what is the safest solder

[ct]

newbie question:

What is the safest (i.e., least toxic) solder available (for electronics)?

I know about the lead-free solders, but my search of the forums also uncovered a very brief mention of solders that use lemon extract as the flux in order to eliminate formaldehyde being released when rosin flux is heated.

Thanks.

 

[AudioFreak]

The safest solder that I know of is Multicore Ecosol ... it's lead free and uses a synthetic flux that doesnt release any nasties. Those lemon extract based fluxes generally dont do a very good job.

 

[ct]

Is Multicore Ecosol available in the US?

 

[AudioFreak]

I'm not sure. You can purchase it through Farnell but it will cost a fortune because they import it from the UK .... best to find a local supplier if one exists.

 

[fdegrove]

ECOSOL

Hi,

Digikey carries Multicore but I'm unsure about the Ecosol.

NORTH EAST SUPPLY

These people should have it though.
They are based in NY.

Cheers,

 

[jackinnj]

Ecosol is a low VOC flux

VOC's = volatile organic compounds.

If you are worried about the lead there are devices to remove fumes at your soldering stations.

If you are really worried about lead you can use silver solder.

 

[Circlotron]

63/37 solder melts at the lowest temperature so you can use a Weller #6 tip quite sucessfully. I know this wasn't the type of safety meant, but I'd rather burn myself with a cooler tip than a hotter one. Safer for the components too. <- Cool smilie

 

[mrfeedback]

Easy Soloution.....

In industry, I have seen fumehoods used to isolate the worker from any solder fumes.
This is the safest way possible.
For good joints you need good flux, and these are the most irritant, but not a problem if you avoid the fumes.

Eric.

Eric.

 

[Christer]

Re: Ecosol is a low VOC flux

If you are worried about the lead there are devices to remove fumes at your soldering stations.

I did some reading on the web a while ago when last discussing
solders and the lead is not a concern regarding the fumes, since
there will be no lead particles in the smoke until you reach
temperatures above 500 deg. C. The fluxes matters though.

Lead can be a problem still. One has to be even more careful
washing ones hands, be more careful if drilling tinned paths
on a veroboard etc. I finally decided to buy Ecosol myself to
get rid of the lead.

 

[fdegrove]

16 BIT POISON

Hi,

The fluxes matters though

Those contain the poisonous chemicals.

The lead was only removed to please our green fingered people.

Howdy Christer

Cheers,

 

[peranders]

Be careful with parts which are soldered inside with 60/40 tin. These joints can melt. Relays are often soldered inside.

 

[fdegrove]

SOLDERING.

Hi,

Per-Anders,

That is of course correct.

Let's just say that,like anything else for that matter,you need to pick the right tools for the job.
Isn't that what sets the pro apart from the amateur?

In general,I prefer low melting points over higher ones;it does make for faster work and less chance for damage.

However when I want to do a state of the art job I take the best I can get no matter how much time it takes.
If that includes leadfree,high melting soldering so be it.

Cheers,

 

[AudioFreak]

Ecosol is available in a few variants....

The particular variant I refer to is the 95.5% Sn / 3.8% Ag / 0.7% Cu Eutectic Solder with the VOC free flux. This melts at 221°C.

 

[roddyama]

The lead free 4% silver solder from Radio Slack is devoid of lead, but still contains toxic flux. The flux is also “known to the state of California to cause cancer”. The rest of the world is still in the dark about that threat.

Rodd Yamashita