Altronics solder - any good?

**It might be very good solder, BUT, why wouldn't you just buy Multicore solder from RS Components? It'll cost you a couple of Bucks more, but I've never had a problem with the stuff. For a few cents more than that, you can buy the 'Savbit' stuff. It's all I use. I've tried some of the cheap stuff and experienced good and bad results. For my money, I'd rather pay a few Dollars more for guaranteed decent solder.

--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au

** The RS code is: 554 939

Multicore "Savbit" resin cored solder, 500gms in 1.2 mm diameter.

Pb = 48.5% Sn = 50% Cu = 1.5%

$24.00 + gst and free delivery for on-line orders.

Been using it for decades.

.... Phil

cant see there being a problem with it. 60% tin , 40 % lead and resin cored , EXACTLY like the jaycar duratech solder which i was JUST using . works as it should, !!

no need to buy savbit if you have a quality soldering iron like " goot :" with a long life tip

"Phil Allison"

** The addition of 1.5% copper to the alloy reduces the melting point and increases both mechanical strength and resistance to thermal cycling cracks.

It also DRAMATICALLY reduces the tendency for the solder to dissolve fine copper tracks and wires.

See the table on Solder Alloys under Savbit (right hand column).

The Ersin flux used is one of the best too, solders tarnished leads better than any other.

.... Phil

Cheers Trevour & Phil. The RS price is much better than Farnell too. I remember when buying from RS was a last resort, nowadays they are often cheaper than other suppliers I use. Thanks

"Dennis"

** Element 14 ( aka Farnell) want $39.17 + for the same thing.

But it hardly matters as a 500gm reel lasts me for such a long time.

... Phil

True

**Now that is interesting. **Indeed. I see no reason why anyone would use anything else.

--
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au

"Trevor Wilson"

** Well, Multicore's Savbit has been on continuous sale for over 50 years - so it DESERVED a mention on Wiki.

I have a 500gm reel of 60/40 with " no clean " flux and a 250gm reel of " lead free " that are only suitable for paper weights IMO.

.... Phil

I like using 511 crystal flux for hand smd stuff, wets very nicely and you can get away without cleaning sometimes. Oh, it smells good too, I can't describe it but its a pleasant smell.

:no need to buy savbit if you have a quality soldering iron like " goot :" :with a long life tip

Even good quality iron-clad tips will benefit from using Savbit.

Back in the 60's before Savbit hit the shores of Oz our soldering irons were on

8 hours a day every day and standard copper tips would have to be constantly refurbished and replaced every few weeks. After Savbit arrived the same tips would last around 6 months or more. When iron-clad tips became the norm you only had to replace the tips once every couple of years depending on use.

:> "Trevor Wilson" :>> Dennis wrote: :>>> Has any one experience with the Altronics noname Pb/Sn solder, does :>>> it work ok? Flux ok? :>>>

:>>> Just wanted to check before I put down my $50....... :>>>

:>>>

:>>

:>> **It might be very good solder, BUT, why wouldn't you just buy Multicore :>> solder from RS Components? It'll cost you a couple of Bucks more, but :>> I've never had a problem with the stuff. For a few cents more than that, :>> you can buy the 'Savbit' stuff. It's all I use. I've tried some of the :>> cheap stuff and experienced good and bad results. For my money, I'd :>> rather pay a few Dollars more for guaranteed decent solder. :>

:>

:> ** The RS code is: 554 939 :>

:> Multicore "Savbit" resin cored solder, 500gms in 1.2 mm diameter. :>

:> Pb = 48.5% Sn = 50% Cu = 1.5% :>

:> $24.00 + gst and free delivery for on-line orders. :>

:> Been using it for decades. :>

:>

:> .... Phil :>

:>

:>

:> :

"Ross Herbert"

**See link:

The graph for "breakage time" of 0.067mm copper wire is interesting.

I sometimes need to resolder the hair fine wires as used in microphone diaphragms and reverb tank drive coils - the wire is enamelled copper of about 0.03mm dia and resistance of about 50 ohms per metre.

A hot, well whetted iron tip must be applied long enough to burn off the enamel coating, but not too long or there is soon no wire left !!!

There is a table showing Savbit as having a tensile strength of 3.5 tons per sq inch.

.... Phil

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Ironically, the 1.2mm Savbit from RS is actually a couple of $ cheaper than the Altronics solder.

When you take into account the free freight for online orders via RS, it is a LOT cheaper.

Ironically, the 1.2mm Savbit from RS is actually a couple of $ cheaper than the Altronics solder.

When you take into account the free freight for online orders via RS, it is a LOT cheaper.

==================

I think the Altronics one is 1Kg & the RS one is 500g. The RS free freight is a good incentive.

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I based it on the price of 2x 500g rolls (RS). VS a 1kg roll from Altronics.

I would rather have the 2 x 500g, than 1kg as if you do field work, smaller rolls are less weight to lug around in a tool box, and less risk of harm if they fall from a height - like if you are up a ladder.

hi, but what situation would require :" There is a table showing Savbit as having a tensile strength of 3.5 tons per sq inch.

:"

"no one"

** Relative to the other solders - it is close to the best.

Tensile strength affects the chance of cracks developing in joints under mechanical stress.

I see solder joints under mechanical stress every day - and I see the results of it too.

Happens whenever anything heavy is held onto a PCB by solder pads alone - ie large electros, small transformers, WW resistors and TO220 transistors mounted proud of the board etc.

.... Phil

I based it on the price of 2x 500g rolls (RS). VS a 1kg roll from Altronics.

I would rather have the 2 x 500g, than 1kg as if you do field work, smaller rolls are less weight to lug around in a tool box, and less risk of harm if they fall from a height - like if you are up a ladder.

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Soldering up a ladder - sounds like fun....