2006-06-30 06:54:48 · 7 answers · asked by yavan 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
It essentially "cleans" the surfaces (removes any oxidation) to make sure the solder adheres to the both metals. Additionally, as the flux boils and evaporates from the heating process, it draws the solder in to the joint.
2006-06-30 06:58:58 · answer #1 · answered by Jeff Y 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When copper pipe fittings are to be soldered, their surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and burnished (with wire brushes) to eliminate oxides. The surfaces are lightly brushed with flux and assembled. The soldering iron (or propane flame) is used to heat the fittings until hot enough to melt the solder when touched to the joint. The flux helps the solder "wet" the joint drawing solder into the joint by capillary action. Without the flux, the solder often beads up and rolls off rather than entering the joint. With the right size solder, you can often bend it 90 degrees for a length of about one pipe diameter and use only that amount of solder to get a good joint without excess solder that may puddle or block inside the pipe.
2006-06-30 22:19:16 · answer #2 · answered by Kes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cleanest soldering is in a vacuum after heating with hydrogen. The hydrogen reduces the oxygen to water leaving clean metal. Then the solder metal can bond with the metal. Without the oxygen it will wick across the metal.
The acid, rosin in the flux also reduces the metal so the bonding can be between the clean metals.
2006-06-30 17:43:59 · answer #3 · answered by metaraison 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rosin, or resin, flux forms a barrier to air and therefore reduces the possibility of oxidation.
It is oxidisation which causes "dry" joints.
But it must be noted that the use of flux is totally useless unless the work-pieces are scrupulously clean beforehand.
Acid flux is an attempt to clean the work-pieces and should be avoided at all costs in electrical and electronic work.
2006-06-30 20:01:48 · answer #4 · answered by dmb06851 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
flux helps in two ways:
- In forming a bond by capilary action, between surfaces
- In melting the pure filler metal by keeping away impurities on surface by slag formation. The slag floats on top of the molten metal and comes out of bonding space between metals.
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2006-06-30 14:53:33 · answer #5 · answered by goanhindu 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
draws the solder to it put it where you want the solder to go otherwise it beads up and drips
2006-06-30 13:58:13 · answer #6 · answered by Rufus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it helps the solder "stick" to what your welding
2006-06-30 13:57:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋