Juotosvedenä

Juotosvedenä, often translated as soldering water, is a term used in Finland to describe a liquid mixture that facilitates the soldering process. While not actual water, it typically contains water along with fluxing agents. These agents are crucial for cleaning the metal surfaces to be joined, removing oxides and other contaminants that would prevent a strong solder connection. The water component acts as a carrier for these agents and helps to cool the joint slightly, preventing excessive oxidation during heating.

The composition of juotosvedenä can vary depending on the application and the metals being soldered. Common fluxing agents include zinc chloride, ammonium chloride, and various organic acids. These chemicals are dissolved in water, and sometimes other solvents are added to improve wetting or evaporation properties. The primary function is to lower the surface tension of the molten solder, allowing it to flow more easily into the joint. It also prevents the formation of new oxides on the hot metal surfaces while the solder solidifies.

Juotosvedenä is used in various soldering applications, particularly with non-ferrous metals like copper, brass, and tin. It is commonly found in plumbing, electronics repair, and metalworking. After soldering, any residue from the juotosvedenä should be cleaned from the joint, as some fluxes can be corrosive over time. The effectiveness of juotosvedenä lies in its ability to ensure a clean, well-wetted surface, leading to a durable and conductive solder joint.