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Electronics => Repair => Topic started by: jeffjmr on January 28, 2022, 05:07:59 pm

Title: Chip removal alloy
Post by: jeffjmr on January 28, 2022, 05:07:59 pm

I am a big fan of the chip removal alloy marketed by at least two different vendors. It definitely makes SMD and even through hole component removal a breeze with minimum temperature.

But unless there is some rare earth metal involved, I wince with sticker shock every time I have to replenish my stock.

Does anyone know the secret formula of this solder and if a more conventional and affordable alternative exists?

Thanks,
Jeff

Title: Re: Chip removal alloy
Post by: ESTechnical on January 28, 2022, 05:23:24 pm

We've been buying it in bar form from here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/193702641106 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/193702641106)

It sometimes isn't available but I grab some when it is, because the price is so much better. The composition is usually tin, lead, bismuth and indium.

Title: Re: Chip removal alloy
Post by: mazurov on January 28, 2022, 05:25:15 pm

It's an alloy consisting primarily of bismuth, lead, and tin. If you want to make your own, start with Rose's metal article in Wikipedia. Buying pure bismuth could be costly but you can use SnBi solder and add lead to it.

Don't try to make Wood's metal.