. __________________ NO, that picture isn't me so don't bother asking if we can be friends.

13th August 2008, 07:08 PM	(permalink)
Krumlink	Without the presence of lead, tin forms tiny crystals that can short out the circuitry. It is for extremely tiny stuff though, like TQFP. I usually use 57 tin 40 lead and 3 silver. __________________ MechTronics World of Warcraft is a disease

13th August 2008, 07:34 PM	(permalink)
crutschow	Don't use lead-free solder unless you have to. It has no advantage over the leaded versions and it's generally harder to use. The only reason it's used is to meet the EU RoHS requirements to allow safer recycling of electronic components. __________________ Carl

13th August 2008, 10:51 PM	(permalink)
The Mad Professor	I would suggest that you do obtain a small reel ' have a go ' and get used to using it, even old hands at PCB assembly in a commercial environment are having some difficulty getting used to the way it behaves. So learning now will put you at an advantage if you ever decide to put your hobby skills to work and earn a living from them. __________________ It may seem like a good idea at the time , but never stir your cold coffee with a soldering iron.

14th August 2008, 12:28 AM	(permalink)
speakerguy79	If I lived in a country where lead solder was banned, I would smuggle it in. Lead free sucks. 63/37 fo' life, yo.

14th August 2008, 03:20 AM	(permalink)
reese	I agree with the last two posts. Lead-free also has a higher melting point. But, I fear, that the world will follow suit with the EU and Japan eventially.

14th August 2008, 03:28 AM	(permalink)
Krumlink	I have about 8 pounds of solder rolls laying around. __________________ MechTronics World of Warcraft is a disease

14th August 2008, 04:02 AM	(permalink)
BaCaRdi	I have to say, lead-free does take more work time, IMO. Lead does flow much better! But it really is just learning a new style is all, and like stated a good idea to learn, as the industry is heading lead-free by the looks of it. -BaC __________________ Error[8] "while trying to load":[reality.sh] kernel: [Panic!]...{Universe has been halted!}... Information Underground - Have you got the Bollox?

14th August 2008, 05:36 AM	(permalink)
speakerguy79	I need to get "6 3 3 7" tattooed on my fingers. Of course, I'd have to get the existing "THUG LIFE" removed...

14th August 2008, 06:41 AM	(permalink)
The Mad Professor	Nothing quite like the smell of solder in the morning __________________ It may seem like a good idea at the time , but never stir your cold coffee with a soldering iron.