The soldering process requires the use of a high-quality solder to ensure that components can stick together and create an efficient bond that will enable electrical current to pass. However, it can involve the production of dross, which naturally develops due to exposure to oxygen. Dross is typically created when solder goes back from the nozzle to the solder pot when it mixes with the air around it to oxidize. The result is waste material that is typically a combination of used flux and oxidized solder alloy. Dross usually settles over the solder when lead-based alloys are involved, and this will not cause problems due to the material’s high density.
Another type of solder dross is generated by an impeller pump driveshaft as it spins in molten solder. This material occurs as the result of metal being in contact with another metal. This time, the residue is often a tin oxide or a tin/lead oxide, and it resembles fine black powdery material that is found around the drive shaft and the solder. Ideally, it must be removed to prevent surface contamination and to prevent clogging the nozzles.
Proper disposal is essential to solder dross removal. Keep in mind that it can still contain up to 90 percent metal, depending on the alloy type, agitation, and temperature. To avoid waste, you can consider having it recycled and transformed into a new solder bar. Solder dross recycling is offered by established and reputable companies that manufacture solder pastes, bars, and other essential materials for the soldering process. They follow responsible and safe ways to turn electronic scrap and waste into usable material once more.
Solder dross recycling is essential to electronics assemblers, as they need to meet legislative and environmental requirements, while maximizing their return on solder paste, scrap, and dross waste. When you choose the right recycling service, you can trust their capability to retrieve metal waste streams and recycle waste responsibly into high-purity raw materials to be reused. The process is safe for the environment and may help you save money down the line, especially if you have the recycled material returned to you to be used further in your projects.
About the Author:
Alpha Assembly Solutions, Inc. is the global leader in the development, manufacturing and sales of innovative specialty materials used in a wide range of industry segments, including electronics assembly, power electronics, die attach, LED lighting, photovoltaics, semiconductor packaging, automotive and others. Since its founding in 1872, Alpha has been committed to developing and manufacturing the highest quality specialty materials.
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