Why do you need soldering flux

By knowing which type of flux to use and the right way to work with it, you can learn to use flux to make your soldering last longer. Soldering flux is used to make a stronger bond whenever you solder different metals together.

To use soldering flux, choose the right flux for your job and apply it the right way. For electrical soldering, such as electronics, use a leaded solder on the delicate wires. It has a lower melting point and will create a strong bond. For tougher soldering projects, such as copper piping, choose an acid flux, which will remove larger areas of oxidization and give you a much stronger soldering job.

Apply the flux to the outside of your pipes and connect them together. Then, heat the fitting with a soldering iron and apply your solder. For tips about how to use a rosin-based flux, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Use rosin-based flux for electrical soldering. If you need to remove oxidization from wires, a rosin-based solder is your best bet.

As most electronics use more fragile, thinner wires, anything too corrosive may risk damaging them and shorting your circuit. Find a rosin-based solder at your local hardware store when working with electronics. Go for an acid flux when soldering pipes. If you're working with something bigger than electrical wiring, such as copper piping, you'll need something more corrosive. Acid flux or tinning flux will remove larger areas of oxidization and give you a much stronger soldering job.

The powder will melt with the flux and help fill the inside of the pipe you are soldering, making it more waterproof and longer-lasting. Opt for leaded solder when working with electronics. Leaded solder will melt at a lower temperature than other types, which makes it better for delicate electrical wiring.

Ask at your local hardware or electronics store for leaded or electrical solder and you should have a small variety of types to choose from. It is more environmentally-friendly as it doesn't contain lead, but also will not hold quite as strong.

This means that they are slightly hollow and will have a thin line of rosin flux running through the middle. It will only be a small amount, so it shouldn't replace other flux, but it will increase the flux coating of your wires.

These may oxidize slightly more, but as long as you are using soldering flux they should still hold strongly for a long time. If you are using leaded solder, make sure to wash your hands once you have finished working with it as the lead is toxic. Choose silvered solder for soldering pipes together. Inside the solder wire there is at least one core that is filled with flux. If the solder wire comes into contact with the components during soldering, the solder melts, and the flux is released, i.

Of course, if the flux is burned it will no longer work. For this reason, additional flux is used. As a rule, this must also be used in order to get an optimal soldering result. It is advisable to treat the soldering surfaces beforehand with the appropriate flux, which creates a protective surface that prevents oxidation.

With conventional hand soldering, there is enough flux in the soldering wire. The choice of flux depends on whether aluminum or stainless steel is to be processed or whether electronic work is to be carried out.

In this case, high-quality flux must be used to avoid any residue or rust. Dirty parts to be joined require an acidic flux. As a result, there are differences in the dosage, so that flux is offered in tubes or even in canisters. The differences between the products are briefly explained here:.

Flux is required so that the workpieces are optimally wetted by the solder during soldering. A chemical reaction removes the oxides present on the workpiece surfaces or prevents the formation of new oxides during the soldering process. Besides, the surface tension of the liquid solder is reduced so that the solder can lie cleanly on the workpieces. Conveniently, the flux is fed to the solder joint together with the solder. For this purpose, the tin solder is built up in the shape of a tube and the flux is embedded inside.

Flux is a filler metal that people use brazing, soldering, and welding processes. It helps to prevent oxidation of the surfaces of metals that you work with and need to join. During the oxidation process, metal becomes weaker what makes it easier to be joined during soldering. From the very beginning, you should understand that this is not some kind of a special type of flux.

It is the property of flux to be water-soluble. If you have such kind of flux, it means that you can clear it after the soldering process with water. Nevertheless, it is necessary to mention that no ordinary water should be used. It is recommended to use distilled or deionized water. Some detergents can also be compatible with the type of flux you have.

Thus, you need to check the specifications of flux. My hobby is electronic circuits and soldering irons. Most soldering irons have a copper tip. As a simple and useful tool, it is applied not only by a specialist but also by handymen who occasionally need to work with electronics. For example, if you need to join two wires or repair a household appliance.

However, not all novice users remember the most important…. Soldering is also nearly impossible to perform on oxidized metals without some type of flux. Without it, the soldering iron will either oxidize or not get hot enough to form a solid connection. Here are a few different kinds of chemicals that can effectively be used as soldering flux:. Using household items or easily sourced chemicals, you can quickly make a flux at home without buying soldering wire that incorporates it at the core.

Flux has a few other functions in soldering other than cleaning the components of oxidation. Without wetting, electronic materials cannot conduct electricity as effectively. This also affects the ability of the solder to flow across the operating surface by facilitating heat conduction. Source: Quora. Without flux, a soldering job will not flow as consistently as it would with a proper flux, and this, in turn, can negatively affect the quality of the resulting solder job.

Flux is also responsible for protecting the soldered area from subsequent oxidation after the solder is completed. After a metal surface has been cleaned, this leaves it vulnerable to re-oxidation.

Flux prevents the metal from being tarnished again by serving as a protective layer between the metal surface and oxygen in the environment. Here are some tips for better soldering without flux:.

Making sure that you are prepared with the right tools can help increase your chances of success. You can get away with using soldering wire other than commercial flux core wire, but there are several major disadvantages to soldering without flux. If you can swing it, even just using a homemade flux can make the difference between a poor solder job and one that lasts. If you liked this article, have a look at my other articles I wrote about the topic!

To address some of the questions I frequently got asked or was wondering myself during my job, I started this blog. It has become a bit of a pet project, as I want to learn more about the details about welding. The solder paste flux also contains additives to improve the flow characteristics of the solder as it melts. Selective Soldering: The flux used for selective soldering processes is applied either by spraying it, or by using a more precise drop jet process.

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