reflow

Reflow is a term used in several disciplines to describe a process in which material, content, or surface properties become rearranged or flow in response to changing constraints such as size, temperature, or surface forces. The common thread is a movement toward a more uniform or stable state under the new conditions.

In digital publishing and web design, reflow describes the automatic rearrangement of text and other page elements to fit the available width. Reflowable content, driven by HTML and styled with CSS, can adapt to different screen sizes and user settings, enabling comfortable reading and interaction across devices. In contrast, fixed-layout formats preserve element positions regardless of display area.

Reflow soldering is a widely used manufacturing process for assembling surface-mount electronic components. Solder paste is applied to pads, components are placed, and the assembly passes through a controlled heated profile in a reflow oven. The solder alloys melt and then solidify to form electrical joints. Proper temperature control is essential to ensure reliable joints and to minimize defects such as voids or bridging.

In materials processing, reflow refers to the flow of a softened material under heat to reduce surface roughness or to merge features. For example, glass and certain polymers can be heated until their surfaces flow and level, creating smoother finishes or filling micro-gaps before cooling.