For now, just know that flux is a chemical agent that aids in the flowing of lead-free solder. Many lead-free solder variants have what's called a flux core. And, although tin gets the job done, it sometimes needs a little help. Tin has a higher melting point than lead resulting in more heat needed to achieve flow. When you take away the lead, you also take away some of the properties of solder that make it ideal for what it was intended - joining two pieces of metal. As mentioned, lead was chosen because it performs the best in a situation such as soldering. Lead-free solder is not without its downfalls. SparkFun sells both varieties to allow individuals to make that choice for themselves. Still, others prefer safety over functionality and opt for the lead-free. Many people still prefer the use of leaded solder on account of its superb ability to act as a joining agent.
However, when it comes to you and your electronics, the choice of solder is yours to make. When it comes to manufacturing electronics, it's best to use lead-free solder to ensure the safety of your products. This solder is usually marked with the RoHS symbol to let potential buyers know it conforms to the standard. Instead it is made up of mostly tin and other trace metals, such as silver and copper. Lead-free solder is very similar to its leaded counterpart, except, as the name states, it contains no lead. With that, the use of lead-free solder became the norm in electronics manufacturing. This directive, stated simply, restricts the use of leaded solder (amongst other materials) in electronics and electrical equipment.
In 2006, the European Union adopted the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive ( RoHS). With the adverse effects of leaded soldering known, some key individuals and countries decided it was best to not use leaded solder anymore.
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. As it has come to be known, lead is harmful to humans and can lead to lead poisoning when exposed to large amounts. One 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. These come in both leaded and lead-free varieties. Solder wire sold as a spool (left) and in a tube (right).
0 kommentar(er)
