Price of lead free solder increased? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Buriedcode
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 05:08:49 am
content: Ok, I normally refrain from posting small inquiries like this because I usually realise I was just being dumb, but I just wondered if anyone has noticed this.My leadfree solder reel ran out, I got it 2 years ago from Rapidelectornics. Nothing overly special, its their "premium" with silver (95.5/3.9/0.6 Sn/Ag/Cu) with 3% RMA flux. 0.7mm. 500g was about £50. Same reel, now is £130. I realise the 99% Sn stuff is cheaper, but I much prefer SAC305 or similar, so I'm always going to pay over the odds, but even going on RS I've noticed that their standard SAC305 0.7mm 100g is a good £35.As I said, I haven't bought solder in a couple of years, so prices are going to change (and usually on the up) but it's pretty much doubled here, at least going by the usualy sources.On a more specific note, anyone have experience with this solder:https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/solder/0555276It's the cheapest for SAC305, but as I've never used this brand, I dont' know much about the flux used - A11, as it's significantly cheaper than their "RT15" that apparently is recommended for rework. 2.2% would be a minimum for me (prototyping SMD, TH and some smallish connectors). I have no doubt the brand is reputable, RS are pretty reliable, but I have imited experience in the different fluxs used in solder - always just gone for rosin/RMA and it's worked.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 08:17:41 am
content: Look up SN100C

author: Miyuki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 02:23:39 pm
content: Quote from: 2N3055 on November 17, 2021, 08:17:41 amWhat brand and model do you have a good experience with?

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 02:38:12 pm
content: Quote from: Miyuki on November 17, 2021, 02:23:39 pmI use:https://www.tme.eu/hr/en/details/sn100k400_0.5_0.5/solder-wires-lead-free/stannol/810912/works well, flux splatters a bit, but solders fine, and produces nice shiny joints.If it doesn't look shiny, then you have lead contamination.SN100C was specifically formulated for wave soldering and manual soldering. It oxidizes slowly and is less aggressive to tips.

author: Miyuki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 03:00:24 pm
content: I'm a little worried to buy Stannol one as other members raise some concernshttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/sn100c-handsoldering/

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2021, 04:24:06 pm
content: Quote from: Miyuki on November 17, 2021, 03:00:24 pmSo one single person says they don't like it and they are bad.To me it works just fine, and solder joints looks much better than SAC305.I certainly have no problems mentioned there. Only flux splatters a bit, but that is only when soldering wire in the air. On a PCB flux stays on the spot.It is not optimum for solder pastes. Even manufacturer recommends combination for SAC305 as paste and SN100C for solder wire for hand soldering and for wave soldering.