![]() ![]() Ī number of standards exist to define the various flux types. Several types of flux are used in electronics. Some fluxes are corrosive, so the parts have to be cleaned with a damp sponge or other absorbent material after soldering to prevent damage. ![]() In soldering metals, flux serves a threefold purpose: it removes any oxidized metal from the surfaces to be soldered, seals out air thus preventing further oxidation, and by facilitating amalgamation, improves wetting characteristics of the liquid solder. By preventing the formation of metal oxides, flux enables the solder to adhere to the clean metal surface, rather than forming beads, as it would on an oxidized surface. The role of flux is typically dual: dissolving the oxides already present on the metal surface, which facilitates wetting by molten metal, and acting as an oxygen barrier by coating the hot surface, preventing its oxidation.įor example, tin-lead solder attaches very well to copper, but poorly to the various oxides of copper, which form quickly at soldering temperatures. In high-temperature metal joining processes ( welding, brazing and soldering), flux is a substance that is nearly inert at room temperature, but which becomes strongly reducing at elevated temperatures, preventing oxidation of the base and filler materials. In some applications molten flux also serves as a heat-transfer medium, facilitating heating of the joint by the soldering tool or molten solder. įluxes are also used in foundries for removing impurities from molten nonferrous metals such as aluminium, or for adding desirable trace elements such as titanium.Īs cleaning agents, fluxes facilitate soldering, brazing, and welding by removing oxidation from the metals to be joined. These agents served various functions, the simplest being a reducing agent, which prevented oxides from forming on the surface of the molten metal, while others absorbed impurities into slag, which could be scraped off molten metal. Iron ore was also used as a flux in the smelting of copper. Some of the earliest known fluxes were sodium carbonate, potash, charcoal, coke, borax, lime, lead sulfide and certain minerals containing phosphorus. They are used in both extractive metallurgy and metal joining. Fluxes may have more than one function at a time. In metallurgy, a flux (from Latin fluxus 'flow') is a chemical cleaning agent, flowing agent, or purifying agent. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.Wire freshly coated with solder, held above molten rosin flux We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. ![]() Push-to-connect fittings (replaces soldering)ĭon’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-86) if you need help soldering your plumbing pipes.ġ-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. ![]() How to use compression fittings on copper pipes.Sweating pipes the right way: step by step.That article is below in our Related Resources. We have some great instructions on how to solder (or sweat) a copper pipe correctly. You’ve used the flux to clean and connect. This will remove any flux that came off while connecting the pipes. Make sure to wipe away excess plumbing flux with a paintbrush or a rag after you’ve joined the pipes. This should be sufficient to remove dirt and grime without causing damage to the pipes. Clean your pipe fittings with 120-grit sandpaper or grade-1 steel wool.If you’re using a larger pipe fitting, you may need to clean it more thoroughly to ensure that the point of overlap between the pipe and the fitting is ready to solder. You should only have to clean around 1 to 2 inches of piping to make soldering easier.This will allow your solder to adhere to the pipe more tightly, resulting in a more secure connection. Clean any grime or dirt from any sections of your pipes and fittings that need to be soldered with sandpaper, steel wool, or anything abrasive. Make sure the area where you’ll be soldering is clean.Larger areas of oxidation can be removed with acid flux, resulting in much stronger soldering work. How to Apply Plumbing Fluxįor plumbing purposes, you want to use an acid flux or lead-free tinning flux for soldering copper pipes as these are the two best options. It is critical to have a proper connection during soldering in order to avoid future leaks and water damage. This brings the melted alloy with it and forms a watertight seal. What is Flux Melting?įlux is acidic in nature, and it not only cleans the copper pipe, but it also draws the flame to it. For example, in extreme temperatures, professional plumbers might use Climate Smooth, a branded solution that works in freezing cold. ![]()
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