Alan,

I am no expert in chemistry of bar solder, but from user point
of view, mfg's of bar solder use these jargons to make their
products more salable.  Aren't they all use same tin and lead
element alloy? However chemical additives used to improve
bar solder performance are different.  This one you need to
contact bar solder mfg to get more info's.

There is not much advantage/disadvantage using either 60/40
or 63/37 alloy.  If you have cold solderjoint (brittle) problem,
you may stick with 63/37 alloy.  60/40 alloy melts at few
degrees lower temperature than 63/37 and remains in plastic
state (semi-liquid) for few degrees before it becomes liquid.

The only performance criteria (my opinion) that I use are
"How much dross does it produce? and how often depending
solderpot usage? and how frequently does a solderpot to be
cleaned?  I had one experience of using two different bar
solder and noticed one bar solder produces unacceptable
level of dross.  I never use that mfg's bar solder again.  Don't
dump out solderpot and refill it with new solder unless there
is a very serious and obvious problem using solder in the pot.
This usually goes against many bar solder mfg's
recommendation.  Good solderjoint quality is mainly
byproduct of flux peforamnce, preheat temperature and
solderability of boards and components.  There are few
process parameters to change in solderpot except cleaning
solderpot regularly.

Regards
Matthew Park


>>> Alan Kreplick
<[log in to unmask]> December 3,
1997  7:34 am >>>
A few questions on bar solder used in the wave solder
process . . .


Are all bar solders alike?  All claim to exceed the
requirements of
J-Std-006.

Are there any substantial differences between ultra-pure,
virgin, etc.?

Any advantage/disadvantage between 60/40 & 63/37?

Is there in easy method to evaluate the solder performance
other than
dumping 1000+ pounds of solder and re-filling with the new
solder?

Or does it just come down to cost (per pound)?

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