One of the most common methods of industrial work to join components together alongside welding is soldering, which has different variations. These can depend, for example, on the degree of melting. A distinction is made between soft soldering, which is characterised by easy fusibility. This type of brazing is performed by using solders with temperatures of up to 450 degrees. One variation of soft soldering is reaction soldering and aluminium is joined using this. In addition, titanium and steel are tinned in this way, but it is quite difficult and time-consuming and the joints are not of high quality. Soft soldering is most commonly used:
- copper-tin solder,
- tin-lead solder.
The materials used for soft soldering do not have the slightest problem with efficient conductivity, so they are very often used in electronics. Another environment in which soft soldering works well is in central heating installations, where the temperature does not exceed 110 degrees and in water conditions. The solder used for soft soldering is most often found in the form of wire or sticks. A special flame torch is most often used to melt the solder. However, it is worth noting that it is easy to overheat the parts to be joined, so be very careful. To obtain soft solder, a gas lamp should be used, as the temperature of the whole process is not required to be too high. The most common material with which soft soldering is carried out is tin wire. Please note that when heating, you should not heat the metal, but only the parts where you want to form the solder. To complete the soldering process, wait until everything has cooled down before dipping the whole thing in water.
Brazing - difficult to fuse
Brazing is a type of soldering where the temperature of the binder is higher than 450 degrees. Solders made of:
- copper,
- silver,
- phosphorus.
Such brazing is most commonly used for steels made of:
- tungsten,
- nickel,
- chromium,
- gold,
- silver,
- copper,
- brass,
- bronze.
Brazing also occurs in the presence of CO installations where the temperature exceeds 110 degrees. When brazing, the following are used:
- acetyl-oxygen burners,
- propane-butane burners,
- soldering lamps,
- induction soldering irons.
The main difference between soft soldering and brazing is the quality of the connections, which is much better with brazing. In addition, they are much more resistant to unfavourable high temperatures and better able to withstand all impacts and other adverse effects. The conditions for brazing are much more complex than for soft soldering. The rooms in which this brazing takes place should be well ventilated.
How to learn - training
It is not easy to prepare the soldering process well, which is why it is advisable to receive appropriate training in this field that will prepare you from both the theoretical and practical side. Soldering, although it seems to be a trivial thing and can be done by anyone, requires specialised knowledge and skills. Anyone who trains in this area can provide soldering services to others. One of the establishments providing courses in soldering is the ERGON Personnel Improvement Centre, which has been teaching a wide range of useful skills in various industries. It is worth considering attending a training course organised by ERGON.