What temperature should I use for lead-free solder?

Good practices such as having clean pads, a clean soldering iron tip, and allowing the solder connection to cool undisturbed are common for both solders. The lead-free solders melt at higher temperatures of about 217°C/422°F compared to 183°C/361°F for the lead-based option.

Does Lead-free solder have a lower melting point than lead solder?

Most lead-free replacements for conventional 60/40 and 63/37 Sn-Pb solder have melting points from 50 to 200 °C higher, though there are also solders with much lower melting points. Lead-free solder typically requires around 2% flux by mass for adequate wetting ability.

What is the advantage of lead-free solder?

The greater use of lead-free solders has led to the discovery of some of their noteworthy characteristics. For example, high joint strength, better fatigue resistance, improved high temperature life and harder solder joints are among the features seen in some of the novel materials.

Is lead-free solder better for environment?

Based on these criteria, lead-free products are not more environmentally friendly than the present electronics soldered with Sn/Pb. Thus, the focus of future regulation should be on recovery and recycling of the metals at end-of-life as required in the WEEE rather than the elimination of lead-based solder.

How do you know if solder is lead free?

Yes you can tell if lead solder has been used. It will be duller than lead free when cooled, and should be easily spotted by a trained eye. Lead solder can be added to lead free with no problem.

How can you tell if solder is lead?

Rub the test area with an activated LeadCheck® Swab. If the tip of the LeadCheck® Swab is pink or red, there is lead. Swab tips exposed to leaded solder will turn pink or red instantly. Any remaining dye, if negative, will become pale yellow to colorless.

Is lead solder the best?

The higher the tin content, the higher the melting point and product cost. Lead-tin solders are easier to work with, they flow well, and are quicker to bring to a working temperature. But, when it comes to safety, the risks of leaded solder are great and it should only be used when permitted by regulatory agencies.

Does lead-free solder go bad?

Solder manufacturers say yes solder has a shelf life (~ 6 months for leaded solder, ~1 year for non-leaded).

Which is a disadvantage of lead free reflow soldering?

For lead-free reflow soldering, a disadvantage of the standard profile is the relative height of the peak of the reflow zone. With the soak zone at 150 °C and the reflow zone at 245 °C (typical value for lead-free reflow soldering), the temperature rise from soak zone to reflow zone is 95 °C.

What should the reflow temperature be for copper solder?

The peak temperature for the reflow zone is at least 25 °C above TAL, because solder both coalesces better with the copper and wets the pads and component pins better when it is hotter —thereby creating better joints. This is especially important for lead-free solders (SAC305), because this solder is less effective at wetting than leaded solders.

When do I need to reflow my Pb / Ag solder?

The higher melting points of the typical Pb-Free (Sn/Ag) solders requires reflow to occur above 240°C. The recommended soldering or reflow profile must assure a minimum time above 240°C that takes into account equipment temperature tolerances, and with varying product and component size and mass.

What should the temperature of solder be to fill a hole?

Solder pot temperature will play a role in hole-fill as temperature is increased. The photos to the right, indicate the degree of hole-fill as solder temperature increases from 240, 250 to 260°C using SAC solder. Materials compatible with higher tin solders are nitrided steel, titanium, cast iron or ceramic coatings.