Disadvantages of Soldering Weaker joints compared to other welding methods such as MIG and TIG. Soldering isn't suitable at high temperatures, as the solder has a low melting point. Heavy metals aren't suitable for soldering. Melted solder might leave a toxic flux residue.
1. Disturbed Joint. One of the most common problems along rows and columns of solder joints is the disturbed joint, which has a bloated, distorted and sometimes flaky appearance. The primary cause of a disturbed joint is a movement of any sort at the time of solder application.
Crimping is a superior method of connecting wires compared to soldering for many reasons. Mainly, solder joints are less mechanically durable than non-alloy joints. Additionally, high-quality crimps are better at preventing moisture exposure to metal wires, which can cause corrosion.
Soldering with lead (or other metals used in soldering) can produce dust and fumes that are hazardous. In addition, using flux containing rosin produces solder fumes that, if inhaled, can result in occupational asthma or worsen existing asthmatic conditions; as well as cause eye and upper respiratory tract irritation.
Rule 1. The metal. Always make sure the area which you wish to solder is clean, dry and free from grease. lf necessary clean the area with a solvent (MEK, Mek Pak, Plasticweld or generic equivalents).
We recommend to apply the iron tip to the joint first. Once that point of contact is sufficiently heated, add solder and allow it to spread. Remember to do this sequence as quickly as possible – holding your iron on the joint too long can fry a solder pad or component!
Welding produces a much stronger joint than soldering. This makes it suitable for load-bearing and structural metal connections. Soldering only makes a connection as strong as the solder you use. Welding two different metals together is generally not possible without specialist equipment and techniques.
If you followed the two cardinal rules of soldering: CLEAN and DRY, used a good flux on both pieces, and applied heat to the fitting, not the pipe, and applied the solder before the joint was so hot that the flux burned, then there is good proabiltity that your joints will last forever.
In summary, using flux when soldering is not just a recommended practice; it is a critical step in achieving reliable, durable, and clean solder joints. Flux serves multiple purposes, including oxide removal, wetting, solder flow control, and preventing reoxidation.
Soldering is temperature-sensitive. The metal has to be hot enough to melt metal. Otherwise, it won't adhere properly. Hold your soldering iron against the metal for an extended time until it reaches temperatures high enough for the solder to melt and adhere to the metal.
All solders have a use-by date and manufactured date stamped on the packaging by the manufacturer. Recommendations are that the solder won't be used after that date. In the field, however, there are different opinions on whether this is necessary.
Excessive solder
Excessive solder will cause a ball-like pin. Although there are no direct dangers like a short circuit, excess solder flux is one of the reasons why solder bridges generate. Moreover, excessive solder effect the proper wet between solder pins and solder pads and will contribute to a low-quality PCB.
Always make sure the area which you wish to solder is clean, dry and free from grease. If necessary clean the area with a solvent (MEK, Mek Pak, Plasticweld or generic equivalents). The area must also be bright ready to take the solder. Abrade the metal so that there is no oxidisation present.
We specialize in “micro” welding, Simply put means welding anything smaller than traditional welding options.
The use of lead-containing solder presents the potential for exposure to lead, which can cause neurological toxicity and other health effects. The use of rosin core solder or flux presents the potential for exposure to rosin fume, which can cause irritation and sensitization of the eyes and respiratory tract.
The two most common joining methods — soldering and crimping — provide high-quality, long-lasting connections when performed by experienced technicians, but there remains a persistent debate about which is better. A good argument can be made for each one, but crimping is the preferred choice for most applications.
It helps the solder to flow while preventing the metal from oxidising and the risk of fire stains. Borax bars are made from compact, dried flux and are used with water to create a paste that is suitable for soldering precious and non-precious metals.
Yes, Vaseline works just as well as commercial flux, and you can even buy a generic brand. Petroleum jelly is primarily made from waxes and mineral oils so that it won't corrode your components. Plus, it cleans away the gunk and eliminates metal oxides that could compromise your bond.
Solder won't flow on a dirty or greasy surface. Make sure that the metal is clean before soldering. Clean your metal by giving it a quick scrub with a non-bleach cleanser like "Bar Keepers Friend", metal cleaner like "Penny Brite" or place it in your pickle pot and let sit for a few minutes.