Soldering lead is a metal alloy usually made of tin and lead which is melted using a Soldering iron. The soldering iron is heated to temperatures above 600 degrees Fahrenheit which then cools to create a strong electrical bond.
Leaded solder is easier to use, has a lower melting point, is low cost, and causes fewer quality problems with the joints than lead-free solder, however; the continued efforts to take lead out of all electronic products in the United States means that leaded solder could be obsolete in the next 10 years in numerous
Strength Comparison of Various Types of Solder
| Type of Solder | Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa) | Shear Strength (MPa) |
|---|---|---|
| Lead-based | 40-50 | 20-30 |
| Lead-free | 30-40 | 15-25 |
| Flux-core | 35-45 | 20-30 |