how strong is a copper solder joint

Full Answer

How to connect copper pipes without soldering?

Why Learn to Fix Leaky Copper Pipes

• SharkBite Couplings
• SharkBite Depth Tool
• AutoCut Copper Pipe Cutter
• Ridgid No. 10 or 15 Tubing Cutter
• Milwaukee PEX Tubing Cutter
• Emery Cloth
• Drywall Saw
• Utility Knife
• PEX (optional)
• Copper Pipe (Type L)

More items...

What is the best solder for copper tubing?

• Solder Joining two metals together by melting a third filler metal between them; the two metals being joined do not melt. ...
• Braze Mechanically this is the same process as soldering. ...
• Weld In this process two metals are joined by melting them together. ...

What type of solder is best for copper pipe?

• Worthington 331760 Wire Solder
• Canfield 50/50 Stained Glass Solder
• Oatey 22004 95/5 Wire
• CMP Lead-Free Solder WSP95512501 95/5
• Canfield 95/5 Lead-Free Wire Solder
• Worthington 85325 Sterling Lead-Free Solder
• Shark 12015 1-Pound Industries Lead-Free Wire Solder
• Victory White Metal Stained Glass Solder
• Alpine Water Solder Silva Brite
• Forney 38060 Solder

How to unsolder copper fittings, super easy?

Tools Needed

• Propane Torch. This is the tool you will need in both soldering and unsoldering the copper pipe. ...
• Soldering Pliers or Pipe Cutter. You will need this when you solder back the new copper fitting or T-joint.
• Flame Shield. If you are working in a wooded area, a flame shield will come in handy.
• Safety Goggles. ...
• Leather Safety Gloves. ...

How much weight can a solder joint hold?

I get the ones that can hold 50Kg that is around 110 pounds. yeah, solder ain't gonna do it....Is solder strong enough to be substituted for welds?Versa Ars Tribunus Angusticlavius Registered: Apr 18, 2001 Posts: 7518Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:04 pmSolder will not work. You are screwed, try the JB-weld along with duct tape and cross your fingers.Jan 30, 2004

Can solder joints fail?

According to Rush PCB, there are three main causes for solder joints to fail: Fracture—tensile rupture from overloading. Creep—long-lasting and permanent loading. Fatigue—from cyclic loading.Mar 18, 2020

Is copper soldering hard?

Soldering copper water supply lines is not a difficult skill. Even a rookie can learn to solder leak-proof joints in 30 minutes. The process is simple—if you follow a few basic guidelines.Jul 7, 2021

How do you know if a copper solder joint is good?

A good solder joint should have an even band of solder showing all the way around. If you see an area that looks as if it needs more solder, brush a little flux onto the joint. If the joint is still warm, the flux will melt and flow into the void.Nov 22, 2019

Are solder joints strong?

The bond created when the melted soldered material solidifies. Not as strong as welding or brazing. A soldered bond is not as strong as a welded or brazed one because it is not a mechanical connection. If soldering wasn't done properly, the pieces won't conduct electricity properly.

Why do solder joints crack?

Solder cracks occur when heat stress is applied to a solder joint due to the difference in the thermal coefficients of the MLCC and PCB, in an environment in which changes between high temperatures and low temperatures are repeated.

How do you Unsweat a joint?

How to Unsweat a PipePlace the flame shield between the copper pipe joint and any flammable material close to the joint.Open the valve on the propane torch just enough to hear the gas escaping. ... Heat the copper pipe fitting with the torch.More items...

Can I solder copper wire?

The best solder to use for tinning stranded copper wire is electrical-grade rosin-core solder. This is an acid-free solder that contains a flux in the core of the solder.Jan 1, 2022

Can you overheat copper pipe when soldering?

Overheating is a major problem when brazing or soldering copper pipe because the flux will burn (become oxidized), stop working, and become a barrier to tinning. In addition, a heavy oxide can be formed on the pipe itself, preventing a bond from forming between the filler metal and the pipe surface.Mar 6, 2006

Why does my solder not stick?

Flux removes oxidation from metals, and it's crucial because solder won't stick to oxidized metals, and metals oxidize very quickly at soldering temperatures. 3. Not enough heat: A 15 Watt iron is fine for small chips, but any larger connectors or wire bigger than 16 gauge will cause problems.

What should you not do when soldering?

Soldering SafetyNever touch the element of the soldering iron.... 400°C!Hold wires to be heated with tweezers or clamps.Keep the cleaning sponge wet during use.Always return the soldering iron to its stand when not in use. Never put it down on the workbench.Turn unit off and unplug when not in use.

What happens if you use too much solder?

When you use too much solder you won't be able able to tell whether a joint is good: a blob of solder may not wet the pin or the pad, resulting in an unreliable electrical connection. Proper wetting and good electrical contact is easily identified by a concave surface on the solder joint.Apr 21, 2014

How is solder strength measured?

The strength of solder is measured by its tensile strength. The properties and strength of solder vary depending on its filler alloy components and their proportions. High-duty solder requires higher temperatures to melt and bond.

Which metal is the easiest to solder?

Answer: Tin, cadmium, gold, silver, palladium, and rhodium are the most solderable metals out there. They are easier than any other metal to solder.

How to make solder stronger?

Tweaking the proportion of the alloy constituents to an optimal value can make the solder stronger. As most of the properties of the filler metal influence the strength of the solder.

What temperature should solder melt?

Fillers that melt at below 840 °F (450°C) are used in soldering. The fillers vary depending on the quality and purpose of the solder. The strength, durability, and solderability highly depends on the alloy fillers used in it.

What is soldering in electronics?

Electronic devices and Auto repairings require the use of soldering. It helps to connect components with each other and builds an electrical connection.

How many different types of soldering are there?

There are three forms of soldering. Each of them requires different temperatures to solder and possess joints of different strengths.

What happens when soldered material solidifies?

The bond is created when the melted soldered material solidifies. If not soldered properly, the soldered pieces won’t be able to conduct electricity properly.

What is the difference between brazing and soldering?

The basic difference between soldering and brazing is the temperature necessary to melt the filler metal. That temperature is defined to be 842ºF/450ºC by the American Welding Society (AWS) but is often rounded to 840ºF. If the filler metal melts below 840ºF the process being performed is soldering. Above that temperature, the process is brazing.

What are the two methods of joining copper?

For many years the two most common methods of joining copper tube and fittings have been soldering and brazing . These tried and true methods are in a number of ways similar, yet there are also several distinct differences that set them apart. This paper explains the similarities and highlights the differences between the two joining processes to help determine which joining method is most desirable.

How many times does brazing filler penetrate the capillary space?

According to the American Welding Society (AWS), it is suggested that the brazing filler metal penetrate the capillary space at least three times the thickness of the thinnest component being joined, which is usually the tube. This is known in the industry as the AWS 3-T Rule.

Why braze joints?

Because of the increased strength of brazing alloys , even this rather small amount of fill penetration will result in a properly fabricated brazed joint stronger than the tube and or fitting themselves. However, unlike a solder joint, where the cap or fillet provides minimal additional strength, a brazed joint should be fabricated so that a well-developed fillet or "cap" of filler metal is provided between the tube and fitting on the face of the fitting. This fillet, or cap as it is often referred to in the trade, permits the stresses developed within the joint (by thermal expansion, pressure or other cyclic reactions such as vibration or thermal fatigue) to be distributed along the face of the fillet. In a brazed joint fabricated without the well-developed concave fillet, all stress would be concentrated at the sharp point of contact between the tube, braze alloy (filler metal), and the fitting, possibly leading to development of a stress fracture in the tube at that point. Creation of the fillet when fabricating the brazed joint greatly minimizes this possibility.

How to join copper tubing?

The most common method of joining copper tube is with the use of a socket-type, copper or copper alloy fitting into which the tube sections are inserted and fastened by means of a filler metal, using either a soldering or brazing process. This type of joint is known as a capillary or lap joint because the socket of the fitting overlaps ...

Why do brazed joints need to be made of metal?

Brazed joints are generally used to achieve higher joint strength or fatigue resistance. To accomplish this, filler metals stronger than those composed primarily of tin must be used. However, this increased strength generally comes from filler metals made of materials that melt at higher temperatures.

What is the melting point of a copper tube?

The melting point of copper (Cu) alloy UNS C12200 is 1,981°F/1082°C. As such, the filler metals for soldering and brazing copper and copper alloy tube and fittings must have melting temperatures below this temperature.

How is wire solder applied?

Wire solder comes in a roll and is applied by hand to heated surfaces, so that it melts and wets the surfaces, fastening them together. Surfaces may be heated with a torch (if you are plumbing) or an iron or soldering gun.

What is the lowest temperature solder melts at?

Until recently solder usually meant a eutectic mixture of 63% tin and 37% lead, which melts at 183C, the lowest temperature of any tin/lead alloy.

Why are silver brazing alloys used?

The majority of the silver brazing alloys have additions of zinc and other elements added to reduce the melting point and provide a wider melting range . For many decades, silver brazing alloys were produced with high levels of cadmium that provided the lowest melting points, but these have been replaced in many applications with cadmium free alloys, due to health issues and regulations with cadmium.

What is the temperature of silver and copper?

Silver and copper combined at 72% silver, 28 % copper the eutectic composition, where the alloys completely melts and flows at a single temperature , 1431 F . This is useful when a very narrow joint gap exists or also when a vacuum brazing operation is used.

What is wave soldering?

Wave soldering brings a preheated assembly into contact with a flowing fountain or wave of molten solder. This is used largely for single sided circuit boards with through hole components, but surface mounted components can be soldered this way if they are glued in place first.

Is tin solder a silver solder?

There are some tin based solders that have been developed to replace common tin -lead solders for plumbing and electronic soldering ( low temperature). These tin based alloys may contain up to 3.5% silver, also with copper. I would not classify these as silver solders

Is silver solder a brazing alloy?

There are dozens of grades of silver solders. Silver solders are technically better described as brazing alloys, although the basic principles of soldering and brazing are similar, except for the temperature. When the liquidus temperature of the solder or braze alloys exceeds 840 F. , it is a braze; below 840, it is a solder joint.

Why does solder not flow?

1. Because once water leaks through a joint, the surfaces are "contaminated" so the solder will not flow or adhere to them. 2. The leak washed any remaining flux out of the leaking area. 3. Applying flux to the surface of the leaking area does NOT get it inside the joint.

Is sweating a joint strong?

A sweated joint is NOT as strong as the pipe itself. It is plenty strong, but should not be subject to a lot of mechanical stress or movement.;

How strong is silver solder?

Silver solders’ tensile strength typically ranges from 40,000-70,000 pounds per square inch (psi).

What is silver soldering?

Soldering. Soldering, or soft soldering, is any joining of metals using a filler metal that melts below 840°F. Note that the melting points for silver soldering are considerably higher. “Silver solder” is a misnomer and is a form of brazing. It is sometimes referred to as “silver braze.”.

How does brazing and soldering work?

Brazing and Soldering. Brazing and soldering join two or more metals by using a melted metal filler as an adhesive. The filler has a lower melting point and will be liquid while the base metals remain solid. Capillary action causes the liquid metal to be pulled into the microscopic pores of the solid metal.

Why add silver to copper?

Adding silver to a copper brazing alloy will result in a lower melting point and higher fluidity. The fluidity helps the molten metal to penetrate the gap better, creating a smooth, sealed joint. There is more to silver solder than the strength it can provide.

What is the difference between brazing and silver soldering?

Wait, silver soldering is brazing, right? Yes. Well, a square may be a rectangle, but that doesn’t mean a rectangle is a square. Two key differences between brazing and silver soldering are: 1 Silver soldering is more fluid than other brazing fillers. 2 Silver soldered joints require an overlap of material to create a strong bond while brazed joints do not.

What is silver braze?

The American Welding Society discourages the term “silver solder.”. Soft soldering alloys are commonly made from a combination of tin and either lead, antimony, silver, zinc, or bismuth. The amount of silver in these alloys is small (4 or 5%).

How is a filler metal accomplished?

How It Is Accomplished. Two or more metals are connected with a filler metal with a melting point lower than the materials being joined. The melted material is drawn into the joint by capillary action. (See Soldering) (See Soldering) The base metals are fused while melted. Melting Point of Filler Metal.

What is the melting point of silver solder?

The most widely used silver solder melting points are 1328° Fahrenheit at 33 percent silver volume, 1247° Fahrenheit at 40 percent silver content, and 1202° Fahrenheit at 55 percent silver proportion. Due to the different melting points of various silver solders, it allows you to strengthen the already present joint by putting in another layer of silver solder without demolishing the previous work.

What is soldering alloy?

Soldering is a technique of joining two unlike metals using filler metal. Keep in mind that the melting point of these filler metals is typically less than 840° Fahrenheit. Soft soldering alloy has 42% bismuth, 37% lead, 11% tin, 10% cadmium, and merely 4-5% silver. A lower volume of Silver shows its incapacity to form powerful joints.

How to join two metals together?

Soldering and brazing are two almost identical methods of joining two or more metals by applying melted metal filler as glue. The filler has a lower melting point than the base metal, and heat is given to melt the filler, and then liquid alloy gets pulled by microscopic holes in the base metal. After cooling down, the filler metal acts as a joint between the base metals. Note that these joints are not permanent as they can be melted again.

What is the difference between brazing and soldering?

From the above table, you can see that soldering, silver soldering, and brazing are identical procedures, but the only difference you found is the melting temperature of filler metal. The filler metal used in soldering is usually weaker than the metals it combines, which causes the joint to collapse. But in brazing and silver soldering, the filler metal is equal to or more potent than base metals.

What metal reduces the melting point of an alloy?

Phosphorus is another metal used for decreasing the melting point of alloys but more sharply than Silver does. Only 1 percent of phosphorus content in any alloy can reduce its melting point up to 120° Fahrenheit. On the other hand, we can reduce just 15° Fahrenheit by adding 1 percent silver. It indicates that using Silver in contrast to phosphorus allows more control over lowering the melting point.

Why do people mix brazing and silver soldering?

People usually mix brazing and silver soldering because of the great extent of similarity in both techniques. If you also have the same kind of misconception, then we have identified two key dissimilarities between brazing and silver soldering, which are:

Does phosphorus reduce melting point?

But the dilemma with phosphorus is it bestows ductility to an alloy, but also shapely reduces its melting point, which is not favorable at any cost. That’s the reason we utilize Silver in creating ductile alloys without scarifying the melting point.

How much weight can you put on a 1 inch x 1 inch solder joint?

Technically speaking, it has a tensile strength ranging from 40,000 to 70,000 psi (pounds per square inch). It means you can put on average 50,000 pound weight on a 1 inch x 1 inch silver solder joint and it won’t break.

What is silver soldering?

Silver solder joins pieces of metal semi-permanently. The process uses heat like welding and brazing. The ideal joinery involves offering the joints tensile strength, which welding does best. However, if you want to solder and get the same results, use silver soldering. Silver solder offers strong tensile strengths similar to welds.

What is the best solder for ductility?

I recommend SSF-6 silver solder as it gives you stronger bonds with stronger tensile strength and better ductility. This silver solder high-strength gives you reliable and better soldering.

What is the purpose of understanding soldering?

Understanding the soldering process allows you to form strong silver solder joints. Plus, you can use other tools to accomplish the same task and handle complex tasks. The key to successful soldering has a well-equipped workshop that can handle any project. This requires knowing the essential soldering tools and techniques that will be invaluable to your projects.

Why is nickel solder used?

Countries like the USA offer tax benefits for those who use lead-free solders. The reason is to curb lead poisoning , which is an environmental hazard and harmful to human health. Also, there are incentives to solder manufacturers of this type of solder. Nowadays, most manufacturers use nickel as an additive. Also, they use confirming coatings to eliminate whiskers.

What grades of solder are used for silver?

When buying silver solders, you will have to pick from four grades that are hard, medium, extra-easy, and easy. all of which are in strip form with different melting points.

Is silver solder a brazing filler?

Yes. Silver solders are brazing fillers. However, silver solders are more fluid, and the joints should overlap if you want a strong joint. Silver solder is simply silver brazing.

Overview

Filler Metal Solders

Filler Metals: Brazing Alloys

• Brazed joints are generally used to achieve higher joint strength or fatigue resistance. To accomplish this, filler metals stronger than those composed primarily of tin must be used. However, this increased strength generally comes from filler metals made of materials that melt at higher temperatures. The brazing temperatures for most of the brazin...

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Joint Requirements and Strengths

Additional References