Solder alloys


Solder alloys are metallic materials that are used to connect metal workpieces. This is achieved by melting the alloy and then cooling it down. The choice of specific alloy depends on its melting point, chemical reactivity, mechanical properties, toxicity, and other properties. Hence a wide range of solder alloys exist, and only major ones are listed below. Since early 2000s the use of lead in solder alloys is discouraged by several governmental guidelines in the European Union, Japan and other countries, such as Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive.

Solder alloys

Properties

The thermal conductivity of common solders ranges from 30 to 400 W/, and the density from 9.25 to 15.00 g/cm3.
MaterialThermal conductivity
Melting point
Sn-37Pb 50.9183
Sn-0.7Cu53227
Sn-2.8Ag-20.0In53.5175–186
Sn-2.5Ag-0.8Cu-0.5Sb57.26215–217
Pb-5Sn63310
Lead 35.0327.3
Tin 73.0231.9
Aluminum 240660.1
Copper 393–4011083
FR-41.7