Is the process of jointing metal sheet (Such as tin, galvanized iron, copper sheet etc.) with an alloy whose melting is less that of the materials to be soldered? The alloy used for joining the metals is called solder.
Soldering at high temperature using brass as solder is called brazing. The most common solder is composed of 50 percent lead and 50 percent tin. Its melting point is about 10 percent that of copper.
The composition of the fine solder (soft solder is tin 60 and lead 40). It melting temperature is 190°C and is widely used by tin men and radio mechanics.
Solder used for cable jointing has composition of lead 66, tin 33, antimony. This solder is also used by plumbers. Melting temperature is 226°C.
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For proper soldering flux is to be used. In soldering process, the application of flux serves to remove oxides from the surface to be soldered. They deoxidise the materials at the time the soldering element is added.
For ordinary soldering zinc chloride is a common flux. Tallow or olive oil may also be used for soldering. Flux is also sometimes incorporated in solder wire itself. In such a case no extra flux is necessary. Then that wire is called resin cored solder.
Soldering Iron:
This is used for making a permanent mechanical joint of wires. It consists of a heating element, which heats the copper tip. A wooden handle is provided for properly holding the soldering iron when in use. The soldering iron may be either of 25 watts, 65 watts, 100 watts, 200 watts, etc.