Soldering is a process where two pieces of metal are joined together. It is one of the most common tasks in the world of electronics. It connects electrical components and is used in various applications, from consumer products to industrial systems. In this blog, we will be discussing the use of 60/40 rosin core solder for electronic soldering. Firstly, we will introduce the types of rosin core solder available on the market, and then we will focus on the properties of 60/40 rosin core solder. We will also discuss some tips for using this type of solder and some common problems while soldering.
Rosin core solder and its type
Rosin core solder consists of solder that is manufactured into a wire form but with a hollow core that is filled with a mild flux. This flux is a solid form of resin that is derived from pine trees.
Lead-based rosin core solder aka soft solder where lead(Pb) is mixed with other alloys such as tin(Sn) to get the required melting point and tensile strength. Here are the common alloys that contain tin and lead mixtures.
- 63/37 Lead-based rosin core Solder: Consist of 63% Tin and 40% Lead
- 60/40 rosin core Solder: Consist of 60% Tin and 40% Lead
- 50/50 Lead-based rosin core Solder: Consist of 50% Tin and 50% Lead
- 30/70Lead-based Solder: Consist of 30% Tin and 70% Lead
- 10/90 Lead-based Solder: Consist of 10% Tin and 90% Lead
What are the 60/40 rosin core solder and its compositions
The alloy of 60/40 rosin core contains the following main elements:
| 60% Tin (Sn) | 40% Lead (Pb) |
This type of solder has a specific melting point, forming hard surface ionic bonds with high density and conductivity that allow it to work well in both wetting and heating phases during soldering processes.
Reactions between liquids used for cooling iron surfaces at different temperatures The use of rosin core solder depends on the fact that some types have higher melting points than others (mainly when they are made from 60/40 rosin core solder). For example, flux-cored solders have a higher melting point than rosin core. These types of solders are alloys created by using different percentages of lead and antimony in the raw materials needed to form the solidifying alloy.
Uses Of rosin core solder 60/40
The rosin core 60/40 is commonly used for making all types of solders. However, it can also be found in different areas such as electronics and electromechanical systems (EMS), to name a few. This type of solder is also used for fixing damaged automotive wiring. It has no particular drawbacks linked to its suitability when compared with other types of solder and provides the same performance at low temperatures, thus making this product suitable for many industrial applications.
Advantages of Using rosin core solder 60/40:
Pb and Sn present in rosin core solder are optical adhesion compounds that increase the interatomic bonding. As a result, these types of solders possess higher conductivity compared to alkali flux-core ones; this makes them suitable for all kinds of electronic applications such as high voltage, digital logic boards (chip assembly), electroplating processes on copper or other metals at temperatures below 247 °C.
This type of solder can be used in low temperatures, 130 °C, and 290 °C. Its main advantage is that it does not leak water; this makes it easy to remove a joint at the end of an electronic system’s production process using no chemicals or special equipment. Additionally, these solders allow versatility in their use as they have shorter flux transition times compared to alkali-core ones.
It is acceptable for use in home appliance applications; it does not increase the amount of rendering or noise that can be heard during operation. In addition, this type of solder does not leave any residue at the joint produced by its application. This makes these solders suitable for use on items such as car motors, power supplies, and other electronic devices.
Its non-corrosive features make it not ruin your circuit board and copper trolley, thus making the process of finishing a PCB finished.
Since there is no residue from this batch to be found on subsequently repaired components meant for industrial use, its versatility can also be appreciated in different manufacturing processes like – graphical advertisement printing, green electroplating as well as inter-process transfers.
Disadvantages of Using rosin core solder 60/40
- Though Mildly activated rosin is a more powerful cleaner of oxidation, it left a slight residue that must be cleaned.
- This type of solder only works on copper and brass.
- Using rosin core 60/40 solder there is a health issue involved. It produces unwanted fumes that are not good for health. Heated rosin core solder which contains lead produce fume that can be caused for developing a cough, sore throat, or other breathing difficulties.
How to store Rosin core solder:
This type of solder must be stored in air-tight plastic bags (such as polyethylene bags) in a cool and dry place.
In the middle of soldering fine gold wires or SMT components, use a syringe pump without drawing liquid solder wire & rod raw hot water bubble which caused damage that can not be repaired easily should happen to you. A non-corrosive environment should be maintained.
What is the melting point of 60 40 rosin core solder?
The melting point of 60 40 Rosin core solder is around 180-190C degrees.
Final Verdict
Solders are one of the essential components in electronic equipment, and choosing the right one can make or break the reliability of your device. 60/40 rosin core solder is the most commonly used solder composition, but it’s not good for your health. It contains lead and other toxic metals which are not good for your health as it can cause various respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. If you’re using this kind of solder composition in your projects, be sure to switch to a better one that is safer for your health.
