Basic information for soldering beginners
One of the essential pieces of workshop equipment is the soldering iron. It is used for a wide range of jobs; for those minor/basic jobs, as well as more advanced jobs where hand tools are insufficient. This device consists of: the flask (serves as a handle), as well as the tip (directly in contact with the solder). It is therefore a tool for soldering.
Soldering is a method by which two pieces of metal are fused together using a binder, which is called solder. The result of this process is a stable, aesthetically pleasing and durable joint. Brazing occurs at a temperature higher than the melting of the solder (to plasticise the binder). However, the whole process occurs at a temperature that will not damage the structure of the joined parts. Thus, the solder melts and the joined parts remain intact, solid. The soldering process is based on phenomena such as adhesion and diffusion.
Considering the melting point of the binder, we can distinguish between two basic soldering methods:
- brazing,
- soft soldering.
Soft soldering
The soft soldering process takes place at a temperature lower than 450°C. It is approximately 320°C. The melting range of the alloy is approximately 180 - 280° C. The foundation of soft solder is tin, as well as other metals that have a similar melting point (cadmium, antimony, bismuth). It can be used to join steel, copper, zinc or brass components. Although the entire joining process does not take place at a high temperature, soft soldering can be done not only by trained professionals, but also by amateurs. They use soldering instruments in their own households.
Soft soldering is very often used in electronics (e.g. parts on a so-called printed circuit board can be joined), in the sealing of roofs and gutters, but also in sheet metal work.
Brazing
Brazing takes place at high temperatures - above 450°C. And sometimes the temperatures are five times higher - as in industrial brazing. This requires more specialised tools, such as a soldering lamp or an oxy-acetylene torch. Hard solder is very often various silver mixtures, which are capable of joining many metals. We can use solder when we want to join carbon steels, molybdenum steels, nickel steels, tungsten steels, chromium steels, as well as copper, silver, gold or bronze. This brazing bonds tightly and the components remain impact-resistant. As the entire soldering process takes place at high temperatures, the work can be dangerous. Specialised, expert tools are required. It is also worth having experience.
Brazing is a well-known metalworking method with numerous advantages. The places where metals are joined look aesthetically pleasing and the strength is very high. There is a choice of solders with a wide variety of properties. This technology is well-known, modern and the important thing is that it is able to join almost all metals and alloys.
KURSO Center runs high-level soldering courses. On them you will learn how to use a soldering iron safely and we will show you the basics of DIY. Training is both theoretical and practical. We have more than 15 years of experience and our teaching methods are state-of-the-art and allow us to transfer knowledge effectively. Our main centre is located in Warsaw, but we operate all over Poland, including: Krakow, Gdansk, Szczecin, Poznan, Kielce, Wroclaw, Bielsko-Biala or Katowice. We invite you to check our website and to contact us.
