Western Metal Alloyers

Solders

Although solders are typically a tin/lead alloy, they don't have to be.  With the advent of lead free solders, antimony, copper, and silver have been added to tin. These alloys are much stronger than pure tin and do not have the health concerns that are associated with lead.  However, the basic naming rules and standard sizes and dimensions still apply.

When naming a solder the percentage by weight of tin is always the first number.  If it is a tin/lead alloy then the lead percentage by weight will follow.  The chemical symbols for tin (Sn) and lead (Pb) may or may not be present.  However, if it is not a tin/lead alloy then the chemical symbols will be present.

The standard wire diameters are; 0.75 mm (0.032"), 1.2 mm (0.050"), 1.5 mm (0.062") and 3.0 mm (0.125").  However, we are able to produce or source any diameter size that you need.

 The standard spool sizes are 1 lb, 0.5 kg, 2.5 kg, and 10 kg.  If you are looking for larger amounts of solder than this you may be more interested in out bar solders or pig solders.

There are three types of solder cores available; Acid, Rosin, and Solid.  Acid core solders are typically used for industrial applications where the materials you are working with are not new.  Acid core solders are typically thicker in diameter (3.0 mm is most common) and are never used for any electrical applications.  Rosin core solders are used almost exclusively for electrical applications with 50/50 and 60/40 being the most common alloys.  Solid core solders are normally used when dealing with new materials and require the use of an external flux.

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Last modified: 05/13/07