Solder is a material that permanently bonds objects, such as pipes or wires. The primary application for soldering in the plumbing industry is leak-free connections. For soldering plumbing, heat is applied by a torch to the joint between the copper pipe and the fitting. Once heated, solder is placed at the joint and will melt and flow to seal it. This joining provides a bond between the pipe and the fitting. After the solder has filled the joint and created a secure connection, the joint is allowed to cool. As it cools, the solder solidifies and forms a strong bond between the pipe and fitting.
The process of joining pipes and fittings with solder is called soldering, and it is a common method for creating watertight and secure connections in plumbing systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, and other applications. Soldering is different from welding, which melts and fuses the metals together at a higher temperature. Soldering is usually faster, easier, and cheaper than welding, but it may not be as durable or stress-resistant.
Types of Solder
There are many types of solder, but they can be broadly classified into two categories: soft solder and hard solder. Soft solder has a low melting point, below 450°C, and is usually made of tin and other metals like copper, silver, or antimony. Hard solder has a high melting point above 450°C and is made of copper, zinc, silver, and other metals like cadmium, nickel, or phosphorus.
It is important to note that soldering is primarily used for copper piping, as it requires the use of a different technique and materials than joining other types of pipes, such as plastic or steel pipes, which may use methods like solvent welding or threading for connections.