In the course of finishing a product, fabricators can rely on a variety of techniques, equipment and processes. They may look at various means, carefully calculating what will achieve the desired goal. They do so in accordance with the properties of the substrate metal as well as the specifications and requirements of the client. While plating is common among Massachusetts shops, so too, are welding and brazing. Another service these experts may turn to is one often confused with welding or brazing. This is soldering. Services utilizing this method provide the solution to specific problems not addressed in other procedures.
What Is Soldering?
Soldering is often confused with welding. The two do join two pieces of metal together. However, the technique and the purpose are quite different. In welding, however, the intent is to create an extremely strong joint between the two metal components. To accomplish this, both the edge of the base metals or workpieces and the metal filler (the metal added to unify the joints), if any, are melted. Sometimes, the metal workpieces are welded directly together without filler.
In soldering, the purpose is to provide a solid electrical connection not to create a fusion of parts that will withstand intense stresses. To accomplish this, the finisher does not melt the metal surface. Instead, he or she only melts the filler.
Types of Soldering
Soldering comes in two main types. The professionals in Massachusetts shops categorize these soldering services in the following manner:
1. Soft Soldering: Generally using an alloy of lead and tin as a filler, this is the process fabricators use to solder smaller parts that are intricate and characterized by low melting points.
2. Hard soldering: Usually an alloy of tin and antimony, this filler material handles metals of higher melting points e.g. above 840F. Hard solder joins the two metal workpieces by expanding into their pores. These have been opened by the high temperatures of the work
These are not the only types, but comprise the basic categories. While basic soldering does use mainly an alloy of tin, it can also utilize other metal soldering material. Silver may also be employed, although never for filling in a gap unless the right flux is also used.
Soldering Services
Although some may confuse welding and soldering, the experts in Massachusetts fabrication shops never do. They understand its use and capabilities. They know it is an excellent means to repair and joining specific components. They also know that when it comes to providing the best soldering services possible, they need to pay close attention to detail, including the proper surface preparation.
