Soldering

Soldering, joining metal objects using a low-melting-point alloy, solder, as the adhesive. Soft solder, commonly used in electronics to join wires and other components, is an alloy of mainly lead and tin. The parts to be joined are cleaned and then heated by applying a hot soldering iron (usually having a copper bit). A flux is used to dissolve oxides, protect the surfaces, and enable the solder to flow freely. The solder melts when applied, solidifying again to form a strong joint when the iron is withdrawn. Solder is often applied as wire with a core of noncorrosive rosin flux. Soldering at higher temperatures is termed brazing.