10 Common PCB Solder Types
PCB solder types used in electronics manufacturing and repair range. Various types of solder are used in PCB soldering, each with its own characteristics and applications. The most common PCB solder types include:
- Lead-Based Solder:
- Sn63/Pb37: This eutectic alloy comprises 63% tin (Sn) and 37% lead (Pb). It has a low melting point, good wetting properties, and is easy to work with. However, lead-based solder has recently become less common due to environmental and health concerns.
- Sn63/Pb37: This eutectic alloy comprises 63% tin (Sn) and 37% lead (Pb). It has a low melting point, good wetting properties, and is easy to work with. However, lead-based solder has recently become less common due to environmental and health concerns.
- Lead-Free Solder:
- Sn96.5/Ag3.0/Cu0.5 (SAC305): This lead-free solder contains 96.5% tin (Sn), 3% silver (Ag), and 0.5% copper (Cu). It’s a standard replacement for lead-based solder for regulatory and environmental reasons.
- Sn95.5/Ag4.0/Cu0.5 (SAC405): Similar to SAC305 but slightly higher silver content.
- Sn99/Ag0.3/Cu0.7 (SAC0307): Another lead-free solder with a higher tin content and lower silver content.
- No-Clean Solder:
- These solders are designed to produce minimal residues after soldering, reducing the need for cleaning. They are available in both lead-based and lead-free formulations.
- These solders are designed to produce minimal residues after soldering, reducing the need for cleaning. They are available in both lead-based and lead-free formulations.
- Water-Soluble Solder:
- These solder types are used when thorough cleaning of the PCB is required. Flux residues can be easily removed with water.
- These solder types are used when thorough cleaning of the PCB is required. Flux residues can be easily removed with water.
- Rosin-Core Solder:
- These PCB solder types have a rosin (flux) core, which the heat activates during soldering. They are commonly used for through-hole soldering.
- These PCB solder types have a rosin (flux) core, which the heat activates during soldering. They are commonly used for through-hole soldering.
- No-Clean Flux Pens:
- While not a solder type per se, these pens contain a flux that can be applied to specific soldering points for better wetting and joint quality.
- While not a solder type per se, these pens contain a flux that can be applied to specific soldering points for better wetting and joint quality.
- Paste Solder:
- Solder paste is a mixture of powder and flux, often used in surface mount technology (SMT) and reflow soldering processes.
- Solder paste is a mixture of powder and flux, often used in surface mount technology (SMT) and reflow soldering processes.
- Lead-Free BGA Solder Balls:
- These tiny solder balls used in Ball Grid Array (BGA) soldering are placed on the bottom of the component and then melted to form connections.
- These tiny solder balls used in Ball Grid Array (BGA) soldering are placed on the bottom of the component and then melted to form connections.
- Silver Solder:
- Silver solder contains significant silver and is used in applications where a higher-strength joint is needed.
- Silver solder contains significant silver and is used in applications where a higher-strength joint is needed.
- Aluminum Solder:
- This specialized solder is used for soldering aluminum components to a PCB.
The choice of solder depends on the specific requirements of the PCB assembly and the environmental regulations in the region. It’s essential to select the appropriate PCB solder types and use proper soldering techniques to ensure reliable and durable connections on the PCB.
Hopefully, this gives you a brief idea of the various PCB solder types being used today. If there are questions regarding your specific application, you can CONTACT us or GET QUOTE by clicking these links.
