Lötverfahren

Lötverfahren, also known as soldering, is a joining process used to bond two or more metal items together by melting and flowing a filler metal into the joint. The filler metal, called solder, has a lower melting point than the base metals being joined. This process is distinct from welding, which involves melting the base metals themselves, and brazing, which uses a filler metal with a higher melting point than solder but still below that of the base metals.

The basic principle of soldering involves heating the surfaces to be joined above the melting point of the solder. The molten solder then wets the surfaces, and upon cooling, solidifies to create a strong electrical and mechanical connection. Flux is a crucial component in most soldering processes. Flux is a chemical cleaning agent that removes oxides and other contaminants from the metal surfaces, allowing the molten solder to adhere properly. Without flux, the solder would not be able to form a good bond.

Soldering is widely used in various industries, including electronics, plumbing, automotive, and jewelry making. In electronics, it's essential for connecting components to printed circuit boards (PCBs) and for assembling electronic devices. In plumbing, it's used to join copper pipes and fittings. The specific type of solder and flux used depends on the application and the materials being joined. Common solders are alloys of tin and lead, though lead-free solders, often tin-based alloys with silver and copper, are increasingly used due to environmental and health concerns.