Summary for tin-lead solder reflow Discussion
Reflow of tin-lead solder is discussed in the context of soldering a BeCu RF pin onto a rolled copper trace with Sn63Pb37. The question asks whether a soldering iron set as high as 750 °F is safe and whether about 10 seconds of heat could damage the joint or dissolve copper foil. The excerpt does not include a direct answer to that specific 2023 question, but the older related discussion suggests reflow is highly process-sensitive and that time and temperature matter a great deal. One reply notes that reflow can be a difficult, trial-and-error process depending on the bath, parts, and method. Another warns that overheating can cause solder to flow away and leave thicker edges, and that IR soldering is only suitable for certain fast, controlled applications. Overall, the thread implies caution with excessive heat and dwell time, especially on delicate copper features.
Q. Recommended soldering iron temperature to reflow SN63Pb37?
Is it safe to reflow Sn63Pb37 to solder BeCu RF pin onto rolled copper trace using soldering iron temperature up 750 °F? Should I be concerned about copper foil dissolution in solder? Any issue with exposing solder to high temperature for ~10seconds?
Samu
Samu Jean-noel
– NYC, New York
March 1, 2023
⇩ Similar, related, Q&As — oldest first ⇩
I’m looking for alternate methods to hot peanut oil for reflowing tin-lead solder. Does anyone know of other techniques? Specifications?
Blair Smith
aerospace – Windsor Locks, Connecticut
1999
A. We use a product from a company called CuTech. They specialize in solder reflow. If you want to use a less expensive method you can also use tallow flakes. As far as techniques go it’s more trial and error depending on the type of bath used, the parts being flowed and the flowing process.
Jim Conner
Mabank, Texas USA
? Disclaimer: I’m only suggesting the following as a source of debate, conversation, etc.
Couldn’t you use IR for reflow? The purpose of the hot oil is to heat the tin/lead to above it’s melting point so why wouldn’t infra-red heating work?
Megan Pellenz
– Syracuse, New York
A. Because it will flow to the edges and form a significantly thicker layer there at the expense of the rest of the part. My guess is the surface tension is quite high. Too hot and it runs off. Reflow is one of the most miserable processes that I ever came across. Guess I never learned the secret.
James Watts
– Navarre, Florida
A. The IR process is good for mounting PC boards and their components but not for parts such as frames or glass to metal seal components. The time is so critical (8-15 seconds) the IR soldering furnaces cannot compare. One other application for IR is on reel to reel systems. The nature of the material and the speed of the process.
Jim Conner
Mabank, Texas USA