Soldering Process

Soldering is a process that uses molten metal or an alloy of low melting point below 450^oC to join or bind two metal parts. The alloy or metal is also referred to as a solder. The metal that is added during soldering process has a melting point lower than that of the workpiece. Heat is applied uniformly to the metal parts and the alloy metal is pressed against the joint, which melts down. The molten matter is then drawn into the joint by capillary action and around the materials to be joined by wetting action.

In this process, only the added metal is melted and not the workpiece. As a result, soldering generally do not create distortions or weakness in the workpiece that can occur with welding. Soldering is generally used to join electrical, electronic and other small metal parts.

There are many different ways by which soldering can be done. This includes passing parts over a bulk container of melted solder, using an infrared lamp, or using a point source such as an electric soldering iron, a brazing torch, or a hot-air soldering tool. Sometimes flux is used to aid the joining process.