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[ Electric Soft Metal Melters ) (Gas Soft Metal Melters)As growth of lead-free production continues, manufacturers find they can upgrade their existing soldering equipment for use with lead-free solder.
Introducing lead-free soldering generally involves process changes as well as equipment modifications, because lead-free alloys have a significantly higher tin content than tin-lead solder, and require higher processing temperatures. Many products will be converted to lead-free over a gradual phase-in. However, a growing number of users are currently updating their soldering equipment to lead-free, because a lead-free pot will also accommodate common tin-lead alloys.
Lead-free soldering since 2002
Wenesco has provided lead-free solder pots, wave solder pots and other melters since 2002. We also convert existing equipment made by others to lead-free operation. Our users include electronics manufacturers, solder producers, and many other industries that utilize lead-free alloys.
Most lead-free alloys cause corrosion to the base metals used for solder pots, impellers and other wetted parts because of the aggressive nature of tin at high temperatures. The surface of many base metals such as stainless steel or cast iron generally exhibit evidence of corrosion and start to dissolve after prolonged contact with lead-free alloys. This leaching process releases iron (Fe) particles resulting in increased iron content and contamination of the solder alloy. Even titanium will be affected when temperatures approach 420C.
The operating temperature of the solder pot will generally increase depending on the lead-free solder alloy. For tin-silver-copper alloys (SnAgCu) with a melting point of 217°C, the solder pot temperature should be 260-270°C. For high melting point alloys such as tin-copper (SnCu), the solder temperature may be as high as 270-280°C.
Lead-free solder pot,18 x 20 x 3 in deep, shown with remote digital thermostat
To view lead-free general purpose melters, click HERE For lead-free flat solder pots, click HERE
A discussion of Wenesco CERALAC SM
A protective coating that prevents corrosion of metal in contact
with lead--free alloys.Ceralac is a proprietary ceramic compound that will protect melting pot interiors, pumps, and other metal parts from the corrosive action of high-tin alloys used in lead-free soldering. Ceralac, unlike other compounds, is very tough and resists abrasion, remaining stable at temperatures up to 1800F. It is virtually inert and will not add unwanted deposits to the tin bath.
Coated with Wenesco Ceralac
This little solder pot has a liner made from 18 gauge steel. The liner was coated with Ceralac on February 16, 2006, and loaded with lead-free alloy. The pot has been operating at 400C, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.As of August 16, 2007, it has logged 13,140 hours and is still running.
For more information about Ceralac and lead-free soldering, call customer service at (800 ) 233-4430
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