Multicore solder

[cs.dk]

Hi, think this should be in the beginner section.
I'm about to order some new solder, and other parts.
I've decided Multicore 0,5mm 60/40 - But RS have three different versions. I did notice there is some price difference. Anyway, I just want something that works, so no votes the cheap one, if the other one is better.

Can someone tell me, what the difference is? In the datasheet there is a difference in the flux-material. But what does the best job for general repair use? Any experiences with the different products? As far as I can see, they vote on the Crystal 511 for best results on oxidized thing. Which I think most repairs are.

Which RS-parnumber will you order, don't mind the price.
Hope the link works:
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/tools/soldering-desoldering-tools/solders/?applied-dimensions=4294965529,4294814155,4294847203&esid=cl_4294967294,cl_4294956888,cl_4294955739,cl_4294957059&m=1&aaaExp=Y

What about the copper/tin/silver solder - Is it worth anything?

Thanks.

[GreyWoolfe]

FWIW, I would buy 63/37 because it's eutectic.  The melting and freezing temperatures, which I believe is 364 degrees F, are equal.  As soon as you remove heat, it freezes.  I have used 60/40 in the past and much prefer 63/37.  I have Kester 44 in .78 mm and I use it for everything.

[cs.dk]

Thank you for the reply.

Well, I can only find some Stannol 36/62/2, the 2% is silver. Would that be better than regular solder?

[nanofrog]

FWIW, I would buy 63/37 because it's eutectic.  The melting and freezing temperatures, which I believe is 364 degrees F, are equal.  As soon as you remove heat, it freezes.  I have used 60/40 in the past and much prefer 63/37.  I have Kester 44 in .78 mm and I use it for everything.

Unfortunately, 63/37 seems a lot harder to find in Europe. Multicore used to carry a lot more than anyone else in the EU market AFAIK, but they severely cut back on their lead based alloy offerings a few years ago. Fortunately, there's still Kester, AIM, Alpha, and Indium at reasonable prices here in the US. Unfortunately it's not so common in the EU, so they pay dearly for it (i.e. imported from US warehouses).

Well, I can only find some Stannol 36/62/2, the 2% is silver. Would that be better than regular solder?

Like 63/37, it's eutectic.  And it can be used as a general purpose solder if you wish as well (more expensive due to silver content, which is the primary, if not sole reason it's not used as everyone's general purpose alloy). Also, if you're soldering anything with silver (in it or on it), you'll want to solder it with 62/36/2 (stops silver leaching from the component over time).

You might be able to find 63/37 in .5mm, RA flux @ ~3% content from other vendors. For brands, Stannol HS10, Felder RA, and Multicore 370 are all top quality, so you won't be disappointed.

[Paul Price]

There is no problem finding 60/40 or other solders as well in Europe. Farnell.dk shows 107 items for solder wire.

[RobertHolcombe]

The only difference between C400 and C511 is that C400 is halide free and has slightly lower flux content - you probably wont notice a difference in practice.

362/366 has Multicore Ersin flux containing activators which more aggressively removes oxidation for enhanced wetting compared to regular rosin flux

So the C400/C511 will be fine for general purpose soldering, if you are working on old crusty equipment then the Ersin range may make the soldering process easier.

[David_AVD]

The 63/37 Crystal 511 is very nice to use.

[cs.dk]

Thanks, i have just orderet the Multicore Crystal 511 60/40, and the Stannol 62/36/2. I'll see what i like the best.

[David_AVD]

I found that the 63/37 is significantly easier to use than 60/40.

[cs.dk]

Could not get Multicore 63/37 here in Denmark, where i use to shop. :/

I'll give it a go with the 62/36/2. If it does not work, i may order some 63/27.

[Augustus]

I really don't know if they're all like this but my limited experience with the "Crystal" or "Kristall" type of solder fluxes are less than stellar. In fact, the worst solder wire i've ever used was "Multicore 5C Crystal 400". The flux in that solderwire smells terrible, it has a nasty poisonous chemical odour, you wouldn't want to use that stuff without fume extraction, that's for sure... But the really bad thing is its obnoxious habit to splatter flux all over the place while soldering, it gets messy really quick. I don't like that at all so i stopped using it and my only use for that roll of solderwire now is as a paper weight. Got that pos a few years ago while attending the ham fest at Lake Constance, bought at the flea market, maybe its a fake, i don't know:



This roll of "Stannol Kristall 505" was delivered from Distrelec Germany, so it should be genuine. Just like the Multicore solder from obove it features 5 flux cores but doesn't splatter nearly as much. Crystal 505 has some halogen content, increasing flux activity, so it spreads really well, even on slightly oxidised surfaces. My main use for this solder is to tin wires, solder them to battery packs and such things. I wouldn't want to use it on delicate circuit boards, at least not without proper cleaning of the residues afterwards. But the smell, the smell... It's even worse than my dreaded "Multicore" branded solder, equally strong poisonous chemical odour, topped with the disgusting note of burned hair. Don't use it if your girlfriend is around or she will give you "the look"...




After that, I stopped buying the "Crystal" type solder wires and switched to the Felder brand with ( I think) rosin flux cores. These are a real joy to work with, no splattering at all, flows well, produces nice and shiny joints, very little smoke and has a relatively pleasant smell. A friend of mine uses Stannol HS10 solder wire, that's equally good stuff.



60/40 is the usual and widely used alloy in Europe (for leaded hand soldering), you can order some 63/37, of course, but be prepared to pay a huge premium for that. Not because it is so much better (or better at all), just because no one really uses it here in quantity. In my opinion the whole 63/37 vs. 60/40 usage is more a thing of different habits on different sides of the Pond 

Bye, Kai.

[GreyWoolfe]

The biggest difference between the 60/40 and 63/37 is the euctecticity.  The 63/37 freezes at the melting temp of about 361 degrees F.  640/40 melts at about 374 F.  It takes a couple of seconds to reach the freezing temp which means if you are trying to hold a wire or a small smd component to a pad, there can be slippage before freezing, causing a reheat,  We all know you don't want to keep reheating a joint or pad if necessary so the pad doesn't lift.  After using 63/37, I will gladly pay the extra for it, I won't go back to 60/40.