pehmeäjuotto

Pehmeäjuotto, commonly known as soft soldering, is a joining process used to bond metal pieces together by melting a filler metal (solder) with a lower melting point than the base metals. The solder, typically an alloy of tin and lead or other metals like silver or copper, wets the surfaces of the base metals and forms a metallurgical bond upon cooling. This process is distinct from brazing and welding, which involve higher temperatures and melting of the base metals themselves.

The application of heat is crucial in pehmeäjuotto. This is usually achieved using a soldering iron, a torch, or induction heating. The heat source melts the solder, which is then applied to the joint. Flux is also a critical component, used to clean the surfaces of the base metals by removing oxides and preventing further oxidation during the heating process. This ensures proper wetting and a strong, reliable joint.

Pehmeäjuotto is widely used in various industries due to its low processing temperature, which minimizes the risk of damaging heat-sensitive components. Common applications include electronics manufacturing for connecting circuit boards and components, plumbing for joining copper pipes, and automotive repair. The resulting joints are electrically conductive and relatively strong, though not as strong as those produced by brazing or welding. The choice of solder alloy depends on the specific metals being joined and the required properties of the finished joint, such as strength and corrosion resistance.